Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 3

Written Answers. - Mental Health Services.

John Bruton

Question:

384 Mr. J. Bruton asked the Minister for Health and Children the situation regarding the case of a person (details supplied); the measures which have been taken by his Department to ensure that such an occurrence will be less likely to happen in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23285/03]

Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children (Mr. T. O'Malley)

With reference to the individual case referred to by the Deputy, I have been informed that this matter is currently the subject of High Court proceedings and it would therefore be inappropriate for me to comment further on the case at this time.

The issue of assaults against nurses is a source of concern. Particular fears arise on the operation of patient escorts. On foot of discussions at the HSEA between staff and management representatives, a working group was established to review the practice of patient escorts in the context of the future development of mental health services and in particular, the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 and to make recommendations on future practice. The report of the working group on patient escorts has been completed and sets out key recommendations and guidelines on the role of GPs, gardaí, nurses and other members of the multidisciplinary team. Training needs have been identified in the areas of de-escalation techniques, risk assessment, break away and control and restraint. Following discussions with the nursing unions and officials of my Department, I established a task force on 11 April 2002, to investigate assaults on psychiatric nurses and to put forward proposals for an appropriate compensation scheme for nurses injured through assault at work. The task force presented its report to me in April 2003 and the recommendations are currently under consideration.

My Department has funded an ongoing study by the North Eastern Health Board to establish a programme on work-related violence that will examine central issues of prevalence, training and staff support. One critical component of this programme is the provision of training to staff in the clinical skills and safe management of potential violence. A programme of training leading to an accredited national diploma in the management of actual or potential aggression is at advanced stages of development. This programme is aimed at all health staff exposed to potential or actual violence.