Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 November 2017
323. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when the 24-7 crisis mental health service will be launched as announced in February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48757/17]
View answerCurrently the HSE Mental Health Services provide a 24-hour service through its Acute Units located in General Hospitals for people requiring urgent assessment and treatment. The HSE Mental Health Division is initially seeking to expand upon the services available in the community to ensure a 7-day-a-week service. Based on an extensive data collection process, areas have been identified that would require additional resources to achieve such cover. Engagement with local management teams has commenced in order to further progress implementation of 7-day-a-week service by the end of 2017.
The HSE Mental Health Division is also establishing an evidence-informed model including detailed clinical, governance, training, and performance measurement structures for the operation of a 24/7 service. Through engagement with local CHO management teams, a working group has been established capturing the views of those from across the service pertaining to what form these extended services should take. Building on the development of 7-day-a-week services, these views will be presented to management for consideration and implementation.
With regard to specific timeframes, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
