Mental Health Services in Monaghan ‘at dangerous levels’ – Matt Carthy TD
Local Sinn Féin TD Matt Carthy has described the waiting times for Primary Care Psychology Services in County Monaghan as ‘unacceptable’ and a ‘localised consequence of a national scandal.’ He said that the levels of services provided to Monaghan people is dangerous.
Teachta Carthy said:
“I am currently liaising with one constituent at the moment who has been advised of a wait time ‘in excess of 75 weeks’ for much needed psychology support.
“It is deeply troubling and worrisome that members of our community are facing such exorbitant wait times for absolutely critical care.
“Early intervention is key when it comes to any medical intervention and this is equally the case with matters of mental health. The HSE now try to justify current delays as arising from Covid-19 but the truth is that lengthy waiting lists existed long before the current pandemic. They are a result of significant under-prioritisation of mental health services by successive Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael governments.
“Mental health services have consistently faced underinvestment and been in a state of crisis for decades.
“Covid-19 has exacerbated the situation because many more people, especially young people, are now in need of these supports due to the impact the lockdown has had on their well-being. It makes it all the more important that these waiting lists be addressed as a matter of urgency.
“I have tabled parliamentary questions to Minister for Health to assert the full situation in Monaghan and the consequences of staff redeployments have had on services.
“Unfortunately the Minister, like his predecessors, describes these issues as ‘service matters’ and fobs questions off to the HSE for reply. The crisis in mental health services, which is particularly acute in County Monaghan, is a result of political decisions. Therefore, it will take political action to resolve this matter.
“I am also calling on the Minister, and the Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael TDs that support this government, to ensure that the provision of mental health services be deemed a core part of the state’s response to Covid-19”.
ENDS
