Carndonagh’s Radharc na Sleibhte mental health residential and respite centre is to be transitioned into a community service, families have been told.
The HSE met with family members and advocates yesterday to outline plans and allay fears the facility will close.
Instead, the Donegal mental health service users will transition from a residential setting to a recovery-focused crisis intervention or step-down facility.
A feasibility study will be completed to incorporate this 10-12 bed crisis/step-down facility supported with 24-hour staff cover.
Families have been told that service users, depending on their level of need, may transfer to Radharc na Sleibhte in Carndonagh for a period of time prior to discharge home. This ensures a seamless transition and continuous support for our service users, demonstrating our commitment to their well-being.
A seven-day outreach service will support recently discharged service users in remaining in their homes and integrating within their local community. This recovery-based model promotes independence, hope, and choice for all and will see further development of the wellness café nature walks. A section of Radharc na Sleibhte will be reconfigured to provide this service.
Day Services for more acute short-term service users will also be developed at Radharc na Sleibhte. This will support some of those with acute conditions to receive appropriate interventions while continuing to live in their own home and with their families.
The transition is in line with national mental health policies, including Sharing the Vision and Connecting for Life, advocates for the replacement of institutional settings with appropriate community support structures. This shift will promote independent and integrated living for service users within communities, a significant step towards their holistic well-being.
“This project will be a positive stride towards achieving this for the people of Inishowen,” a HSE spokesperson said.
“Donegal Mental Health Service is committed to continuing engagement with all relevant stakeholders. We value your input and aim to develop a modern and recovery-focused Mental Health Service for the Inishowen region that continues to meet the mental health needs of all.”
