Mental health service reform has ‘ground to a halt’

Mental health service reform has "ground to a halt", with three out of five units failing to meet basic staff levels, one in four not having enough beds and half still using controversial patient restraints.

The damning findings were outlined in the latest annual report of independent watchdog the Mental Health Commission, which has insisted immediate action must be taken to address a hidden scandal which was meant to end seven years ago.

Despite Government and HSE claims the issues are being tackled, the MHC report has highlighted staffing, resources and budget concerns that are impacting on vital frontline services.