By Dan Walsh
Wexford’s Mental Health Working Group has welcomed the commitment by Government Chief Whip and Minister of State at the Department of Health, Mary Butler TD to advance the development of a new 10-bed Specialised Community Mental Health Unit for County Wexford.
Chairperson, Cllr AoifeRose O’Brien said the Group had previously engaged with HSE regional representatives to review the current level of services available in the county.
“From the outset, it was clear that County Wexford does not have the level of mental health supports available in other counties of comparable size. The absence of a dedicated crisis unit has been felt across families in our county for decades. We have consistently advocated on behalf of our community and strongly demonstrated the urgent need for a specialised crisis unit in Wexford,” stated Cllr O’Brien.
Cllr O’Brien noted that, through collaboration with FDYS, Wexford Mental Health Association and the Public Participation Network (PPN), the Group has been systematically identifying key gaps within existing services.
“Some of the issues highlighted through our engagement process have been deeply concerning. The provision of a 10-bed crisis unit represents the minimum level of service required to begin addressing the longstanding deficits in mental health care in our county,” she added.
The group has written to the Minister seeking clarification on several key matters, including the proposed timeline for the project.
“While we very much welcome this announcement, it is essential that progress now follows without delay. Our county has waited decades for access to an adequate, life-saving crisis facility. It is imperative that this project is delivered efficiently and to the highest standard,” concluded Cllr O’Brien.
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