Young Mayo people with mental health difficulties 'being neglected'

A MAYO member of An Seanad has expressed disappointment at what she described as 'the vagueness' of the new action plan for rural Ireland, stating not enough is being done to address health care from a rural perspective.

Senator Rose Conway-Walsh referred specificially to its proposals to provide support for local strategies across rural Ireland 'to address suicide, mental health and wellbeing'.

The Erris-based representative stated: “I know many people, and their families, who present at accident and emergency departments with mental health difficulties but are sent home.

“Young people, in particular, are presenting. These young people may have been protected under the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, system and sometimes were residential patients under the CAMHS system.

“However, because the CAMHS criteria is so inflexible, once they reach the age of 18 they are kicked out and sent back into their communities.

“Time and time again, they present at accident and emergency departments and are sent home without any supports or services.

“I am extremely concerned for these young people and for those who are not being seen through the accident and emergency departments.”