IRISH COLLEGE OF PSYCHIATRISTS SUPPORTS SCHIZOPHRENIA IRELAND'S RESPONSE TO THE INSPECTOR OF MENTAL HOSPITALS REPORT 2001

The Irish College of Psychiatrists is fully supportive of both the response of Schizophrenia Ireland to the report of the Inspector of Mental Hospitals for 2001 (published in August 2002), and Schizophrenia Ireland's budget submission. The Irish College has brought all of the issues raised to the attention of Minister for State Tim O' Malley at a meeting on 6th November last.

The main issues raised in the Schizophrenia Ireland response are:

An acknowledgement that mental health service developments have progressed in various parts of the country.

The need for more rational planning to ensure a consistency in the development of mental health services throughout Ireland.

The need for the Department of Health and Children to ensure adequate resources are put in place so that Health Boards can develop good models of service.

The urgent need to address the serious mental health problems in the prison and homeless population of Ireland.

Dr Colette Halpin, Chairman of the Irish College of Psychiatrists said today, "The Irish College is concerned about the inequities in regard to the provision of county based residential accommodation throughout the country. It is obvious that this central plank of more community based psychiatry needs further resourcing and additional capital expenditure.

The Irish College shares the concerns of Schizophrenia Ireland on a range of issues raised in their response to the report to include:

• The lack of provision for the homeless mentally ill
• The inadequacy of rehabilitation services
• The structure and organisation of prison health care services
• The need of a suitable training module of members of An Garda Siochana
• The role of representative bodies in responding to staffing needs of the service
• The need for comprehensive mental health care

Further information
Wally Young, Young Communications 01-6680530 or 087-2471520