Current lack of psychiatrists is highlighted

SHORTFALL in the number of consultant psychiatrists was raised in the Dáil by Fianna Fáil Deputy James Browne. He said the Public Service Pay Commission ( PSPC) found there were problems, in particular, with recruitment in psychiatry, where there were 458 established posts but only 364 of them had been filled, which is approximately 79%.

In June 2018, he said 25 unqualified non-specialist doctors, who were not on the specialist register, were acting as psychiatric consultants, a practice that the President of the High Court, Mr. Justice Peter Kelly, described as ‘scandalous’, and reported the matter to HIQA, the Attorney General and others.

‘It did not receive the coverage it deserved at the time due to other serious health issues in the news,’ he said. ‘It is clear that there is a serious shortage of psychiatrists, however, when the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland sought to increase the number of trainee places by 10%. This was refused and an increase of only 5% was granted.’

In response, Health Minister Simon Harris said there are 340 consultant psychiatrists in the mental health services and 83 vacancies. The HSE uses locums, short-term contracts and other arrangements to fill many of these posts to support service delivery.

‘In addition, we have developed our capacity in primary care through the funding of 114 assistant psychologists, a new grade whose positive impact I have seen first-hand, 20 psychologists and ten advanced nurse practitioners,’ he said. ‘This will help to manage the demand and improve access to psychiatry services.’