Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Department of Health

Mental Health Services Provision

Photo of Catherine MartinCatherine Martin (Dublin Rathdown, Green Party)
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172. To ask the Minister for Health the timeframe for the publication of the roadmap for out-of-hours access to mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52579/17]

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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With regard to the timeframe for the publication of the roadmap for out-of-hours access to mental health services, the HSE has provided the following information:

The HSE Mental Health Division assigned a Service Improvement Lead to progress the improved out-of-hours access to mental health services initiative earlier this year. The HSE initially mapped the entire 114 Adult Mental Teams to determine the existing level of 7/7 service provision. The results of this exercise showed that there currently is approximately 60% coverage across the nine CHOs of 7/7 cover comprising of a combination of Assertive Outreach, Home-Based Treatment Teams and nurse-provided cover.

The HSE then estimated the level of resources required to provide a 7/7 service across the entire 114 teams which were identified as being approximately 50 Whole Time Equivalents.

As part of Programme for Government funding in 2017, approximately €4.5 million was sought and was granted for the staffing, facilities and non-staffing costs associated with the enhanced Service which will initially be for known Service Users. A consultation process with all nine CHOs then took place to agree staffing numbers and professions. This has now been completed and the HSE is currently in the process of recruiting the additional staff indicated. A more detailed model of care and set of KPIs to assess the value and impact of a 7/7 Service is also being developed which is expected will inform the development of 24/7 Mental Health Services including Crisis Intervention.

Given the recruitment timelines the HSE has indicated that it anticipates the additional staff to be in place by the end of Quarter 1 2018 with the enhanced 7/7 Services commencing from then.

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