Mental health care – let’s consult the families

THE Minister at the Department of Health and Children, Tim O’Malley, has announced his committee to examine and prepare a ‘road map’ for mental health services that takes into account the experience and recommendations of ‘service users’ as an alternative to the present mental health system.

I feel the regime currently in place is being run to suit all those working in the system, and not the patients.

What has become of the hospital charter for patients?

I would like to ask Mr O'Malley why we the families of service users were not contacted regarding the much discussed shortfalls in the system. I listened to Mr O'Malley being interviewed about this new service. It did not give me much encouragement that he has any understanding of this area of health. I wonder is this just another PR exercise to show good face at a time when suicide figures are rising and one in four of those homeless on our streets are patients discharged from our psychiatric hospitals who are presumed well and without need of any follow-up. This is where we need immediate change more family involvement in the care of our loved ones and a proactive approach by our health boards to our suggestions for a better service for the most vulnerable in our society.

Anne Ryan,

70, High St,

Kikenny.