‘Neglected quarter’ have rights, too

I HAVE just read Amnesty International’s summary report, ‘Mental Illness — the Neglected Quarter,’ promoting the rights of the one-in-four Irish people so afflicted.

There is much discussion at present on our health services but, sadly, mentally ill people have been ignored for 50 years. Suicide among psychiatric patients is very high.

We need our health boards to put a formal audit in place and investigate all aspects of treatment of those in their care who went on to die by suicide.

Then, and only then, will we see the serious shortfalls in the system.

The inspector’s report for 2001 highlighted his grave concerns in this area, but to date nothing has been done.

Anne Ryan,

70, High Street,

Kilkenny