Billy Kelleher
Ceist:403. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way in which his Department is honouring the commitment to fully implement A Vision for Change. [53854/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 14 December 2017
Ceisteanna (403)
Freagraí scríofa
'A Vision for Change' set out a 10-year policy framework for Ireland's mental health services. It recommended that interventions should be aimed at maximising recovery from mental illness, building on service user and social network resources to achieve meaningful integration and participation in community life. In addition, it recommended that mental health services should be organised nationally in catchment areas for populations of between 250,000 and 400,000 and that specialist expertise should be provided by community mental health teams - expanded multidisciplinary teams of clinicians who work together to fulfil the needs of service users.
Progress, while slower than originally anticipated, continues to be made in implementing the Report’s recommendations. A number of service improvements have been implemented in parallel with the accelerated closure of old psychiatric hospitals and their replacement with bespoke new facilities, better suited to modern mental health care. Service improvements include the development of adult and child & adolescent services, shorter episodes of in-patient care, the adoption of a recovery approach in the delivery of services, and the involvement of service users in service planning and delivery.
Other ongoing developments include the development of counselling services across both primary and secondary care, including early intervention at primary care level; a greater awareness of fostering mental health promotion in society through campaigns; the publication of the Expert Review Group Report on the Mental Health Act 2001 and the Suicide Prevention Strategy 'Connecting for Life'; and the commencement of work on the new National Forensic Hospital to replace the Central Mental Hospital in Dundrum. In addition, funding has been made available to facilitate the transfer of some patients from the Forensic Mental Health Services to the community, investment in high observation in acute mental health units, the improvement of 24/7 services through additional liaison psychiatry services, new clinical programmes and provision of additional clinical space in community services.
'A Vision for Change' came to the end of its 10-year term in 2016 and preparations for a review and updating of policy have been underway since early last year. An external evidence and expert review was completed on 17 February 2017 which provides evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of A Vision for Change, both in terms of international best practice and the experience of implementing A Vision for Change. An Oversight Group has been established to produce a high-level policy framework which sets out future service priorities. This Group will oversee the development of a refreshed policy for mental health based on the recommendations arising out of the Expert Review. The policy review process will also involve consultation with key stakeholders.