2026 unannounced annual MHC inspection of NEDRC, results in highest marks of 100% compliance.
But what NEDRC is particularly gracious about is our client feedback and the dedication of NEDRC’s team. The unannounced inspection of NEDRC by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) highlighted the dedication of our specialist trained MDT in delivering multidisciplinary patient centered care, with an example of some of the comments reported to the MHC by residents “Cannot thank them enough for saving me” “Couldn’t speak higher about this place” “All the staff are amazing and helped me in a way I never thought possible”
The National Eating Disorder Recovery Centre is located on the Merrion Road, Ballsbridge, and is an independent therapeutic service specialising in the treatment of eating disorders. The service is based in a renovated Edwardian, two-storey semi-detached house that was refurbished for the purpose of providing both an inpatient and outpatient service. The inpatient treatment facility is registered with the Mental Health Commission for the care and treatment of adults with an eating disorder and provided accommodation for eight residents. At the time of the inspection, there were six residents receiving care and treatment. The service operated a continuum of care model, whereby individuals were initially assessed through the outpatient programme and admitted for inpatient treatment where clinically indicated. Engagement in the outpatient programme also formed an integral part of discharge planning and ongoing recovery.
The approved centre was well laid out, with distinct areas for therapeutic, clinical, and residential use. The entrance and foyer were bright, clean, and welcoming, leading to a designated waiting area and a centrally located nursing office, which facilitated oversight of both inpatient and outpatient services. The therapeutic area consisted of group rooms, consulting rooms, and facilities for inpatient and outpatient’s service. The kitchen and dining facilities for the residential service were also located in this area. The residential area was well proportioned, which encompassed both living and recreational space on the ground floor, with two large sitting rooms that were used for relaxation, group therapeutic and recreational activities. There was a comfortable relaxation room that also facilitated resident study or visitors if required. Lockers were available to residents to securely store personal belongings during the day.
Sleeping accommodation was located on the first and second floor, which was comprised of eight well-sized single bedrooms with adequate storage. Two separate shower and toilet facilities could be accessed on the first floor and there were an additional shower room and toilet facilities on the second floor. Additional therapeutic and communal space, including a large multi-purpose room and office, was provided in a separate building located to the rear of the property. The outdoor garden was designed as a tranquil space, with a water fountain and sheltered seating designed to support relaxation and wellbeing. Overall, the centre was clean, well-maintained, and thoughtfully designed to balance clinical requirements with a comfortable, recovery-oriented environment. The service operated on a 24/7 basis, ensuring continuous support for residents.
1.0 Inspector of Mental Health Services –Review of Findings
1.2 Inspector of Mental Health Services Summary
The 2026 annual inspection of the National Eating Disorder Recovery Centre (NEDRC) was unannounced and occurred over a four-day period from 24 to 27 March 2026. The inspection report reflects the findings over this period only. The inspection was very well co-ordinated by staff and management of the approved centre
who were very responsive to the inspection team.
Both in the 2025 annual inspection and this year’s inspection, the approved centre was found wholly compliant within all regulatory areas. The management team of the approved centre demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and treatment to the residents.Their dedication was reflected in person-centred care plans, a regular audit schedule, and ongoing staff training in non-mandatory training areas and implementing quality initiatives.With clearly defined admission criteria, the approved centre received referrals from medical professionals nationwide.
The approved centre was extensively well-resourced with Consultant Psychiatrists, Psychologists, a Social Worker, Occupational Therapists, Nursing, Peer Support, and Dietetics professionals specialising in eating disorders
The approved centre provided a vast range of therapeutic and recreational programmes to support residents’ recovery. Observations during the inspection indicated that staff engaged with residents in a professional, respectful, and caring manner. This was consistent with positive resident feedback received by the inspection
team, which included:
• “Cannot thank them enough for saving me”
• “Couldn’t speak higher about this place”
• “All the staff are amazing and helped me in a way I never thought possible”
2.1 Therapeutic Services and Programmes
A range of individual and group-based therapeutic interventions was available to residents, delivered by members of the multi-disciplinary team, including psychology, nursing, dietetics, occupational therapy, social work, and peer support. Structured group programmes included for example, body image, recovery-focused groups, CBT (adapted where required for neurodivergent people), yoga, art, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) & decider skills, MANTRA, walking groups and dietetics groups. These programmes were designed to support emotional regulation, skill development, and overall wellbeing. A weekly dietetics group incorporated both psychoeducation and practical components. This consisted of an educational session delivered by the dietitian, followed by a supported cooking or baking activity facilitated by the dietitian with input from occupational therapy. Food exposure interventions were implemented to support residents in addressing restrictive eating
behaviours. Initiatives such as a ‘breakfast club’, facilitated by the Clinical Nurse Manager and dietitian, provided opportunities for residents to engage with a variety of foods outside of their usual choices. Additional activities, including picnics in the park, were used to challenge rigid food-related rules and promote flexibility and enjoyment of eating. Seasonal interventions, such as a supported Christmas meal, were also facilitated to reduce anxiety and support residents in managing challenging occasions. Occupational therapy supports included the use of structured approaches, such as the ‘20 Steps to Mealtime’, for residents with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. Social work interventions included specialised training in Emotion-Focused Skills for parents and Parenting Plus, aimed at supporting families and enhancing parental capacity to support residents’ recovery.
A quality improvement initiative was implemented to support the safe reintroduction of exercise and healthy movement as part of recovery. A member of nursing staff completed additional training in exercise and personal training to enhance the delivery of this intervention. Individualised exercise plans were developed in collaboration with the dietitian, with a focus on restoring muscle mass and promoting safe, recovery-oriented physical activity tailored to each resident’s needs.
4.1 Service-user feedback
The Inspector gives emphasis to the importance of hearing the service users’ experience of the approved centre. To that end, the inspection team engage with residents in a number of different ways:
• The inspection team informally approached residents and sought their views on the approved centre.
• Posters were displayed inviting the residents to talk to the inspection team.
• Residents were invited to complete a service user experience questionnaire, in paper or by QR code, which were reviewed by the inspection team in confidence. This was anonymous and used to inform the inspection process.
• Set times and a private room were available to talk to residents.
• The Peer Advocacy in Mental Health representative was contacted to obtain residents’ feedback about the approved centre.
With the residents’ permission, their experience was fed back to the senior management team. The information was used to give a general picture of residents’ experience of the approved centre as outlined below. Four residents availed of the opportunity to speak with the inspection team, and overall verbal feedback was positive. Residents described staff as supportive, caring, approachable, intuitive, and knowledgeable, with one resident remarking, “Amazing staff, they know when I am upset sometimes before I do.” Residents reported feeling safe, respected, and listened to, and said that they their privacy was upheld. Residents said that they knew their multi-disciplinary team (MDT), were involved in their care, and had access to key working, psychology supports and were involved in their individual care plan meetings. Residents shared that their bedrooms were nice, and the overall environment was comfortable, homely, and conducive to recovery. Residents shared that they had access to their personal phones and that visiting arrangements were flexible. They said there was a wide range and availability of activities and day programmes throughout the week and weekends, contributing to a sense of routine and engagement. Residents said that the food was lovely, with a wide range of choices.
Residents were aware of the complaints process and expressed a high level of satisfaction with the service overall, with one resident indicating that they would return if needed. The inspection team received five completed residents’ questionnaires. The feedback included the following: all five residents indicated that when they arrived, staff explained what was happening in a way they understood. Four residents indicated they were familiar with their care plan, were involved in setting goals, knew members of their care team and their key worker, and were happy with the information they received regarding their diagnosis, care and treatment. One resident indicated that they had not yet been involved in their care, or become familiar with their team and key worker, as they were new to the service having been admitted the previous day.
Four residents indicated that their medication had been explained to them in a way they understood, while one resident did not complete this question. All residents indicated that they were able to talk and discuss worries and concerns with staff and were happy with how staff spoke to them. All residents indicated that there were enough talk therapies and group and leisure activities available. They also indicated that their privacy and dignity were respected and that they felt safe. All residents indicated that they were able to communicate freely with family and friends, and that they were able to give feedback or make complaints freely. The most positive aspects of residents’ experiences included that staff were very welcoming and supportive, made them feel safe, valued, respected and heard, with one resident stating they “cannot thank them enough for saving me” and another noting they “couldn’t speak higher about this place, all the staff are amazing and have helped me in a way I never thought possible”. Suggestions for areas of improvement made by the residents included having their own dietitian as part of the MDT and greater clarity regarding which staff members the resident was meant to be with at specific times throughout the day. However, it should be noted that the resident had only been admitted the previous day.
On a scale of one to ten, with one being poor and ten being excellent, two residents rated the service 8 out of 10 and three residents rated it 10 out of 10.
4.2 Advocacy
The approved centre had an advocacy service.
The inspectors did not receive a report from the Peer Advocacy in Mental Health representative.
3.1 Compliant areas on this inspection
Regulation/Rule/Act/Code 2026
Regulation 04: Identification of Residents: Compliant
Regulation 05: Food and Nutrition: Compliant
Regulation 06: Food Safety: Compliant
Regulation 07: Clothing: Compliant
Regulation 08: Residents’ Personal Property and Possessions: Compliant
Regulation 09: Recreational Activities: Compliant
Regulation 10: Religion: Compliant
Regulation 11: Visits: Compliant
Regulation 12: Communication: Compliant
Regulation 13: Searches: Compliant
Regulation 14: Care of the Dying: Compliant
Regulation 15: Individual Care Plan: Compliant
Regulation 16: Therapeutic Services and Programmes: Compliant
Regulation 18: Transfer of Residents: Compliant
Regulation 19: General Health: Compliant
Regulation 20: Provision of Information to Residents: Compliant
Regulation 21: Privacy: Compliant
Regulation 22: Premises: Compliant
Regulation 23: Ordering, Prescribing, Storing and Administration of Medicines: Compliant
Regulation 24: Health and Safety: Compliant
Regulation 26: Staffing: Compliant
Regulation 27: Maintenance of Records: Compliant
Regulation 28: Register of Residents: Compliant
Regulation 29: Operating Policies and Procedures: Compliant
Regulation 31: Complaints Procedures: Compliant
Regulation 32: Risk Management Procedures: Compliant
Regulation 33: Insurance: Compliant
Regulation 34: Certificate of Registration: Compliant
Code of Practice: Admission, Transfer and Discharge: Compliant
Appendix 1: REGULATIONS, RULES, Part 4, and CODES of PRACTICE
REGULATIONS UNDER MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2001 SECTION 52(d)
Regulation 4: Identification of Residents
The registered proprietor shall make arrangements to ensure that each resident is readily identifiable by staff when receiving medication, health care or other services.
Regulation 5: Food and Nutrition
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that residents have access to a safe supply of fresh drinking water.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that residents are provided with food and drink in quantities adequate for their needs, which is properly prepared, wholesome and nutritious, involves an element of choice and takes account of any special dietary requirements and is consistent with each resident’s individual care plan.
Regulation 6: Food Safety
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure:
(a) the provision of suitable and sufficient catering equipment, crockery and cutlery
(b) the provision of proper facilities for the refrigeration, storage, preparation, cooking and serving of food, and
(c) that a high standard of hygiene is maintained in relation to the storage, preparation and disposal of food and related refuse.
(2) This regulation is without prejudice to:
(a) the provisions of the Health Act 1947 and any regulations made thereunder in respect of food standards (including labelling) and safety;
(b) any regulations made pursuant to the European Communities Act 1972 in respect of food standards (including labelling) and safety; and
(c) the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act 1998.
Regulation 7: Clothing
The registered proprietor shall ensure that:
(1) when a resident does not have an adequate supply of their own clothing the resident is provided with an adequate supply of appropriate individualised clothing with due regard to his or her dignity and bodily integrity at all times;
(2) night clothes are not worn by residents during the day, unless specified in a resident’s individual care plan. Regulation 8: Residents’ Personal Property and Possessions
(1) For the purpose of this regulation “personal property and possessions” means the belongings and personal effects that a resident brings into an approved centre; items purchased by or on behalf of a resident during his or her stay in an approved centre; and items and monies received by the resident during his or her stay in an approved centre.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures relating to residents’ personal property and possessions.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that a record is maintained of each resident’s personal property and possessions and is available to the resident in accordance with the approved centre’s written policy.
(4) The registered proprietor shall ensure that records relating to a resident’s personal property and possessions are kept separately from the resident’s individual care plan.
(5) The registered proprietor shall ensure that each resident retains control of his or her personal property and possessions except under circumstances where this poses a danger to the resident or others as indicated by the resident’s individual care plan.
(6) The registered proprietor shall ensure that provision is made for the safe-keeping of all personal property and possessions.
Regulation 9: Recreational Activities
The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre, insofar as is practicable, provides access for residents to appropriate recreational activities.
Regulation 10: Religion
The registered proprietor shall ensure that residents are facilitated, insofar as is reasonably practicable, in the practice of their religion.
Regulation 11: Visits
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for residents to receive visitors having regard to the nature and purpose of the visit and the needs of the resident.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that reasonable times are identified during which a resident may receive visits.
(3) The registered proprietor shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors.
(4) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the freedom of a resident to receive visits and the privacy of a resident during visits are respected, in so far as is practicable, unless indicated otherwise in the resident’s individual care plan.
(5) The registered proprietor shall ensure that appropriate arrangements and facilities are in place for children visiting a resident.
(6) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has written operational policies and procedures for visits. Regulation 12: Communication
(1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), the registered proprietor and the clinical director shall ensure that the resident is free to communicate at all times, having due regard to his or her wellbeing, safety and health.
(2) The clinical director, or a senior member of staff designated by the clinical director, may only examine incoming and outgoing communication if there is reasonable cause to believe that the communication may result in harm to the resident or to others.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures on communication.
(4) For the purposes of this regulation “communication” means the use of mail, fax, email, internet, telephone or any device for the purposes of sending or receiving messages or goods.
Regulation 13: Searches
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures on the searching of a resident, his or her belongings and the environment in which he or she is accommodated.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that searches are only carried out for the purpose of creating and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment for the residents and staff of the approved centre.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures for carrying out searches with the consent of a resident and carrying out searches in the absence of consent.
(4) Without prejudice to subsection (3) the registered proprietor shall ensure that the consent of the resident is always sought.
(5) The registered proprietor shall ensure that residents and staff are aware of the policy and procedures on searching.
(6) The registered proprietor shall ensure that there is a minimum of two appropriately qualified staff in attendance at all times when searches are being conducted.
(7) The registered proprietor shall ensure that all searches are undertaken with due regard to the resident’s dignity, privacy and gender.
(8) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the resident being searched is informed of what is happening and why.
(9) The registered proprietor shall ensure that a written record of every search is made, which includes the reason for the search.
(10) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures in relation to the finding of illicit substances.
Regulation 14: Care of the Dying
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and protocols for care of residents who are dying.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that when a resident is dying:
(a) appropriate care and comfort are given to a resident to address his or her physical, emotional, psychological and spiritual needs;
(b) in so far as practicable, his or her religious and cultural practices are respected;
(c) the resident’s death is handled with dignity and propriety, and;
(d) in so far as is practicable, the needs of the resident’s family, next-of-kin and friends are accommodated.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that when the sudden death of a resident occurs:
(a) in so far as practicable, his or her religious and cultural practices are respected;
(b) the resident’s death is handled with dignity and propriety, and;
(c) in so far as is practicable, the needs of the resident’s family, next-of-kin and friends are accommodated.
(4) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the Mental Health Commission is notified in writing of the death of any resident of the approved centre, as soon as is practicable and in any event, no later than within 48 hours of the death occurring.
(5) This Regulation is without prejudice to the provisions of the Coroners Act 1962 and the Coroners (Amendment) Act 2005.
Regulation 15: Individual Care Plan
The registered proprietor shall ensure that each resident has an individual care plan. [Definition of an individual care plan:“… a documented set of goals developed, regularly reviewed and updated by the resident’s multi-disciplinary team, so far as practicable in consultation with each resident. The individual care plan shall
specify the treatment and care required which shall be in accordance with best practice, shall identify necessary resources and shall specify appropriate goals for the resident. For a resident who is a child, his or her individual care plan shall include education requirements. The individual care plan shall be recorded in the one composite set of documentation”.]
Regulation 16: Therapeutic Services and Programmes
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that each resident has access to an appropriate range of therapeutic services and programmes in accordance with his or her individual care plan.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that programmes and services provided shall be directed towards restoring and maintaining optimal levels of physical and psychosocial functioning of a resident.
Regulation 17: Children’s Education
The registered proprietor shall ensure that each resident who is a child is provided with appropriate educational services in accordance with his or her needs and age as indicated by his or her individual care plan.
Regulation 18: Transfer of Residents
(1) When a resident is transferred from an approved centre for treatment to another approved centre, hospital or other place, the registered proprietor of the approved centre from which the resident is being transferred shall ensure that all relevant information about the resident is provided to the receiving approved centre, hospital or other place.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has a written policy and procedures on the transfer of residents.
Regulation 19: General Health
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that:
(a) adequate arrangements are in place for access by residents to general health services and for their referral to other health services as required;
(b) each resident’s general health needs are assessed regularly as indicated by his or her individual care plan and in any event not less than every six months, and;
(c) each resident has access to national screening programmes where available and applicable to the resident.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written operational policies and procedures for responding to medical emergencies.
Regulation 20: Provision of Information to Residents
(1) Without prejudice to any provisions in the Act the registered proprietor shall ensure that the following information is provided to each resident in an understandable form and language:
(a) details of the resident’s multi-disciplinary team;
(b) housekeeping practices, including arrangements for personal property, mealtimes, visiting times and visiting arrangements;
(c) verbal and written information on the resident’s diagnosis and suitable written information relevant to the resident’s diagnosis unless in the resident’s psychiatrist’s view the provision of such information might be prejudicial to the resident’s physical or mental health, well-being or emotional condition;
(d) details of relevant advocacy and voluntary agencies;
(e) information on indications for use of all medications to be administered to the resident, including any possible side-effects.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has written operational policies and procedures for the provision of information to residents.
Regulation 21: Privacy
The registered proprietor shall ensure that the resident’s privacy and dignity is appropriately respected at all times.
Regulation 22: Premises
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that:
(a) premises are clean and maintained in good structural and decorative condition;
(b) premises are adequately lit, heated and ventilated;
(c) a programme of routine maintenance and renewal of the fabric and decoration of the premises is developed and implemented and records of such programme are maintained.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has adequate and suitable furnishings having regard to the number and mix of residents in the approved centre.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the condition of the physical structure and the overall approved centre environment is developed and maintained with due regard to the specific needs of residents and patients and the safety and well-being of residents, staff and visitors.
(4) Any premises in which the care and treatment of persons with a mental disorder or mental illness is begun after the commencement of these regulations shall be designed and developed or redeveloped specifically and solely for this purpose in so far as it practicable and in accordance with best contemporary practice.
(5) Any approved centre in which the care and treatment of persons with a mental disorder or mental illness is begun after the commencement of these regulations shall ensure that the buildings are, as far as practicable, accessible to persons with disabilities.
(6) This regulation is without prejudice to the provisions of the Building Control Act 1990, the Building Regulations 1997 and 2001, Part M of the Building Regulations 1997, the Disability Act 2005 and the Planning and Development Act 2000.
Regulation 23: Ordering, Prescribing, Storing and Administration of Medicines
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has appropriate and suitable practices and written operational policies relating to the ordering, prescribing, storing and administration of medicines to residents.
(2) This Regulation is without prejudice to the Irish Medicines Board Act 1995 (as amended), the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977, 1984 and 1993, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1998 (S.I. No. 338 of 1998) and 1993 (S.I. No. 338 of 1993 and S.I. No. 342 of 1993) and S.I. No. 540 of 2003, Medicinal Products (Prescription and control of Supply) Regulations 2003 (as amended).
Regulation 24: Health and Safety
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has written operational policies and procedures relating to the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors.
(2) This regulation is without prejudice to the provisions of Health and Safety Act 1989, the Health and Safety at Work Act 2005 and any regulations made thereunder.
Regulation 25: Use of Closed Circuit Television
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that in the event of the use of closed circuit television or other such monitoring device for resident observation the following conditions will apply:
(a) it shall be used solely for the purposes of observing a resident by a health professional who is responsible for the welfare of that resident, and solely for the purposes of ensuring the health and welfare of that resident;
(b) it shall be clearly labelled and be evident;
(c) the approved centre shall have clear written policy and protocols articulating its function, in relation to the observation of a resident;
(d) it shall be incapable of recording or storing a resident’s image on a tape, disc, hard drive, or in any other form and be incapable of transmitting images other than to the monitoring station being viewed by the health professional responsible for the health and welfare of the resident;
(e) it must not be used if a resident starts to act in a way which compromises his or her dignity.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the existence and usage of closed circuit television or other monitoring device is disclosed to the resident and/or his or her representative.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that existence and usage of closed circuit television or other monitoring device is disclosed to the Inspector of Mental Health Services and/or Mental Health Commission during the inspection of the approved centre or at any time on request.
Regulation 26: Staffing
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written policies and procedures relating to the recruitment, selection and vetting of staff.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the numbers of staff and skill mix of staff are appropriate to the assessed needs of residents, the size and layout of the approved centre.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that there is an appropriately qualified staff member on duty and in charge of the approved centre at all times and a record thereof maintained in the approved centre.
(4) The registered proprietor shall ensure that staff have access to education and training to enable them to provide care and treatment in accordance with best contemporary practice.
(5) The registered proprietor shall ensure that all staff members are made aware of the provisions of the Act and all regulations and rules made thereunder, commensurate with their role.
(6) The registered proprietor shall ensure that a copy of the Act and any regulations and rules made thereunder are to be made available to all staff in the approved centre.
Regulation 27: Maintenance of Records
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that records and reports shall be maintained in a manner so as to ensure completeness, accuracy and ease of retrieval. All records shall be kept up-to-date and in good order in a safe and secure place.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre has written policies and procedures relating to the creation of, access to, retention of and destruction of records.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that all documentation of inspections relating to food safety, health and safety and fire inspections is maintained in the approved centre.
(4) This Regulation is without prejudice to the provisions of the Data Protection Acts 1988 and 2003 and the Freedom of Information Acts 1997 and 2003. Note: Actual assessment of food safety, health and safety and fire risk records is outside the scope of this Regulation, which refers only to maintenance of records pertaining to these areas.
Regulation 28: Register of Residents
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an up-to-date register shall be established and maintained in relation to every resident in an approved centre in a format determined by the Commission and shall make available such information to the Commission as and when requested by the Commission.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the register includes the information specified in Schedule 1 to these Regulations.
Regulation 29: Operating Policies and Procedures
The registered proprietor shall ensure that all written operational policies and procedures of an approved centre are reviewed on the recommendation of the Inspector or the Commission and at least every 3 years having due regard to any recommendations made by the Inspector or the Commission.
Regulation 30: Mental Health Tribunals
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre will co-operate fully with Mental Health Tribunals.
(2) In circumstances where a patient’s condition is such that he or she requires assistance from staff of the approved centre to attend, or during, a sitting of a mental health tribunal of which he or she is the subject, the registered proprietor shall ensure that appropriate assistance is provided by the staff of the approved centre.
Regulation 31: Complaints Procedures
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has written operational policies and procedures relating to the making, handling and investigating complaints from any person about any aspects of service, care and treatment provided in, or on behalf of an approved centre.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that each resident is made aware of the complaints procedure as soon as is practicable after admission.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the complaints procedure is displayed in a prominent position in the approved centre.
(4) The registered proprietor shall ensure that a nominated person is available in an approved centre to deal with all complaints.
(5) The registered proprietor shall ensure that all complaints are investigated promptly.
(6) The registered proprietor shall ensure that the nominated person maintains a record of all complaints relating to the approved centre.
(7) The registered proprietor shall ensure that all complaints and the results of any investigations into the matters complained and any actions taken on foot of a complaint are fully and properly recorded and that such records shall be in addition to and distinct from a resident’s individual care plan.
(8) The registered proprietor shall ensure that any resident who has made a complaint is not adversely affected by reason of the complaint having been made.
(9) This Regulation is without prejudice to Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 and any regulations made thereunder.
Regulation 32: Risk Management Procedures
(1) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre has a comprehensive written risk management policy in place and that it is implemented throughout the approved centre.
(2) The registered proprietor shall ensure that risk management policy covers, but is not limited to, the following:
(a) The identification and assessment of risks throughout the approved centre;
(b) The precautions in place to control the risks identified;
(c) The precautions in place to control the following specified risks:
(i) resident absent without leave,
(ii) suicide and self harm,
(iii) assault,
(iv) accidental injury to residents or staff;
(d) Arrangements for the identification, recording, investigation and learning from serious or untoward incidents or adverse events involving residents;
(e) Arrangements for responding to emergencies;
(f) Arrangements for the protection of children and vulnerable adults from abuse.
(3) The registered proprietor shall ensure that an approved centre shall maintain a record of all incidents and notify the Mental Health Commission of incidents occurring in the approved centre with due regard to any relevant codes of practice issued by the Mental Health Commission from time to time which have been notified to the approved centre.
Regulation 33: Insurance
The registered proprietor of an approved centre shall ensure that the unit is adequately insured against accidents or injury to residents.
Regulation 34: Certificate of Registration
The registered proprietor shall ensure that the approved centre’s current certificate of registration issued pursuant to Section 64(3)(c) of the Act is displayed in a prominent position in the approved centre.
RULES UNDER MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2001 SECTION 52(d)
Rule: Section 59: The Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy Section 59
(1) A programme of electro-convulsive therapy shall not be administered to a patient unless either –
(a) the patient gives his or her consent in writing to the administration of the programme of therapy, or
(b) where the patient is unable to give such consent –
(i) the programme of therapy is approved (in a form specified by the Commission) by the consultant psychiatrist responsible for the care and treatment of the patient, and
(ii) the programme of therapy is also authorised (in a form specified by the Commission) by another consultant psychiatrist following referral of the matter to him or her by the first-mentioned psychiatrist.
(2) The Commission shall make rules providing for the use of electro-convulsive therapy and a programme of electro convulsive therapy shall not be administered to a patient except in accordance with such rules. Rule: Section 69: The Use of Seclusion Mental Health Act 2001 Bodily restraint and seclusion Section 69
(1) “A person shall not place a patient in seclusion or apply mechanical means of bodily restraint to the patient unless such seclusion or restraint is determined, in accordance with the rules made under subsection (2), to be necessary for the purposes of treatment or to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself or others and unless the seclusion or restraint complies with such rules.
(2) The Commission shall make rules providing for the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint on a patient.
(3) A person who contravenes this section or a rule made under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1500.
(4) In this section “patient” includes –
(a) a child in respect of whom an order under section 25 is in force, and
(b) a voluntary patient.
Rule: Section 69: The Use of Mechanical Restraint
(1) “A person shall not place a patient in seclusion or apply mechanical means of bodily restraint to the patient unless such seclusion or restraint is determined, in accordance with the rules made under subsection (2), to be necessary for the purposes
of treatment or to prevent the patient from injuring himself or herself or others and unless the seclusion or restraint complies with such rules.
(2) The Commission shall make rules providing for the use of seclusion and mechanical means of bodily restraint on a patient.
(3) A person who contravenes this section or a rule made under this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £1500.
(4) In this section “patient” includes –
(a) a child in respect of whom an order under section 25 is in force, and
(b) a voluntary patient.
PART 4 OF THE MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2001
Part 4 Consent to Treatment
56.- In this Part “consent”, in relation to a patient, means consent obtained freely without threat or inducements, where –
a) the consultant psychiatrist responsible for the care and treatment of the patient is satisfied that the patient is capable of understanding the nature, purpose and likely effects of the proposed treatment; and
b) The consultant psychiatrist has given the patient adequate information, in a form and language that the patient can understand, on the nature, purpose and likely effects of the proposed treatment.
57. – (1) The consent of a patient shall be required for treatment except where, in the opinion of the consultant psychiatrist responsible for the care and treatment of the patient, the treatment is necessary to safeguard the life of the patient, to restore his or her health, to alleviate his or her condition, or to relieve his or her suffering, and by reason of his or her mental disorder the patient concerned is incapable of giving such consent.
(2) This section shall not apply to the treatment specified in section 58, 59 or 60.
60. – Where medicine has been administered to a patient for the purpose of ameliorating his or her mental disorder for a continuous period of 3 months, the administration of that medicine shall not be continued unless either-
a) the patient gives his or her consent in writing to the continued administration of that medicine, or
b) where the patient is unable to give such consent –
i. the continued administration of that medicine is approved by the consultant psychiatrist responsible for the care and treatment of the patient, and
ii. the continued administration of that medicine is authorised (in a form specified by the Commission) by another consultant psychiatrist following referral of the matter to him or her by the first-mentioned psychiatrist, And the consent, or as the case may be, approval and authorisation shall be valid for a period of three months and thereafter for periods of 3 months, if in respect of each period, the like consent or, as the case may be, approval and authorisation is obtained.
61. – Where medicine has been administered to a child in respect of whom an order under section 25 is in force for the purposes of ameliorating his or her mental disorder for a continuous period of 3 months, the administration shall not be continued unless either –
a) the continued administration of that medicine is approved by the consultant psychiatrist responsible for the care and
treatment of the child, and
b) the continued administration of that medicine is authorised (in a form specified by the Commission) by another consultant psychiatrist, following referral of the matter to him or her by the first-mentioned psychiatrist, And the consent or, as the case may be, approval and authorisation shall be valid for a period of 3 months and thereafter for periods of 3 months, if, in respect of each period, the like consent or, as the case may be, approval and authorisation is obtained.
CODES OF PRACTICE – MENTAL HEALTH ACT 2001 SECTION 51(1)(b)(iii)
Code of Practice: Use of Physical Restraint
Please refer to the Mental Health Commission Code of Practice on the Use of Physical Restraint in Approved Centres, for further guidance for compliance in relation to this practice. Code of Practice: Admission of Children Please refer to the Mental Health Commission Code of Practice Relating to the Admission of Children under the Mental Health Act 2001 and the Mental Health Commission Code of Practice Relating to Admission of Children under the Mental Act 2001 Addendum, for further guidance for compliance in relation to this practice. Code of Practice: Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy (ECT) for Voluntary Patients Please refer to the Mental Health Commission Code of Practice on the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy for Voluntary Patients, for further guidance for compliance in relation to this practice. Code of Practice: Admission, Transfer and Discharge Please refer to the Mental Health Commission Code of Practice on Admission, Transfer and Discharge to and from an Approved Centre, for further guidance for compliance in relation to this practice.
Full report available at Mental Health Commission of Ireland www.mhcirl.ie in approved centres
Link to 2025 inspection click here
