Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 15 July 2021
380. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the petition submitted to Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People from this Deputy in 2020 on behalf of a person (details supplied) calling for 24/7 access to emergency mental health care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32530/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraBudget 2021 saw an additional €50 million allocated to Mental Health Services, bringing the total 2021 mental health budget to in excess of €1.1 billion, which is the biggest mental health budget on record. This represents an increase of over €400 million since 2012. The Government is committed to further development of all aspects of our mental health services, in line with our current policy Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.
To plan for the ongoing and increasing need for mental health services, including 24/7 mental health care, the refreshed national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision, was published in June 2020. This policy sets out a 10-year plan for our services that addresses the needs of the population though a focus on the requirements of the individual. This policy was developed following a process of research into international innovation and best practice in mental health and an extensive national consultation of over 1,000 service users, family members, friends and carers and other stakeholders.
As our mental health effects and contributes to our overall health and wellbeing, it is only right that this refreshed policy is very closely aligned with Sláintecare, our ten-year roadmap to transform our health and social care services, and shares the Sláintecare vision of the right care in the right place at the right time.
Moreover, Sharing the Vision recognises that mental health is not a matter for the health sector alone. It sits in a much broader context of how society views mental health and how decisions can be made right across the spectrum of relevant public services to invest in the mental health and wellbeing of the population. Good mental health for the population of Ireland cannot be achieved without a whole-of-government approach. Consequently, implementation will be characterised by substantial cross departmental engagement.
Sharing the Vision seeks to create additional access routes to treatment and to work in partnership with service users and their families to ensure that service users have timely access to supports. The policy contains recommendations with regards alternative access routes to emergency care and proposes out-of-hours crisis cafés as a new referral option.
Additionally, the policy is aligned to and supports additional roll out of online mental health service provision accelerated by the advent of Covid 19, including initiatives such as:
- The national Crisis Text-Line, a voluntary, clinically supported texting service, free and available 24/7, which provides immediate support for people going through a mental health or emotional crisis;
- Availability of free online and face to face counselling;
- The new CAMHS Connect telepsychiatry service for HSE West which is expected to be rolled out nationally and which will pave the way for enhanced care provision for children and young people, ranging from presentations in Emergency Departments to more regular monitoring after crisis episodes. CAMHS Connect will improve access, reduce waiting times and address some staff recruitment and retention issues;
- The www.yourmentalhealth.ie website provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ portal for people seeking information, supports and services, including information on accessing urgent help.
Out of hours crisis supports will be enhanced in line with Sharing the Vision and commitments set out in the HSE National Service Plan 2021. Funding has been allocated in 2021 for crisis resolution teams, crisis or community cafes, and CAMHS telehealth hubs.
Moreover, following investment from the Programme for Government Funding 2017, additional funding was obtained for the development of a model within all Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) areas for the provision of extended seven-day mental health services within general adult services.
Prior to the pandemic most Community Mental Health Teams provided some form of seven day week service, this is still in place and available for existing mental health service users in a blended format in compliance with COVID-19 restrictions. Online supports are also available from YourMentalHealth.ie and through NGO partners, who can offer information and support via text, phone or video.
If a person is in crisis they are strongly recommended to contact the out-of-hours GP or attend the local emergency department where they will be seen by a mental health professional for appropriate assessment. The textline 50808 also offers 24/7 anonymous support by trained counsellors.
The outbreak of COVID-19 throughout the world is a source of significant stress and anxiety for many people. The Department of Health and the HSE continue to work with clinicians, healthcare providers and NGO’s to promote positive mental wellbeing and provide services and interventions for those experiencing poor mental health. In addition to maintaining existing services, the HSE delivers and funds a wide range of mental health and psychosocial support services including online training, counselling and national health and wellbeing promotion initiatives. Psychosocial management teams in each HSE region have expanded services and continue to provide all community services, in so far as possible, while following COVID-19 guidelines to ensure the protection of service users and staff.
The Deputy will appreciate that there has been a significant increase in the workload of the Department recently, and consequently there has been some delay in responding to representations. A reply will issue directly in relation to the petition received from the individual concerned.
