Government has failed on mental health, says Ward

Sinn Féin TD and mental health spokesperson Mark Ward has called on the Minister for Health to fund mental health staff to appropriate levels, supporting the calls made by the Psychiatric Nursing Association (PNA).

The Psychiatric Nursing Association members have announced that the 17^th of September will be the start of industrial action over staff shortages and their effect on mental health services.

Ward explained “the PNA have said that many of our services, including the likes of CAMHS, are reliant on overtime or agency staff to operate. They have described this situation as unsustainable.”

“They voted for industrial action in June because they say that mental health services are at a “critical point” and that services across the country could be risk of closing.”

“This should have been a wake-up call for Simon Harris and Stephen Donnelly. Staff are stretched and worn out. As no progress has been made since June, the PNA members have decide to move forward with industrial action. This is a failure by this Government.”

He said “the people accessing or trying to access mental health services are being affected. They and their families are at further risk as long as staffing levels remain unsafe.”

“The HSE recruitment embargo gave uncertainty for staff, but now that that has been lifted, there are reports that many of the vacant position have now been removed. This is having an impact on the delivery of interventions for people in need.

“The Psychiatric Nursing Association members did not take this decision lightly and have the overall care of their patients at the forefront.

“We need action now, for the service users in need but also for the staff that are delivering those services. Mental health needs to be funded appropriately and safe staffing levels needs to be a priority.”