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08/05/2015
Concerns Raised Over Provision Of Mental Health Services In Donegal
The provision of mental health services in Donegal has raised concerns after it emerged that GPs have been forced to suspend referrals to local addiction services as a result of staff shortages.
Donegal Mental Health Service has had to take the drastic action following the retirement of an addiction counsellor in South West Donegal and part of the Finn valley.
GPs received a letter at the end of March informing them that referrals had been suspended.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue said the absence of a community detox specialist in the county is a "disgrace".
He said: "People who would have been previously referred to Letterkenny General Hospital or to a specialist nurse by their GP will now have no face-to-face treatment or follow-up services. They are now being left to struggle at home without anyone advocating for them in person or ensuring that they are receiving the help they so desperately need.
"I am aware that the National Recruitment Service has launched a recruitment campaign to fill these posts however the closing date was last month and there is usually at least an 18 week administration period before any appointment is made. This is a completely unacceptable situation."
(CD/JP)
Donegal Mental Health Service has had to take the drastic action following the retirement of an addiction counsellor in South West Donegal and part of the Finn valley.
GPs received a letter at the end of March informing them that referrals had been suspended.
Fianna Fáil TD for Donegal Charlie McConalogue said the absence of a community detox specialist in the county is a "disgrace".
He said: "People who would have been previously referred to Letterkenny General Hospital or to a specialist nurse by their GP will now have no face-to-face treatment or follow-up services. They are now being left to struggle at home without anyone advocating for them in person or ensuring that they are receiving the help they so desperately need.
"I am aware that the National Recruitment Service has launched a recruitment campaign to fill these posts however the closing date was last month and there is usually at least an 18 week administration period before any appointment is made. This is a completely unacceptable situation."
(CD/JP)
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