Michael Healy-Rae
Question:391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of A Vision for Change (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18076/16]
View answerTuesday, 28 June 2016
Questions (391)
Written answers
In January 2006, the Government adopted the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy 'A Vision for Change' as the basis for the future development of mental health services in Ireland. It advocated:
- A holistic view of mental illness and an integrated multidisciplinary approach to addressing the biological, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental health problems;
- A move away from traditional institution-based care to a patient-centred, flexible and community based mental health service;
- A person-centred treatment approach which addresses each of these elements through an integrated care plan, reflecting best practice, evolved and agreed with both service users and their carers;
- The aiming of interventions at maximising recovery from mental illness, building on the resources within service users and within their immediate social networks, to allow them to achieve meaningful integration and participation in community life; and
- The organisation, nationally, of mental health services in catchment areas for populations of between 250,000 and 400,000, with specialist expertise provided by community mental health teams – expanded multidisciplinary teams of clinicians who work together to service the needs of service users across the life span.
During the implementation of Vision, there has been a move away from traditional psychiatric institutions, which have mostly been closed. A range of community mental health teams have been developed for adults and children and adolescents. Additional funding provided between 2012 and 2016 has also enabled development of specialised areas of the mental health services, including the area of Forensic Mental Health with work commencing on a new hospital in Portrane this year.
'A Vision for Change' has guided national mental health policy for the past 10 years and its term comes to an end this year. The Department is currently finalising a request for tender for a review and analysis of international evidence and best practice in the development of mental health services, including a review of current delivery of services in Ireland. This review will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of 'A Vision for Change'. The review will also have regard to both human rights and health and well-being objectives.