Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 6 October 2015
588. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the standards in use regarding recommended staffing levels for primary care mental health services for children; and the progress made in achieving these standards. [34653/15]
View answerThe HSE supports timely access to appropriate services to address the mental health needs of all children and adolescents from a preventative care model and early intervention perspective. Primary care services are usually the first point of contact for children and adolescents when mental health problems initially present. Primary Care refers to health care delivered in local communities by Psychologists, GPs, Public Health Nurses, Social Workers and others in non-specialist settings.
The widely accepted policy A Vision for Change recognises a ‘pivotal role’ for primary care in providing mental health services. The policy assigns a key role to GPs as ‘gatekeepers’ to specialist mental health services who will detect and diagnose mental health difficulties, and either treat the individual or refer them to specialist services. The policy recommends a consultation/liaison model between primary care and mental health services to improve communication and coordination between the two. The Mental Health Division of the HSE has actively progressed communication and integration between primary and secondary mental health services, through the use of a “Stepped Care” approach. Psychological supports are accessed in primary care in the first instance, with CAMHS providing a secondary care service for those young people with more significant mental distress.
As the Deputy's question relates to operational issues, such as detailed resource provision determined by factors including assessed need, location or population requirements, I have asked the HSE to reply direct to him with the information sought. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
