Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 October 2013
393. Deputy Michael P. Kitt asked the Minister for Health if an independent review will be put in place on the scoring system for comparisons between Ballinasloe and Roscommon as centres for acute psychiatric beds in the Health Service Executive west PCCC; when the proposed resources will be made available in the community; if it will be done before any decisions are made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43046/13]
View answerMental health services in HSE West, including Galway and Roscommon which operates as one administrative unit, has been resourced to implement A Vision for Change . This involves modernising the service in this particular area, thus giving better outcomes for both patients and staff. However, existing resources in Galway/Roscommon need to be re-shaped, and the priority for some time has been to achieve this in line with similar re-configurations undertaken, or planned, elsewhere nationally.
In light of the above, a detailed assessment was carried out by HSE West, including taking account of the recommendations of an Expert Group, to develop mental health services in Galway/Roscommon. An open and transparent scoring system was used to assess the merits of all relevant criteria and locations, including the most appropriate skill mix for service delivery in the future.
I accept the recommendations of the Executive to bring about much needed and long called for re-configuration of mental health services in this region. I wish to stress that community mental health services in this case can only be enhanced on a transitional or phased basis, particularly bearing in mind that at least some staff from St.Brigid's have to transfer to new community based provision. There is flexibility within existing overall HSE West mental health resources to deliver this objective.
I and HSE senior officials recently met with a delegation consisting of local public, care professional and union representatives about the re-configuration of services across Galway/Roscommon, to outline the position. Bearing in mind all the circumstances, I am satisfied that the decision in principle recently taken by the HSE to enhance future mental health for this area is the best option, taking account of overall service needs and resource priorities. There is not, by any objective measure, any need for a review of the nature suggested by the Deputy, as this would only postpone modernising services locally. The Deputy will be aware that HSE West has established an Implementation Group to engage in appropriate consultation to progress this initiative and to address any outstanding local concerns.
