A North Clare elected representative has disputed comments from Mid West Community Healthcare regarding the operation of ECT services in the Mid-West.

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is the most common type of brain stimulation used to treat severe depression. It is used when the depression has not responded to other treatments. During ECT an electric current passes to the brain through electrodes placed on the head. ECT is always carried out under a general anaesthetic in a hospital by a specialist doctor.

At a recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West, Cllr Susan Crawford (GP) asked for the ECT Centre at Ennis Hospital to be reopened “to support” patients requiring the treatment. “The ECT Suite in University Hospital Limerick ceased ECT in March 2020 and remains closed,” she stated.

Limited access to the theatre at UHL prompted the suspension of ECT, Chief Officer of Mid West Community Healthcare, Maria Bridgeman outlined. She said, “ECT has now resumed and can be provided at UHL if required. Private arrangements were funded by Mid West Mental Health Services for ECT to take place in private hospitals for clients who required the service during the time when ECT was suspended locally”.

“I know this not to be the case,” Cllr Crawford said of the service operation in Limerick. Bridgeman replied, “My understanding is that it is available. Used totally and utterly at the governance of a clinician”.

Cllr Crawford reiterated her remarks that ECT was not available in Unit 5B of UHL. “It is a very specialised service. Access to facility is a challenge under COVID,” Ms Bridgeman added.

Related News

the outing 09-02-24 12
Joint bid from The Outing, QuareClare & Limerick Pride shortlisted to host EuroPride 2028
lidl ennistymon 1
Lidl lodge appeal with An Bord Pleanála over Council refusing Ennistymon store
christopher harrington mark molloy 1
Collection of over 2,500 tonnes of litter the target for spring clean in Galway
ennistymon zebra 1
Concern over appearance of zebra foal at Ennistymon horse fair

Advertisement

Latest News
Status Red Weather Warning
Surprise orange fire warning for Clare
DSC_5438
Growing all year around with Clare Garden Festival
the outing 09-02-24 12
Joint bid from The Outing, QuareClare & Limerick Pride shortlisted to host EuroPride 2028
lidl ennistymon 1
Lidl lodge appeal with An Bord Pleanála over Council refusing Ennistymon store
christopher harrington mark molloy 1
Collection of over 2,500 tonnes of litter the target for spring clean in Galway
Premium
clare v waterford u20 04-05-24 james organ 1
Organ helps Clare grind out win over Waterford
pepper 1
Sentencing of Pepper Group laptop thief postponed until Leaving Cert concludes
claire joe collins 1
'Check upstairs & outside' - inquest hears details on death of Kilnaboy couple
john carmody 2
Antrim were deserving league winners says Carmody as Clare fall short
clare v cork u20 26-03-25 diarmuid stritch 1
Clare target better shooting efficiency & first championship win for Déise date

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.

Advertisement