WITH just two residents remaining at the mental health care facility at Perrott House in Skibbereen, Independent Ireland leader Michael Collins claims there can be ‘no denying’ that the service is being closed by stealth.

Last June, when there were five residents at Perrott House, one relative raised their concerns, but the Health Service Executive (HSE) South West issued a statement saying: ‘There are no plans to close Perrott House.’

On that occasion, the spokesperson confirmed that a fire safety inspection highlighted several areas in need of attention. But she said these could be addressed through a programme of remedial works with the residents in situ.

To ensure the continued delivery of safe and appropriate care in Perrott House, the HSE South West spokesperson said a steering group was established in November 2024 and ‘this group is comprehensively reviewing of the care needs of residents, in the context of the level and type of care that can be provided in a mental health service community residence like Perrott House.’

Cork South West TD, Michael Collins told The Southern Star: ‘Some people might accuse me of scaremongering, but I am simply highlighting the concerns that are being expressed locally, and they are the people who know what’s happening.’

He pointed out that in 2020 Perrott House was a 15-bed facility with 13 patients in residence and it was fully compliant with all of the HSE’s rules and regulations.

Today, he said, there are approximately 13 staff, three of whom are out on sick leave or maternity leave, whose jobs will be saved but they will have to be redeployed within the health care system.

‘Everything possible should be done to keep this mental health facility open because we need more services, not less,’ said the TD.

‘On one hand, we are hearing that the HSE is telling the families that everything is okay, but the families are saying they have it on good authority that it is closing.’

Michael Collins alleged that one of the families has already been asked to consider alternative accommodation for their relative.

The TD said: ‘I am hearing that it’s game over for Perrott House,’ a facility that is operated by HSE South West Mental Health Services, is located in the grounds of Skibbereen Community Hospital, and is meant to serve all of West Cork.

The Southern Star contacted the HSE South West and asked for an update, but the health authority was unable to provide a statement before going to press.