Mental Health Commission Drops Legal Action Against Cork Hospital Over Alarming Non-Compliance
The Mental Health Commission (MHC) has withdrawn its legal proceedings against Cork University Hospital (CUH) following a series of critical non-compliance issues at an adult mental health unit. The watchdog initially planned to sue the hospital in March 2024, citing an 'unprecedented' level of non-compliance in eight key areas identified during an inspection in April 2024.
Despite the unit's 61% compliance rate, which was still above the 2023 rate of 58%, the MHC's inspection report expressed deep concerns. The report stated that the inspector was 'not assured' that the minimum standards of safe, effective, high-quality, person-centered care and treatment were being met. This was further compounded by the unit's breach of a registration condition, requiring a quality improvement plan submission to the commission.
The MHC's decision to withdraw the case came after the Health Service Executive (HSE) took 'significant action' over the past six months. The HSE agreed to implement measures such as increased oversight and governance to ensure adherence to mental health regulations. During the 2025 annual inspection, no critical findings were identified, indicating that the HSE had initiated extensive improvement plans and remedial actions to address areas of risk and non-compliance.
MHC Chief Executive John Farrelly acknowledged the HSE's commitments to address the serious concerns raised, stating that the commission will closely monitor their ongoing progress and the implementation of the remaining plans. The HSE's commitment to delivering the highest possible standards of care for patients was also emphasized, with the organization actively working with the MHC to progress corrective action plans.
