Clarke says Government failing people with psychosis

Sinn Féin TD for Longford-Westmeath Sorca Clarke has criticised government for its ongoing failure to provide adequate mental health services for people experiencing psychosis, highlighting shocking figures showing that Ireland has just a fifth of the specialist teams that are needed.

“Psychosis is a serious and complex mental health issue that demands timely access and specialist intervention. Unfortunately reality tells a different tale, with the vast majority of people left waiting far too long for care, if they can access it at all.

“Early intervention is key when it comes to psychosis, however the system is utterly failing people due to complete lack of investment and forward planning.

“Right now, Ireland has just a fifth of specialist early intervention teams that are needed. Waiting times are spiralling and people are falling through the cracks.”

Deputy Clarke also raised concerns that there is no available data for counties that do not have a team in place, making it almost impossible to track need and outcomes across the country.

“If we are not even collecting data in certain areas, how can government claim to be planning for equitable access to care?

“Access to care should not depend on your postcode, no matter where you live, you should be able to receive timely treatment for psychosis. That is not the case under this government.

“We must ask ourselves, why, after years of promises, staffing remains such a major issue. This must change.

“I am calling on government to take urgent action to address staffing and resourcing issues across mental health services.

“Faster access to treatment saves lives – and it is time government acted like it," Deputy Clarke said.