Costello expresses concern at dismissal of Grangegorman whistle blower

22 January 2012

by Cllr Joe Costello

I am extremely concerned by the dismissal of Louise Bayliss, who helped to draw attention to the closure of the "open" Unit 3B for female patients in St. Brendan's Hospital, Grangegorman, over Christmas. I am alarmed by media reports which suggest that Louise lost her job for doing precisely what she was paid to do.

The Unit was closed from the 12th December 2011 to the 4th January 2012. Patients in the "Open" Unit should not have been kept in a closed secure unit over the Christmas period together with patients requiring intensive care and security. Such a mix of patients is contrary to best medical practice and is unacceptable.

Louise Bayliss had a six-month contract to act as an advocate for mentally ill patients in a number of hospitals in the Dublin area. However, just three months into her contract, she was told by managers at the Irish Advocacy Network that her services were no longer required.

Louise's contract is paid for by the HSE using taxpayers money, and the HSE should ensure that if her dismissal was linked to whistle blowing on patients care, she should be reinstated. Furthermore, the Government is bringing forward legislation to protect whistle blowers such as Louise Bayliss in the near future.