The HSE says an implementation group will be put in place this month to move forward with implementing the recommendations made in the Review of Mental Health Services in Roscommon, which was published yesterday.

The HSE commissioned an external review of mental health services in the county in August 2015, prompted in part by findings of sexual contact at a facility in Castlerea.

After a delay of nearly two years from its initial deadline, the damning 44-page report was published yesterday.

The review found examples of “systematic failings in reporting and managing incidents of sexualised behaviour” and an overemphasis on financial prudence ahead of patient safety and care – revealing that over 17 million euro was returned unspent to the HSE between 2012 and 2014.

It said there was an atmosphere of “control, negativity and a culture of blame” across the mental health services, where “some senior staff normalised bad behaviour; others perpetrated it”.

This review of mental health services makes 27 recommendations for reform in the Roscommon region – some of which are already being implemented, according to Tony Canavan, Chief Operating Officer with the HSE.

He admitted to Midwest News today that the report makes for difficult reading, but said an implementation group will be put in place this month to move forward with the recommendations, and an update on progress will be given to local Oireachtas members before Christmas.