Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

48. To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) who was suffering from a mental health crisis and that did not receive appropriate and adequate care from a hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27651/17]

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My question relates to an individual, whose details I have kept private, who received totally inadequate hospital care when he presented at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital with what will describe as a severe mental health crisis some time ago. The Minister has the details which were supplied with the question. The question has been tabled to initiate a discussion on that specific case but also on the general point of what happens when someone presents for medical help to their doctor or hospital. What services are there for a person in a mental health crisis?

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As a general rule, information on individual cases cannot be given due to patient confidentiality. For that reason, this parliamentary question is being answered in unspecific terms in relation to the individual regarding mental health services in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda.

The person was referred by a GP on 10 April 2017 and was assessed in the emergency department in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital and subsequently seen by the psychiatric non-consultant hospital doctor in the department of psychiatry on the same day. Following assessment the person was not admitted to the acute psychiatry department but was referred to the local community mental health team for further involvement in his care. The person was offered a new patient outpatient appointment on 23 May 2017 in his local area which he had confirmed by phone but unfortunately did not attend. He was offered an additional appointment on 13 June 2017, which he attended and he has a further review appointment pending which was offered by his local community mental health team.

A new multi-million acute psychiatric inpatient unit opened last September in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. This is a significant new capital development for people with severe, enduring and disabling mental health issues. Mental health remains a priority care programme for this Government. We are committed to increasing the mental health budget annually, as shown by the substantial additional funding of some €140 million since 2012.

With regard to specific complaints in relation to experiences of individuals in our hospitals, there is a formal complaints policy, entitled Your Service Your Say, details of which are on the HSE website. In accordance with this procedure, a complaint must be made in the first instance to the hospital in which the incident causing the complaint occurred. If an individual is not satisfied with the response from the hospital, a review can be sought from the HSE director of advocacy and the Ombudsman.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

As I understand, the only reason my constituent raised this issue publicly was not merely to complain and create a fuss but to try to make the service better for others who might find themselves in the same position but who did not have the support of friends, community and family. Where would they be? The referral for specialist help was six weeks after the initial appointment. Luckily, this particular individual had considerable help from his community, family and friends that he was able to deal with this issue but he has made it a public locally and, I suspect, nationally, mainly to get assistance for people and to clarify what help is available when someone presents at our hospitals or GP services with a mental health crisis which could be a matter of life and death. What treatment is available?

While the centre in Drogheda is welcome, the day centre in Navan, which was to replace the old centre in the town, has not been opened. TheJournal.iehas reported today that it is still closed, but that is known across the community. The services are really inadequate. Nobody seems to know what is available for someone at a point of crisis in mental health.

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

It is a distressing case. I was shown some of the background to it by officials in the Department. It is obviously a very sensitive case and I do not want to dwell on it, nor does Deputy Thomas Byrne, but the gentleman in question has done the State some service for highlighting the difficulties he experienced in his case. The Deputy asked what happens when somebody presents to a hospital. The HSE mental health division has a clinical care programme which comes into effect when people present to the emergency department with suicidal ideation or self-harm. All level four hospitals have a liaison psychiatry service available on-site of the acute hospital. This service provides prompt assessments in the emergency department. In this case, the individual presented to the emergency department. I take on board the Deputy's concerns. I am new to the role and I am anxious to see for myself what is available on the ground. I thank the Deputy for highlighting its importance.

Thomas Byrne (Meath East, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am sure the Minister, Deputy Harris, has heard from my colleague, Deputy Browne. The Minister of State, Deputy McEntee, and the Taoiseach will have heard from Deputy Browne and my party leader, Deputy Martin, one of the key priorities for our party is the whole issue of mental health and implementing A Vision for Change and the money required to pay for the resources needed, which is the key part of it and what was missing in this case. The money was not there and the resource was not available to give the help when it was required. I have no doubt that my colleagues will continue to press this issue with the Minister and with the Taoiseach, Deputy Varadkar, as a key priority for us and the country. We are all very good at talking, at getting photographs taken and at promoting all sorts of fantastic initiatives but the role of politicians and of Government is to provide the resources needed to help people when they present in crisis, as happened in this case.

Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy makes a very good point. It is a matter of deep concern to him and his party. In the continuance of the confidence and supply agreement he wants to see that this issue is dealt with. He is aware of the many different steps being taken with the mental health task force. I will meet it next Tuesday. We are having a consultation with numerous bodies, which we hope to publish very shortly. There is also A Vision for Change to which the Deputy referred. The Deputy mentioned resources and, of course, we want to see more resources. However, I am sure the Deputy would agree that it is not merely about resources but how we employ them. It is about awareness, education and cross-sectoral involvement. There are many issues to get right but I would welcome the Deputy continuing to keep the pressure on in regard to this issue during my time in this job.