Four a week sectioned under NI Mental Health Order in last five years
MORE than 1,000 people have been sectioned in Northern Ireland in the past five years, new statistics published by the Department of Health reveal.
Since 2013/2014, there have been 1,010 compulsory admissions to mental health hospitals in the province under the Mental Health Order 1986 — a process commonly referred to as ‘sectioning’.
The figure breaks down as just under four people being sectioned in Northern Ireland each week.
Annual statistics from the Department of Health cover a period from the start of April up to the end of March.
For the 2017/18 period just under half (47%) of those admitted were aged between 18 and 44 years of age.
Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, SDLP mental health spokesman Mark H Durkan said the demand on mental health services had increased in recent years. But he said it was notable there hadn’t been a marked increase in the number of individuals sectioned — something which can be an effective tool for someone in a crisis situation.
“There are many constituents who have raised it to me, and statutory agencies who have raised it as well, how difficult it is to get someone sectioned.
“There are cases where people have attempted suicide and been rescued, and then taken to A&E by police, and then taken their own lives the following day.”
The Foyle MLA added that his constituency was particularly affected by the mental health crisis, saying it was the “single biggest issue” in the area.
“It is linked to the economic neglect this part of the north has suffered for years as well as a number of legacy issues,” he said.
“It is actually the thing that people raise with me. It is a great thing that people are talking about it — it shows the stigma is being chipped away.
“It is reflected in an increase in demand for services but that is not matched by an increase in support for mental health services.”
The release of information comes amid an increased focus on mental health services in the province.
Earlier this month campaigners said officials in Northern Ireland did not share their urgency over funding for counselling.
A group representing 40 groups and individuals met with Dr Sloan Harper and his colleagues from the Health and Social Care Board to demand greater counselling services.
The joint call to boost counselling services at doctors’ practices is backed by over 40 GPs, counsellors and mental health charities, as well as over 2,000 individuals.
The figures released on Tuesday give figures give a wider picture of mental health and learning disability services in Northern Ireland.
As of February 17, there were 630 people being treated as inpatients in mental health hospitals across Northern Ireland.
Just over three-quarters of these had been in the hospitals for less than six months, while 16 residents have been inpatients for 10 years or more.
The figures also show that 113 patients are being treated as inpatients in learning disability hospitals in Northern Ireland.
A person can be sectioned under the Mental Health Order if their symptoms are of such a severity that inpatient treatment is considered the best option, and after the option of voluntarily seeking to be held has been discussed.