New self-harm nurse service to be provided at Letterkenny General

The HSE Donegal Mental Health Service is launching a new self-harm nurse service for Donegal.
The new service will be accessible to people who need this professional help 0800am until 0800pm seven days per week, in the Emergency Department in Letterkenny General Hospital.
The aim of the new service is to improve the outcomes for people who come to the Emergency Department following a self harm episode this will be done by:
-Improving access to appropriate treatments and support at times of personal crisis
-Reducing rates of repeated self harm
-Ensuring rapid and timely linkage to appropriate follow up care
-Helping family and carers in trying to support those who present with self harm.  
The service will be provided by to newly appointed self harm nurse’s Tracey Roarty and Michelle Murray.
Tracey stated, “Each patient discharged from the ED following a presentation with self harm will be offered a telephone call within 24hrs from either Michelle or me. We will offer support and discuss their care plan further, and offer a brief follow up, with the aim of helping them to access the relevant services to address their needs. The main focus is to empower individuals to make choices, leading to recovery with a network of support in the community”.