Results 1,561-1,580 of 3,610 for speaker:Mark Ward

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: 777. To ask the Minister for Health if CAMHS provide treatment for young people experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51579/22]

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: We could hear the passion and the love the witnesses have for their jobs and I thank them. Any criticism I have is what they have highlighted in relation to what is missing. One can see that the perinatal service is almost there. With a bit of tweaking, political will and more resources, we could be world leaders in this area. The in-patient facility, the mother and baby unit that was...

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: Dr. Niazi raised the issue of the two sites in April 2022. It is now October, which is six months later and the issue seems to be ongoing. I am concerned it could go on indefinitely. Dr. Niazi mentioned the third floor site and a green field site. Is there a preference? Can we as legislators do anything to apply pressure and get that moving? That is what I am interested in.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: That is the question I was going to ask.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: A decision has not yet been made between the two sites. Dr. Wrigley has identified two sites and-----

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: While there are 20 perinatal units like this in Britain, there are none, according to Dr. Wrigley, in the North of Ireland. As such, there is currently no mother and baby unit on the whole island of Ireland.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: The North is probably at the same stage as the HSE is in trying to get a unit here and is moving forward slowly. Has there been collaboration between North and South to see if there is any work that can be done together?

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: Yes.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: Okay.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: And, again, in the context of bricks and mortar-----

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: -----where is that in the planning? Has that progressed or is that just a request at the moment?

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: Technology has moved on 100% in respect of modular builds. A school in my area is a modular build. It is a state-of-the-art building and is not like the old prefabs that people had years ago. These are state-of-the-art places using modern technology. Modular builds should be an option moving forward and they would not have the same stigma as in the past. In here we usually ask for ways...

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: It is refreshing to hear all that and much of what has been said is common sense. I would like this model replicated in other departments in the HSE as it would help with the recruitment and retention of staff.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: The issue of public health nurses and their importance was mentioned. In my area, parents were getting letters from the HSE to state that the public health nurse service could not deliver child services for their children's development assessment at three, nine, 11, 21 to 24 and 46 to 48 months. I was one of the people who highlighted this issue at the time. We focused more on children's...

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: When I was a young new father, I had interactions with public health nurses who came out to the house to visit my child and my wife at the time. As a father, I got support by being able to ask a question because I was not sure and did not know what to do and all that. It still sticks with me that I was able to use that support and it helped me at the time. The gap in services in my area at...

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: I thank Dr. Niazi for answering all of the questions. He probably sees a question coming in from me and thinks " here he is again". We sometimes get bland answers from the HSE, but in fairness the answers I receive from Dr. Niazi and his statements in the media are always honest and transparent. I appreciate that.

Joint Committee On Health: Issues Relating to Perinatal Mental Health: Discussion (18 Oct 2022)

Mark Ward: Health does not appreciate borders; it goes across borders.