Urgent need for more funding

THE promotion of greater awareness about schizophrenia, a mental health problem which often tends to be swept under the carpet, is a cause deserving of unstinting support.

In a health service characterised by cutbacks and bed closures, as illustrated in the above editorial comment, psychiatric illness has become the Cinderella of the system. In an effort to heighten public interest in this issue, the Lucia national awareness week, named after James Joyce's daughter, has been launched.

Today sees the publication of "Towards Recovery" a document defining principles of good practice in the treatment, care, rehabilitation and recovery of people with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and related mental disorders.