Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 September 2026
470. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the protocols in place for the care and supervision of patients presenting with acute psychosis while awaiting psychiatric assessment in emergency departments; the supports available to family members accompanying such patients; and whether her Department is reviewing these arrangements with a view to improving patient safety and dignity during prolonged waits for assessment. [67761/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra471. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the facilities available at Mayo University Hospital for patients presenting in an acute mental health crisis, including those experiencing psychosis; the number of dedicated mental health assessment rooms available; whether additional facilities are planned (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67760/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra472. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for psychiatric assessment for persons presenting with acute psychosis or other acute mental health crises at the Emergency Department of Mayo University Hospital in each of the past three years; the longest wait recorded during this period; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [67759/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 470, 471 and 472 together.
The national Model of Care for Consultation Liaison Psychiatry was launched by myself as Minister in May 2025, which is a comprehensive framework to guide the development of Liaison Psychiatry services in our hospitals. Liaison psychiatry, also known as consultation liaison psychiatry, provides specialist mental health input in emergency departments and general hospital wards. Liaison Psychiatry plays a critical role in supporting people who present with both physical and mental health needs, particularly people who may present with eating disorders, self-harm and suicidal ideation.
Mental Health Assessment Rooms.
The National Clinical Programme for Self-harm and Suicide-related Ideation (NCPSHI) was introduced in Irish public hospital emergency departments in 2014. Primarily delivered by clinical nurse specialists with support from a consultant psychiatrist in each hospital area, the programme supports people presenting with suicidal ideation as well as self-harm.
The model of care for the service envisages a dedicated mental health assessment room within hospitals to provide a more appropriate environment for assessments to take place. Even when the full network of alternative Crisis Resolution Services is in place, we know people in distress will still present to emergency departments for support. Given most acute mental health in-patient units are co-located with our acute hospital network, it’s important people in distress are assessed in clinically appropriate environments when they present for support. In this context, I have also allocated considerable funding for the ongoing rollout of additional Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurses (SCAN) services.
Specialist Crisis Nurses in hospitals.
Under funding which I allocated in Budget 2026, the HSE will establish specialist nursing teams in the emergency departments of all Model 4 hospitals out-of-hours, made up of Advanced Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists to support people in crisis. By placing specialist nursing teams in our emergency departments out-of-hours, coupled with the expansion of community alternatives such as crisis resolution teams and crisis cafes, we are fundamentally changing how we respond to the needs of people in distress.
With reference to the information requested as this is an operational issue, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to you.
