Online survey to track HSE progress

AN online survey has been set up by the HSE to provide updates on every recommendation which it is responsible for in A Vision for Change at a local and national level.

The Vision Online initiative marks the halfway point in the 10-year Vision for Change programme — the Government’s blueprint for reforming the mental health services.

According to the HSE, the tool will assess progress made in mental health policy over the next five years and identify gaps in service provision.

Speaking at an event to mark the fifth anniversary of the plan, assistant national director of mental health, HSE, Martin Rogan said the survey gives a unique insight into progress achieved to date and allows a refocus on particular areas that may have found it difficult to keep pace with policy.

Mr Rogan said initial findings from the survey indicate that at the mid-point of a 10-year implementation plan many of the objectives have been fully delivered and significant progress has been made in the remainder.

“It is heartening to note that a key finding of the survey, which is endorsed by the National Service User Executive, is that service delivery is improving for users,” he said.

“Mental health service users are no longer passive recipients of care but actively involved in their own care plan, service development and national projects.”

The HSE said “significant achievements” had taken place in a number of key areas, including five new acute inpatient units at Beaumont, Letterkenny, Galway and Cork, with one in Louth under way.

There has also been progressive closure of traditional psychiatric hospitals and replacement with high-quality facilities and two bespoke 20-bed child and adolescent mental health units (CAHMS) in Cork and Galway.

* www.hse.ie/go/visionforchange.