TD calls on Minister for Health to publish findings of review of Authorised Officers

Sinn Fein Spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD says he has called for the Minister for Health to publish the findings of the capacity review of Authorised Officer’s across the Community Healthcare Organisation’s.

Deputy Ward’s comments come after publication of the annual report of the Mental Health Commission which showed an increase in those involuntary detained under the mental health act that were instigated by the Gardaí.

“The Mental Health Commissions Annual Report stated that the number of patients detained against their will in psychiatric units rose from 1,919 in 2020 to 1,971 last year,” Deputy Ward said.

“The annual report  showed applications for involuntary orders instigated by Gardaí also rose. Gardaí were involved in 35pc of applications last year, up from 32pc in 2020.

“For too long the Gardaí have been the gate keepers for mental health services.

“During the pre-legislative scrutiny of the Mental Health Act this year we heard that the only person to sign applications for involuntary admission to an inpatient centre should be an authorised officer of the health service.

“The rationale  behind this is that it will have the effect of lessening the responsibility  on families and carers, while it will also reduce the involvement of Gardaí in the admission process.

“The HSE is  conducting a capacity review of Authorised Officer’s across the Community Healthcare Organisation’s.

“One of the reasons of this review is to find out how many authorised officers are needed and where.

“I have written to the Minister today and asked that this review be published and whatever recommendations are made, are acted on.

“There is also a problem with the lacuna created by the Government in the Assisted Decision Making Capacity Act which is working its way through the house of the Oireachtas.

“The Ministers failure to accept Sinn Fein amendments will mean that the  1,971 people involuntary detained last year may not have their advanced health care wishes adhered too.

“People detained under the Mental Health Act are the only cohort of society who are excluded from having their future health care preferences not legislated for.