Half the EU average of acute beds and consultants pose challenges for new mental health strategy

The number of psychiatrists in Ireland — six per 100,000 population — is half the European average as is the number of acute beds available, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA).says.

A new mental health strategy launched this week fails to address "gaping deficits” in staffing, as well as bed shortages and low levels of funding, the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) warns.

The organisation, representing consultant doctors, says the new 10-year ‘Sharing the Vision’ strategy is “aspirational” and “short on concrete priorities”.