At the heart of operational policy, strategy and quality standards
The EAG on Mental Health services has held six meetings and a number of sub-group meetings. The focus of the EAG has been on identifying and proposing solutions to long standing system development and, secondly, to identify short term achievable goals that would serve as a focus to drive this development. Critical issues which are being discussed include resource allocation areas as follows;
- Resource allocation (including recruitment and training issues).
- Priorities, practices & organisational challenges, in implementing 'A Vision for Change'.
- The structure of care delivery including communication between the various sectors such as, professional disciplines, statutory & voluntary sectors and patient/ care groups.
- The identification of lead developments directed towards aligning Mental Health care with general health care delivery systems within the HSE.
KEY PRIORITIES
Multidisciplinary Teams
The creation of fully staffed and effective multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) is a key objective in mental health. The Mental Health EAG has established a working group to examine the role and functions of MDTs and to guide HSE mental health services accordingly.
Outreach Services
As mental health services move further away from an institutional model with small inpatient units in acute hospitals a greater community presence is essential. Day Hospitals and Day Centres play an important role. A number of mental health services have developed outreach models of care where the service is delivered directly into the Service Users own home. This model allows for a more realistic treatment environment and allows for greater family/carer involvement. Outreach service models can be effective in acute and rehabilitative care sometimes known as Home Care and Assertive Outreach. The EAG will provide guidance on how these models can be best introduced and evaluated.
Crisis Intervention
As in other aspects of health a crisis can occur where the individual needs ready access to treatment and support on an emergency basis. Urgent hospitalisation may not always be necessary where alternate crisis intervention models are available. This EAG subgroup will explore such models and provide a clear evaluation of appropriate structure to support the individuals at a time of crisis.
Care / Recovery Plan
Severe and enduring mental illness can have a devastating and disorganising effect on an individual. Once a comprehensive MDT assessment has been concluded a clear, coordinated and focused plan needs to be put in motion. Working with the Service User, concerned others and the MDT members a goal orientated plan is created and implemented. This subgroup will examine current practices and advise on effective models.
Membership of the Mental Health Expert Advisory Group
Chair: Dr. Ian Daly, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist, St.Loman's/Tallaght Hospitals
Mr. Michael Bambrick, Director of Nursing, West Cork Mental Health Service
Mr. John Boyce, Irish Advocacy Network, Advocate, HSE West
Mr. Brendan Byrne, Chief Nursing Officer, Carlow/ Kilkenny Mental Health Service
Mr. Gerry Clarke, Asst. Director of Nursing, Waterford Mental Health Service
Ms. Mary Davis, Psychologist, Galway
Mr. Geoff Day, Director, National Office for Suicide Prevention, Population Health
Dr. Brendan Doody, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, St. James's Hospital / TCD
Mr. Richard Dooley, Network Manager, NHO, South Eastern Hospitals Group
Ms. Theresa Flacke, Director of Counselling, Galway
Ms. Dora Hennessy, Principal Officer Department of Health & Children
Dr. Eamon Keenan, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist, Drug Treatment Centre Board
Dr. Terry Lynch, General Practitioner, Limerick
Dr. Sara McDevitt, Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Brothers of Charity, Cork
Mr. Paddy McGowan, Chair of Western Health and Social Services Council, Northern Ireland
Ms. Tina McGrath, Occupational Therapist, Dublin Mid Leinster
Mr. Seamus McNulty, Assistant National Director, PCCC, HSE West
Mr. Martin Rogan, Assistant National Director (Mental Health)
Dr. Vincent Russell, Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist, Cavan/Monaghan Mental Health Service
Ms. Victoria Somers, Mental Health Social Worker, Kildare
For further information please contact:
Martin Rogan, Assistant National Director, Mental Health
HSE, Oak House, Millennium Park, Naas,Co. Kildare
Tel: (045) 882502 / 537
E-mail: martin.rogan@hse.ie
Last updated on: 06 / 04 / 2009