October 17, 2008
Mental Health
Decision reserved over patient's detention
Irish Times (Fri, 17 Oct 2008)
The High Court has reserved judgment on a challenge by a woman with a long history of mental illness to an order under which she remains detained against her will in a Dublin psychiatric hospital. The case has significant implications for current practices relating to the making of orders relating to the detention of people in psychiatric hospitals.
College extends the Mental Health in Primary Care project
Forum (Mon, 13 Oct 2008)
The college, in partnership with the HSE, has extended the Mental Health in Primary Care project for another two years. This will reinforce and continue to build on the work commenced by Mimi Copty, with Pearse Finegan undertaking the project director position since June 1, 2008.
Mental health discrimination is 'live issue'
Irish Times (Sat, 11 Oct 2008)
Discrimination against people with mental health problems was still “a very, very live issue”, a conference hosted by the Mental Health Commission heard yesterday. Paddy McGowan, a lecturer in mental health issues at the DIT school of nursing, said having suffered with a mental illness for over a decade still caused “major problems”.
Mental Health Service
Prison appeals for doctor
Irish Examiner (Fri, 17 Oct 2008)
The governor of Limerick prison has issued an urgent appeal to the HSE to restore much needed psychiatric services to inmates. Forensic psychiatrist Dr Ananth Pullela, who looked after prisoners, has not been able to work since he was seriously wounded in an assault at St Anne's day hospital near the prison last January. A locum psychiatrist had been filling in for Dr Pullela up to last Friday, when he withdrew his services due to a heavy workload.
No sign of promised €25m for mental health– Amnesty
Irish Medical Times (Wed, 15 Oct 2008)
Reacting to figures announced today by John Moloney TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Equality, Disability and Mental Health, for mental health services in Budget 2009, Colm O’Gorman Executive Director with Amnesty International Irish section, said: "We are deeply disappointed that today’s budget does not allocate any vitally needed development money for mental health services as promised in the 2006 mental health policy, A Vision for Change.
More than 10% of new male prisoners suffer from a psychiatric disorder
Irish Examiner (Tue, 14 Oct 2008)
Mental health experts have called for the reform and expansion of prison psychiatric services after it emerged that more than one in 10 new male in- mates have a psychiatric disorder and one in 20 are in need of transfer to psychiatric hospital.
Mental health funds transparency call
Irish Health.com (Sat, 11 Oct 2008)
The lack of accountability and transparency in state spending on mental health services must end, according to the Irish Mental Health Coalition (IMHC). In a statement to mark World Mental Health Day today, the IMHC said there is continued uncertainty over the fate of more than €50 million allocated to the HSE to develop new mental heal
th services under the 'Vision for Change' strategy.
Strike threatened if vulnerable patients moved
Clare Champion (Fri, 10 Oct 2008)
Clare Mental Health Services could be hit by industrial action if the Health Service Executive (HSE) moves around 25 "vulnerable" elderly psychiatric patients out of St Joseph's Hospital, Ennis, two nursing unions have warned.
Suicide Prevention
Console award
Irish Examiner (Tue, 14 Oct 2008)
The founder of the Irish suicide charity, Console, has been honoured at the Royal Palace in Monaco by Prince Albert II, in recognition of his work with the organisation. At a gala reception at the weekend, Prince Albert presented Paul Kelly with the Princess Grace of Monaco Humanitarian Award.
