A patient was topless while isolated in Roscommon’s psychiatric unit for nearly 24 hours.
The mental health watchdog has raised serious concern about this in a new report.
This morning, the Mental Health Commission published its annual inspection report into the Department of Psychiatry in Roscommon University Hospital.
There were 24 patients staying there during the inspection over four days last July.
Overall, the level of compliance dropped to 72 per cent – lower than either of the previous four years.
The centre was found to be non-compliant with minimum standards in nine areas.
They said a particular concern surrounded the use of seclusion, which was found to be critical.
Seclusion involves a patient being left in a room and prevented from leaving.
It normally ends when a doctor or nurse decides the patient is no longer a threat to themselves or others.
The watchdog said a patient was topless while secluded for 23.5 hours.
The commission says there was no proof they were offered a top.
This meant, it said, the resident wasn’t wearing clothes which respected their privacy and rights.
The HSE says it has since got extra clothing that than be used in these circumstances.
It said: “Further refractive clothing items were ordered 23/09/2025 and orders arrived 03/10/2025 – three of each sizes.
“Spare extra large male clothing pack used, with replacement resolved as of 06/10/2025.”
The premises itself was also deemed to be noncompliant – not kept in a good state of repair, inside or outside.
There are plans for a new psychiatric unit in Roscommon, with the design team expected to be in place month for the project.
Speaking following the release of this week’s report, Fianna Fáil’s spokesperson on health says he will seek a response from the HSE:
The Roscommon-Galway TD also raised concerns about the seclusion of one patient who was left topless for almost 24 hours: