Cork and Kerry 'dual diagnosis' drug and mental health hub supports 250 people

The centre at Heron House in Blackpool provides specialist multidisciplinary support for people experiencing both mental health difficulties and substance use disorders

Cork MHS clinical director Sinéad O'Brien; HSE South West CEO Andy Phillips; minister Mary Butler; consultant psychiatrist clinical lead Kevin Lally; HSE South West general manager social inclusion David Lane; HSE dual diagnosis programme national clinical lead Narayanan Subramanian, and IHA manager HSE South West Priscilla Lynch. Picture: Gerard McCarthy

Around 250 people with both a substance addiction and mental health needs have benefited from a dual diagnosis service in Cork.

The service, which has operated on an administrative basis for over a year, has been launched officially by mental health minister of state Mary Butler.

The formal launch of the adult dual diagnosis hub team in Cork has seen the service move to a dedicated centre at Heron House in Blackpool.

Ms Butler said the HSE South West programme is the first service in the country to operate under the national dual diagnosis model of care.

This provides specialist multidisciplinary support for people experiencing both mental health difficulties and substance use disorders.

The Department of Health said the Cork service is now fully staffed.

The service runs outreach clinics in Mallow, Bantry, and Arbour House in Ballinlough.

Sinéad O’Brien, executive clinical director of mental health services for HSE South West, said that people from both Cork and Kerry availed of the service.

One third completed most of their care plan

In the first year or so of operating, a third of its service users continued in treatment, and a further third completed the majority of their care plan. Staff are devising other initiatives to try and support those who find it difficult to engage.

Ms Butler said: “I am very encouraged to see the range of supports and services for people who experience a mental health condition and an addiction issue, and to hear about the 250 people who have already benefitted.”

She said accessible early intervention mental health services are “critical”.

Kevin Lally, consultant psychiatrist, said: “The dual diagnosis programme has grown significantly since it began operating, and the impact for service users across Cork and Kerry is already clear. We are seeing complex patients earlier, with no waiting list, and delivering integrated care that improves outcomes.

To sustain this progress and meet rising need across the region, continued investment is essential. 

Shortly after launching the centre in Cork, Ms Butler launched an “enhanced” substance abuse service specific to youth (called Sassy) dual diagnosis hub in North Dublin, which helps up to 200 young people. 

The investment backs the introduction of parent support groups, including late-afternoon and evening sessions and sibling support groups.

Sassy lead, consultant psychiatrist Gerry McCarney, said: “Young people who are experiencing both mental health and substance use difficulties can have complex needs, and their families often need support too.

“This investment allows our multidisciplinary team to provide more joined-up, age-appropriate care, while making specialist advice and treatment more accessible across North Dublin. We are particularly pleased to be able to strengthen supports for parents, siblings, and families as part of a young person’s care.”

• Cormac O’Keeffe, Security Correspondent