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New Clinical Programme ensures timely support for people who present to Emergency Departments following self-harm
- March 16, 2016
- Posted by:
- Category: External Affairs & Policy Press Statements
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland welcomes the commencement of the Clinical Programme for Management of Self Harm Presentations in Emergency Departments.
This timely and practical programme puts into operation a practical expert response to a growing and concerning problem in our communities nationally.
The programme, launched by the HSE on Wednesday 9th March provides a standardised process for the assessment and management of people of all age ranges who self-harm. The process guarantees people in distress a timely assessment leading to triage and on to needs based follow up by skilled clinicians.
The Clinical Programmes bring clinical leadership to the heart of the clinical decision-making process with the ultimate aim of improving quality, access and value of healthcare in the country using evidence-based approaches to system reform. The HSE clinical care programmes in mental health are collaboratively developed with the College of Psychiatrists. The College role is to ensure that all clinical care programmes in mental health use internationally recognised best practice in supporting people with mental health problems.
The programme was launched by the HSE on Wednesday 9th March with opening presentations by Dr Ruth Loane and Dr Aine Carroll, National Director of Clinical Strategy and Programmes and Ms Anne O’Connor National Director Mental Health Division.
Dr Ruth Loane, President of the College said,
“We are delighted to see this programme launched and with it a clear pathway of support and treatment plan for those who find themselves in distress in the emergency department following self-harm or with prominent suicidal ideation. I would like to specifically thank two College members, Dr Siobhán MacHale (Chair of the Programme subgroup) and Dr Eugene Cassidy for their time and commitment to the development of this programme.”
Dr Loane emphasised that “the aim of the programme is also to reduce repeated self-harm rates, improve access to interventions and timely linkage to follow up care which we all hope will be achieved. There is a clear process for involving families and carers in supporting their loved ones which is to be welcomed.”