The HSE has confirmed that staffing issues are curtailing services for new referrals to Donegal Mental Health Services for Older Persons, but current case loads are being maintained.
In statement, the HSE says there is a staffing issue of a temporary nature, and in the interim, new service users and their families are advised to contact their GP. Emergency referrals will be dealt with on a case by case basis by the Mental Health Services for Older Persons team, with the support of their General Adult Psychiatry colleagues.
The statement says the current arrangement is of a temporary nature and every effort is being made to return to a full service as soon as possible, with a second consultant to be recruited early next year.
Statement in full –
The Donegal Mental Health Services for Older Persons are maintaining their current case loads.
There is a staffing issue of a temporary nature and in the interim new service users and their families are advised to contact their local GP in the first instance.
There are no plans to change the delivery of services for older persons in the Dungloe area or across Co Donegal.
Donegal Mental Health Services wish to reassure the public that the current arrangement is of a temporary nature and every effort is being made to return to a full service as soon as possible.
The 2016 Mental Health Service Plan includes the proposed appointment of a second full time Consultant with special interest in Older Persons. Approval has been received from the Consultants Appointment Unit for a second post and recruitment will commence early in 2016.
