May 31, 2012
Mental Health
Mental health group welcomes reforms
Irish Times 31/05/12
Campaign group Mental Health Reform has welcomed Minister for Health James Reilly’s decision to proceed with establishing a new structure for the HSE. It will include a new directorate of mental health. Under the heads of a Bill approved by the Cabinet on Tuesday, the HSE board will be abolished and a new directorate system for running the health service will be established.
Report supports community-based mental health care in Kikiare & Wicklow
Kildare Times North, 29-May-2012
A study undertaken by the Kildare West Wicklow Community Mental Health Services has found that it is cost effective to provide acute care in a community setting, with health professionals engaging more with patients and their families. achieved at the cost of a reduction in the quality of service provided or patient and family satisfaction with the service.
Psych ward set to close despite concerns
Irish Examiner, 29-May-2012
The Psychiatric Nurses Association has raised concerns about further ward closures in St Finan’s Hospital, Killarney, Co Kerry, before new replacement facilities for patients are provided. Health Minister James Reilly had said there should be no further ward closures at the hospital until a €6m replacement unit was built. However, the PNA yesterday claimed another ward was due to close by the end of September.
KEANE CALLS ON GOVERNMENT TO DEVELOP YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY
Clondalkin News, 28-May-2012
Fine Gael Senator for Dublin South West, Cáit Keane, has urged the Minister for Health, James Reilly, and Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald, to develop a youth mental health strategy.
Suicide
Four people a week are seeking advice on assisted suicide
Irish Examiner, 28-May-2012
Four Irish people every week seek advice on how to help a loved one end their life from an international group campaigning for the legalisation of assisted suicide. Exit International says it receives a phone call or email seeking the information every 36 hours.