Mental health services warning

PSYCHIATRISTS have warned the Tánaiste that accountability and quality of care in the mental health services will be compromised under the new Health Service Executive (HSE).

The Irish College of Psychiatrists (ICP) and the Irish Psychiatrists Association (IPA) are seeking a dedicated agency to look after mental health instead of division of responsibility for the service between two new HSE directorates Primary, Community and Continuing Care (PCCC) and the National Hospitals Office (NHO).

In a joint letter to Health Minister Mary Harney, the ICP and the IPA warn: "Skills will not be maintained, professional standards will drop, and accountability and quality will be even harder to effect. We jointly suggest this is contrary to the public interest and requires your renewed consideration and attention."

Both groups believe a single Mental Health Directorate is essential to co-ordinate services and to protect funding for the sector.

A Health Department spokesman said they had received the letter but it had not been brought to the Tánaiste's attention yet.