Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 11 June 2015
142. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the names and number of areas where there are no 24-7 mental health services for adults in acute mental distress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22697/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAcute mental health services are delivered on a 24/7 basis. Where an individual is in distress, their first point of contact is the GP who can assess their situation and decide if referral to a specialist service is required. In the event of an emergency, an individual may present to a hospital emergency department where he/she will be assessed and may, if it is deemed clinically appropriate, be referred to the mental health service or may be admitted to an acute psychiatric unit.
A Vision for Change recommends that, as part of community secondary care provision, there should be a crisis house available in each catchment area and a number of mental health services have provided crisis houses as part of their community residential provision. In addition, as part of the Government investment in mental health, 35 posts were allocated to provide for the implementation of the Clinical Programme to address self-harm presentations in emergency departments; 24 of these posts are currently in place and the remainder are in the recruitment process. The Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) is also being rolled out in a number of areas across the country. In addition, a number of voluntary organisations, funded by the National Office for Suicide Prevention such as Samaritans, Pieta House, Console provide support to individuals in crisis.
In relation to the specific information requested by the Deputy, as this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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.
