Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 12 December 2012
239. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the procedure for hospitals dealing with patients with mental health issues and his views on whether advice and opinions of the patients family are taken into account with regard to the way the patient is treated and their aftercare. [55852/12]
View answerA Vision for Change recognises the vital role played by family members in the recovery process in the area of mental health and this is accepted and supported by mental health professionals. As well as listening more closely to service users, our mental health services have developed a number of initiatives to enhance the engagement with family members in the treatment process. Involvement of family in a patient’s treatment and care is normally with the patient’s consent.
The issue of confidentiality is central to the doctor patient relationship and is a vital component in building trust. Respecting the autonomy of the service user and meeting the information needs of family members is a central consideration in mental health treatment plans. Where there is a risk of harm to the patient or others, the Medical Council Code of Ethics allows doctors to breach confidence in the interests of preventing harm. The Mental Health Commission has also issued guidelines encouraging the involvement of family where appropriate in respect of admission to, treatment and discharge from Approved Centres.
It is recognised that where patients involve their families in their care and treatment planning, a better outcome for the patient is likely and I would encourage such involvement where possible.
