Majella is right about appointment delays
ALIGHT has been shone this week on the predicament facing that those awaiting public psychiatrist appointments.
Majella O’Donnell, who has first hand experience of suffering with depression, took a swipe at the waiting lists that face those referred by their GPs, and the massive bills they face when they get assessed.
Hospital waiting lists are an issue for many departments, but where mental health is concerned, this waiting time could simply prove to be too much for those in a bad way.
Psychiatrists as professional practitioners, are entitled to charge the going rate, but the problem is that the public system is not up to scratch for those who badly need an appointment, but who simply cannot afford to be seen privately.
Ms O’Donnell sought to highlight the issue of unavailability of a timely service, when her friend was referred by her GP and told she would be seen in February. She said, even then, the fee would be €300 per hour, which for many is enough to rule out any appointment.
For someone with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns, almost three months is just not acceptable as a waiting time and once, again how do we put a price on the healthcare of our citizens?
If other countries, the UK, France, for example can make an adequate public system work then why can we not?
It is so disheartening so know that people are neglecting their health and putting up with this broken system because they just don’t have a choice.
Voluntary organisations are carrying the can for the State and trying to spread themselves as thinly as possible so that anyone who needs help can be supported.
The likes of Pieta House, Samaritans, Suicide or Survive, Aware and many, many more should be commended for their work, which really is life saving.
However, these organisations work best in tandem with health service care for some patients and why can one not compliment the other when needed?
Those who take the plunge to seek medical help if they feel their mental health is suffering should be commended, not told they will be seen months down the line.
Who knows what state a person might be in by then, and who could have been better assisted through earlier intervention.