There are 78 fewer professionals working in mental health services across the HSE region CHO1 than ten years ago new figures show.
The local HSE Area, which covers counties Donegal, Cavan, Leitrim, Monaghan and Sligo, has seen the number of full-time posts within mental health services being reduced from 1,032 in 2009 down to just 954 as of July this year.
Deputy Pearse Doherty said the figures illustrate the complete disregard the government has for people with mental health problems.
He added the shocking figures come amidst an ongoing recruitment and retention crisis with some 700 vacancies in mental health services alone across the state.
Deputy Doherty said “These figures which reveal that there are today 78 fewer full-time staff employed within local Community based mental health services here in the northwest region compared to the same period ten years ago is beyond comprehension.
“As a local elected representative, I am constantly being contacted by families who share stories of loved ones who are being let down by gaps in the service, often citing a lack of community and after hours care and support.
“And despite the best efforts of our hard working frontline staff, these latest figures clearly show that local mental health services here in Donegal and neighbouring counties are chronically understaffed and under resourced.
“The data illustrates that while for the majority of HSE regions there have been an increase, albeit a modest one, in the number of staff working within mental health services, CHO1 – which includes Donegal – is one of the areas where staffing levels are lower than they were back in 2009.
“It’s no surprise that a recent Mental Health Commission report was damning in its criticism of how problems such as poor hygiene within mental health units, as well as inadequate staffing were undermining patients’ rights and called on the government to make significant steps to address these issues.
“This is why, prior to the summer recess, Sinn Féin tabled and won support for amendments to a Dáil motion which called on both the government and the HSE to produce a real plan aimed at improving patient care and at providing support to staff and all those working within mental health services.
“Our amendments included demands that the post of National Director for Mental Health be reinstated, that an information system for mental health services be developed, and for the government to commit to not implementing a freeze on recruitment or overtime for essential staff.
“However, the government continues to drag its heels on taking steps towards improving services for those living with mental health difficulties and – as we’ve seen all too many times before – patients here in Donegal continue to suffer disproportionately due to Fine Gael’s health policies.”
