Sinn Féin TD Claire Kerrane has said that all twenty-seven recommendations concluded by the report into the review of Roscommon Mental Health Services, commissioned by the HSE in 2015, must be implemented without delay.
Speaking having sought an update on the implementation of the report’s recommendations from the HSE, Deputy Kerrane said: “The report into Roscommon Mental Health Services was published in September 2017, and included twenty-seven recommendations for action. Over three and a half years later, and just eleven recommendations are complete.
“This is a cause of concern given the report – in its conclusion, the need for timely implementation of the recommendations is stressed, as is the need for a clear action plan with a clear timeline, and a named person accountable for the implementation of recommendations and actions”.
Deputy Kerrane welcomed the appointment of a dedicated project team to support the project manager in order to implement the sixteen outstanding recommendations.
“I note that as of last month, there was a vacancy on the project team for a Service User Representative. I understand recruitment was underway last month and I hope that position has been filled as the input of a service user would be vital and will also push to ensure that these recommendations are implemented without delay. I have no doubt that both the project team and manager are working hard to see these recommendations actioned and any supports or resources needed from the HSE should be forthcoming, where necessary,” she said.
The Sinn Féin TD said it was important to have patient-centred mental health services.
“Ultimately, I believe a new build is required for psychiatric care at Roscommon Hospital to follow the new fifty-bed facility at University Hospital Galway, which replaced an old, not-fit-for-purpose unit,” Deputy Kerrane concluded.
