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30 January 2004
Why is there no Psychiatric Representation
on
Acute Hospitals Review Group?
The Irish College of Psychiatrists has recently
written to Minister Micheál Martin asking why Psychiatry
is not represented on the Acute Hospitals Review Group –
recently announced by the Department of Health and Children. Minister
Martin was urged to re-consider the composition of the Group and
now include a Psychiatrist Member.
Dr Kate Ganter said in the letter "I
am extremely disappointed that Psychiatry is not represented on
this Group. Psychiatrists are the third largest grouping of consultants
and compose of 30% of the NCHD workforce. It is surprising and
disappointing that Psychiatry is not represented when important
policy-making bodies are being established – and this is
now a common occurrence"
"It is apparent from the composition of the Group that
the emphasis is on emergency and acute services, in which we are
very much involved. For example recent figures published by the
National Suicide Research Foundation show the extent of parasuicide
in Ireland. These patients present at A&E and require an immediate
response. This parasuicidal activity often requires in-patient
assessment and treatment"
"As psychiatrists our voices should be heard as we represent
the voices of the stigmatised, vulnerable patients and often extremely
ill patients we endeavour to serve. It is frustrating that the
most vulnerable people are ignored when the development and planning
of services are being considered".
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