The Ginesa Adolescent Suite is an inpatient adolescent mental health service located at St John of God Hospital. We provide a homely, safe, and supportive environment for young people aged 12-18 experiencing mental health challenges. Our service is designed to give young people the time, space, and specialist care they need to recover, supported by a compassionate and experienced multidisciplinary team.
The Ginesa Adolescent Suite is committed to holistic and multidisciplinary care, working in partnership with young people and their families/guardians. Our philosophy of care is based on:
Respecting the dignity and rights of each young person.
Providing a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to assessment, treatment, and care.
Collaborating with young people and their families, ensuring they are active participants in decisions about care.
Creating a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment, where every young person feels valued and secure.
Delivering professional, specialist care, with a commitment to excellence at all times.
There are two primary ways to access the Ginesa Adolescent Suite:
GP Referral: Your General Practitioner (GP) can refer you for inpatient admission. A referral form is available on our website and should be faxed to 01 2771637.
CAMHS or Adult Psychiatry Referral: Many young people are referred by their local Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) Psychiatrist. In some cases, we also accept referrals from Adult Psychiatry.
For further information on the referral and admission process, please call 01-2771544.
At the Ginesa Adolescent Suite, care is provided by a dedicated Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This team includes various professionals working together to ensure comprehensive care tailored to your needs. Your team may include some or all of the following professionals, depending on your needs:
Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist
Dr. Sarah McGivern
As the lead psychiatrist, Dr. McGivern is responsible for coordinating your care, overseeing treatment plans, and ensuring the highest standard of care during your stay.
Psychiatry Team
Senior Registrar: Dr. Katherine Reidy
Registrar: Dr. Osman Fakhreldin
You will meet with a doctor from your team throughout your admission. These meetings will include discussions about your mental health, treatment plan, and progress.
Nurse Managers
Clinical Nurse Managers: Niamh McCullagh & Emma Malone Nurse Managers are responsible for the daily management of the Ginesa Adolescent Suite, ensuring the smooth running of the service and providing guidance and support throughout your stay.
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
The CNS leads group therapy sessions and meets with you weekly to discuss your treatment plan. You will be encouraged to participate actively in decisions regarding your care.
Senior Social Worker & Family Therapist
Scott Hill- Senior Social Worker and Family Therapist
The Social Worker (SW) provides support to you and your family while you are in hospital. The SW will meet you and your family to explore your family’s strengths and stresses and helps you work as a team. Often when we are stressed it can be hard to talk to each other and find the right words. The SW will facilitate meetings for your family on their own and meetings with you included so that everyone gets a chance to talk about their hopes, worries and ways to help you feel better. When it is time for going home the SW can help you and your family think about things that are important and help you make plans.
Senior Occupational Therapist
Maebh Gorby
Occupational Therapy (OT) is about working with you on the skills that support you in your daily activities and recovery journey. OT looks at areas such as self-care, school and hobbies/ interests and explores the challenges you might have in doing the activities you want and need to do. This can be done through both group work and individual work.
Senior Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Louise Canacott
Adolescence can be a time of emotional upheaval and change. The Clinical Psychologist provides therapeutic support to help you navigate this period, focusing on building your emotional resilience, identifying your strengths, and rebuilding self- confidence.
Nursing Staff
You will be assigned a Key Nurse each day who will be your primary point of contact for support, reassurance, and guidance. They will facilitate therapy groups, meet with you individually, and advocate on your behalf.
Dietitian
Dr. Mary McCreery
The Dietitian visits the Ginesa Adolescent Suite weekly to offer dietary advice.
Dr McCreery will work with you and your family to create a personalised nutrition plan that supports your recovery and meets your evolving needs.
Teacher
Betty O’Connor
The Ginesa Education Support Programme allows you to continue your education during your stay. The teacher will work with you to develop an individualised education plan, ensuring that you stay on track with your schoolwork in a supportive environment.
Administrator
Teresa Mooney
Teresa manages the daily operations of the Ginesa Adolescent Suite office and oversees the admission process.
Accommodation Team
Inara Keisa
The accommodation team ensures that the Ginesa Adolescent Suite is clean and tidy. You are encouraged to keep your personal space neat to support their work.
Catering Team
Our dining room offers a wide range of meal options, including vegetarian choices. The menu changes daily, and the catering team is happy to accommodate any specific dietary requirements you may have.
Upon arrival, a member of the team will meet you and your parent/guardian at reception. You will then meet with a doctor and nurse to discuss how you’ve been feeling and any challenges you’re experiencing at home, school, or with friends.
A physical health assessment will be conducted, including checks like blood pressure and weight. The nurse will also review your belongings, and any restricted items will be sent home or stored safely.
You will be shown to your room and introduced to the other young people on the unit.
Weekdays: You will wake up at 8:00 am, with breakfast at 8:30 am. Bedtime is at 10:30 pm from Sunday to Thursday to ensure you get enough rest for the next day’s activities.
Weekends: Breakfast is at 9:30 am, allowing for a little extra sleep. Bedtime on Fridays and Saturdays is slightly later.
Participation in the therapeutic group programme is expected Monday through Friday.
Comfortable, casual clothing
Outdoor coat/jacket and footwear for outdoor activities
Nightwear and bedroom slippers
Sportswear (tracksuit and runners)
Toiletries and towels
A small amount of money for the Coffee Shop
Posters or personal items to decorate your room
Favourite books you enjoy reading
Items you should not bring:
Illicit drugs, own medicine supplements or alcohol
Vapes or cigarettes (Ginesa is a no smoking ward)
Sharp objects (scissors, penknives, etc.)
Electronic devices with cameras or recording capabilities (personal mobile phones are not allowed)
Glass items (e.g., picture frames)
TV sets, laptops, aerosol cans, or stimulant drinks (e.g., Red Bull)
Upon arrival, any restricted items will either be sent home or stored at the nurse’s station.
While personal mobile phones are not allowed, your parents can provide you with a non- Smart phone to use with your SIM card during your stay. Internet access is available outside of group sessions, and you can bring a music device (without the internet or camera) for personal use.
Weekend leave is an essential part of your recovery. Your leave will be reviewed weekly by the team. This allows for time outside the hospital grounds with your family, helping to ease the transition back to regular life.
Monday to Friday: 16.30-17.15hrs (Teatime 17.15 - 18.00hrs) 18.00-20.00hrs
Saturday and Sunday: 14.00-17.15hrs (Teatime 17.15-18.00hrs) and 18.00-20.00hrs All visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Visitors’ names must be provided by the parents and included on the nominated visitors list. A visiting register must be signed upon entrance and exit.
All personal information shared with the multidisciplinary team is kept confidential. Information will only be shared with external services when there is a professional necessity, such as coordinating care with your GP or CAMHS.
The Ginesa Adolescent Suite offers an Independent Advocacy Service provided by Youth Advocate Programme Ireland (YAP). This service ensures that young people have a voice in their care, helping to clarify their rights and empowering them to participate fully in the care process. This service is available once a week, and participation is voluntary. For more information, visit YAP Ireland.
The Ginesa Adolescent Suite has been awarded the Investing in Children Membership Award™, which recognises our commitment to listening to young people and involving them in decisions that affect their care. This award highlights our dedication to creating a service where young people’s voices are heard and valued, leading to better outcomes.
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