People with Disabilities in Ireland > News and Publications

WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY – CALL FOR 24.7 OUTREACH SERVICE

Tuesday 9th October 2007. .

In advance of Word Mental Health Day tomorrow (Wednesday) PwDI, the national body representing all people with disabilities, today called for a national 24.7 outreach service to be made available from the HSE for people who are severely depressed.

Michael Ringrose, PwDI Chief Executive said:

“At this stage in our development it is disgraceful that as a country we are over dependent upon the services of an excellent voluntary organisation like the Samaritans.

“People who are in difficulty should be able to call for help knowing that they will be able to, on a 24-hour-a-day basis, talk directly to a human being with the appropriate skills. And this service needs to be available on a national basis,” he said.

Mr Ringrose also said that the shortage of neurologists needs a much more urgent response from Government.

“Ireland has less than half the recommended number of neurologists, one of the lowest ratios of neurologists per head of population in the EU. Currently there are 17 neurologists in Ireland while the EU recommended number is 37 for a country of our population.

“Patients with neurological disorders are being denied vital treatment because of under-funding and the failure to fill vacant neurological posts, posts that were identified as being needed some three years ago.

“In the case of many serious neurological illnesses, a patient’s condition can deteriorate at an alarming rate without adequate treatment.

“In addition to that, delaying on this issue makes no sense whatever from the point of view of taxpayers. While treatment can be expensive the cost of not treating patients is much higher in the longer run,” he said.

It is estimated that around 500,000 Irish people have some form of neurological disorder.

“The current situation is an appalling indictment of those in charge of health services who have failed to plan properly for the needs of people,” said Mr Ringrose.

He said that conditions in mental health institutions are a major concern.

“Many of the physical and environmental conditions are sub standard, they do not respect the dignity of the person. This is a human rights issue,” he said.

Further information: -----------

Ends

Further information: National Office PwDI Tel. 01-8721744

<< Previous Press Release |Next Press Release >> | Back to index