Better Quality Care Given To Those With A Mental Illness

People who are experiencing mental ill-health receive better quality services today than five years ago according to the Mental Health Commission (MHC), which published its 2011 Annual Report, including the Report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services today.

Commenting on the improvements made, Dr Edmond O'Dea, Chairman of the MHC said: "Patients receiving inpatient treatment today are more actively involved in their care and treatment plans. The physical environments in which they are treated, are, in most cases, improved. And those who are involuntarily detained, or deprived of their liberty, now have the right to have their detention order reviewed by a three person Mental Health Tribunal. These are just some of the developments in the delivery of mental health care and treatment over the past five years."

The Commission used its enforcement powers to drive some of these changes during 2011, imposing conditions on approved centres that have been deemed unsuitable and inadequate by the Inspector of Mental Health Services.

Several centres were required during 2011 to cease admitting acute patients. "The response to this has generally been very encouraging, with mental health services in different areas working together to provide better alternative treatment facilities, often based in the community," said Dr O'Dea.

"We welcome the ring-fencing of €35m for the development of community services but the reduction in staff numbers that has occurred means this funding may do little more than allow the services stand still."

(CD)