A mental health facility in Killarney has been praised for its culture of positivity, as it achieved 100% compliance with all regulations.
The annual unannounced inspection of Deer Lodge in Killarney by the Mental Health Commission took place between 10th and 13th February this year.
Residents who spoke to the inspection team also provided positive feedback about the care they receive at Deer Lodge.
Deer Lodge is a purpose-built mental health recovery unit, which opened in 2017 on St. Margaret’s Road in Killarney.
When previously inspected, it was non-compliant in four areas in 2022 and 2025, and three areas in 2023 and 2024.
However, this year, the mental health facility was found to be 100% compliant with all regulations on inspection.
The Mental Health Commission said the management team demonstrated a strong commitment to delivering high-quality, person-centred care and treatment.
It said there was evidence of professional and caring interactions between staff and residents, which was also reflected in the positive feedback received during the resident interviews.
In those interviews, residents said the nurses were very good and supportive, and they’re happy in the centre.
They said they had access to their own phones, could visit family in the community, and are involved in community groups such as social farming.
In an anonymous survey, residents said the most positive aspect about their experience included being understood and treated equally, receiving the best care, great support, staff being lovely, open to new ideas and projects, and the centre being clean.
The Commission wrote that residents had access to an appropriate range of therapeutic services and programmes which met their assessed needs.
Therapies included music therapy, and arts and crafts programmes, while they also had access to behavioural therapy and cognitive assessments.
Deer Lodge was one of five facilities in Ireland to achieve 100% compliance, with five others ranging from 71-97%.
