Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 258: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number and nature of complaints made against mental health units and intellectual disability services here for the years 2007, 2008 and to date in 2009; the details of all reports and documents regarding investigation of such complaints against mental health units and intellectual disability services; the number of these complaints that have been fully investigated, had an investigation commenced but not finalised and had no investigation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6171/09]

John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context

My Department receives correspondence on a broad range of issues including complaints. These are referred as appropriate to the Health Service Executive or to the Mental Health Commission. The Health Act 2004 (Complaints) Regulations 2006 (SI 652 of 2006) made under Part 9 of the Health Act 2004, provide for the making of complaints by persons to the HSE and service providers and require the establishment and operation of procedures and arrangements to achieve a fair and reasonable resolution of such complaints. In addition, under the Mental Health Act 2001, the Mental Health Commission may inquire into approved centres, the care and treatment provided to a particular patient etc. The Mental Health Act (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006 require all approved centres to have written operational policies and procedures relating to the making, handling and investigation of complaints. The complaints procedure must be made known to each resident.