Written answers

Tuesday, 8 July 2014

Department of Health

Mental Health Act Review

Photo of John LyonsJohn Lyons (Dublin North West, Labour)
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764. To ask the Minister for Health if under the Government's stated commitment to the development of a community based model of care, he will support the amendment to the Mental Health Act 2001 proposed by the Carer's Association to require health professionals to involve the carers of mental health patients in their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/14]

Photo of Kathleen LynchKathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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I am aware and acknowledge that patient outcomes are better where families and/or carers are involved in the development of the patients care and treatment plan. Healthcare professionals should proactively encourage patients at all stages to involve their family and/or carer in the development of these plans.

I must also accept, however, that patient confidentiality is important and should not be compromised where in some limited cases patients specifically request that contact not be made with families and/or carers. For the benefit of the patient, every effort must be made to encourage him or her to involve family and/or carers, but it is equally important to recognise that breaching this confidence against the patient's wishes, can damage the health professional/patient relationship. The Medical Council's Ethical Guide does however specially allow a doctor to ethically breach confidentiality if, for example. he/she believes that the patient is at risk of harming himself/herself or others.

The Expert Group which is reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001 is examining a range of issues, including the one mentioned by the Deputy. The Group is coming towards the end of its deliberations, and I expect to receive its final report by the end of the quarter 3 this year. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on or pre-empt any aspect of the Group's report in advance of receiving its final copy.

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