Emergency departments need dedicated spaces for mental health presentations

Urgent reforms are needed in how hospital emergency departments respond to people presenting with mental health difficulties, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Pete Roche, Fine Gael spokesperson on mental health and member of the Oireachtas Health Committee said that vulnerable patients are too often left waiting in inappropriate environments that can worsen their distress and put lives at risk.

Following today’s meeting of the Oireachtas Health Committee, Deputy Roche raised concerns about the treatment and care pathways available to individuals experiencing mental health crises when they present at emergency departments.

“When someone presents at an emergency department in the midst of a mental health crisis, they deserve the same urgency, dignity and specialist care as any other patient. However, a patient in this situation needs to be signposted immediately to relevant services; Unfortunately, too many people are left waiting for extended periods in busy and often overwhelming emergency department settings that are simply not suitable for those experiencing severe mental distress.

“Staff in our emergency departments across the country work incredibly hard to provide the best care they can for all patients, but they need the facilities to support their work.”

Deputy Roche said there is a pressing need for dedicated mental health assessment and treatment spaces within hospitals, designed specifically to support people in crisis while ensuring their safety and wellbeing.

“While I overwhelmingly welcome the recent Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) team allocations, I have been consistently vocal about the need for dedicated spaces in our emergency departments for individuals presenting with mental health difficulties.

“These patients should not be left in crowded waiting rooms or corridors where their condition can deteriorate further. We need environments that are calm, safe and staffed by appropriately trained professionals who can provide immediate support when needed.

“Currently, there are 7 emergency departments with no appropriate spaces for mental health crisis assessments.

“We must examine how people are admitted, assessed and supported from the moment they arrive at hospital. Delays in accessing specialist mental health care can have devastating consequences as much as minimal after care.

“The system should be designed to protect people at their most vulnerable, not leave them feeling lost or forgotten. The current medical model doesn’t work with everyone who is presenting at A&E.

“At the heart of this issue are people’s lives. We know that individuals presenting during a mental health crisis can be at significant risk of harming themselves if they do not receive the right support quickly. That is why reform cannot wait. We need a system that responds compassionately, effectively and safely.”

Deputy Roche added: “I welcome today’s news from Minister Butler that 10 specialist crisis nursing teams are to be recruited for emergency departments nationwide. This is a positive step, and we must build on it. We owe it to those in crisis, and to their families, to ensure they receive timely, specialist and dignified care when they need it most,” concluded Deputy Roche.