HSERESPONSE: €18M SPENT ON CENTRES IN REGION
THE HSE says it would like to reassure people in County Wexford that mental health services here are available to patients seven days a week, 365 days a year.
A HSE spokesperson said that since 2011, in line with the national mental health strategy Vision for Change, the HSE has developed mental health services in Wexford and Waterford inclusive of a capital investment of €18 million in both counties.
These developments see the vast majority of clients being treated in the community, by building on existing community mental health teams, outpatient clinics, hostels and day services – with only a small number requiring care in an acute inpatient setting.
‘This approach to delivering services is fully in line with ‘Vision for Change’ and is considered best practice, both nationally and internationally.’
In line with the closure of outdated mental health facilities, the following community services have been developed and expanded in County Wexford: Two new mental health day hospitals in Gorey and Wexford town are available seven days a week.
Three new purpose built High Support Residences on the grounds of St John’s Community Hospital, Enniscorthy: Tús Nua High Support Rehabilitation Centre (12 beds), Millview High Support community residence (12 beds) and Havenwood, High Support Intellectual Disability (12 beds). An Tearmann Respite Centre on the grounds of St John’s Hospital. The 50-bed Farnogue Community Nursing Unit on the grounds of Wexford General Hospital at an investment of €8 million – of which 20 beds are used by the mental health services.
Development in community services, where day services are increased and improvements made in how community mental health teams work has a positive affect as regards acute admissions. For the small number of people who require inpatient treatment, this is available in the Department of Psychiatry at University Hospital Waterford or in Newcastle Hospital, County Wicklow (for north County Wexford patients). Other supports include: 24/7 Suicide Helpline – 1800 247 247; Text HELP to 51444. Wexford Bereavement Counselling Service provides professional counselling, support and helpline services to those bereaved through suicide. Access to this service is by self referral and service can be contacted at (053) 912 2787.
A free-phone number (1800) 201 890 (24 hours) is available.
The Farm & Rural Stress Helpline is 1800 742 645.
SCAN Project (Suicide Crisis Assessment Nursing Service) is a speedy response service for GP’s who are concerned by a patient’s risk of self harm or suicide. Operationally the SCAN will seek to promptly see and assess a patient within their own GP surgery (with a one or two day response time). Following assessment the SCAN nurse, the GP and the patient (and friends/family members were granted) will agree a collaborative care plan to meet the patients needs and risks. Often this will involve counselling, health supervision and/or medication. In addition, SCAN has access to a duty psychiatrist to expedite psychiatrist’s out-patient review or admission to psychiatric in-patients services where risk/needs indicate this response.
Wexford Self Harm Intervention Service is a specialist counselling service for individuals aged 16 and over, where a person may be feeling vulnerable or suicidal.
‘Whilst it does not provide an emergency response, it does aim to provide access to specialised counselling at locations in Wexford town and Enniscorthy. This service can be accessed by a person asking their doctor for a referral. There is no cost to the client for attending this service.’
A Clinical Nurse Specialist is on duty seven days per week (from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wexford General Hospital, as part of a mental health liaison service. The duty specialist nurse will undertake to assess all adult patients who present to the Emergency Department in suicide/self harm distress – seeking to address the persons needs and safety.
Traumatic Bereavement Counselling Service: The HSE provides a free bereavement counselling service for people over 16 years of age who have been bereaved through traumatic circumstances such as by suicide, homicide, road traffic accident, industrial/agricultural/domestic accidents and drowning. Referral to this service is through an appropriate health professional.