Mental health body to voice frustration over funding

FRUSTRATION at the slow rate of progress in introducing key elements of a two-year-old mental health act is expected to be expressed today by the independent body set up to shepherd in the legislation.

Members of the Mental Health Commission, whose first annual report is published today, are to voice their concerns about what they say is the continued underfunding of psychiatric services. There is some frustration that an inspector of mental hospitals has yet to be appointed, though this is expected soon, while the chief executive has only been in situ a number of months.

The 2001 Mental Health Act also promised to set up tribunals to oversee the forced detention of individuals. This has not yet happened and lack of money is being blamed.

Annie Ryan, a veteran campaigner for the rights of the mentally ill, while not commenting on the annual report, said: “One of the most important things is to get your personnel in place and that took some time and was rather difficult.”

Ms Ryan, whose main interest is in the care of people with intellectual disabilities, added: “The foundation’s there, now we should be motoring.”

She believes it is up to the commission to radically change the way services are funded and the public perception towards sufferers. “It is up to the commission to suggest mechanisms whereby this can be done.”

Ms Ryan, whose son was committed to St Ita’s, Portrane, for many years, expects this job will take a lot of time as it means changing a “whole mindset in the country”.

A wide range of issues have to be tackled, the commission is expected to argue in its annual report, including forced detention, suicides among young people, the use of prescription drugs, the value of true community care and the impact of new disability legislation. The commission, made up of experts and campaigners and chaired by Dr John Owens, held its first meeting in April 2002.