This timely seminar will bring together policymakers and key stakeholders to examine priorities for mental health care in Ireland.
It follows the recent publication of the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy, which includes proposals for expanding community-based mental health services.
Discussion will focus on the Government’s priorities for mental health policy - including improving access to services and support for those in crisis, as well as promoting youth mental health through the education system.
The seminar is also timed to examine the next steps in the delivery of the Government’s suicide prevention strategy and as the Department of Health reviews the Vision for Change strategy, with its focus on service quality and focus at a local level.
Delegates will consider possible measures for raising awareness of mental health issues in the workplace, along with priorities for tackling stigma, developing effective care pathways and ensuring patient participation in care.
They will also examine how best to tackle the challenges for improving early intervention, access to services and transitions in care, and addressing staffing issues into the future - as well as developments in professional regulation.
We expect further discussion on progress with concerns that have been raised by the Mental Health Commission about systematic shortcomings, including inappropriate admission of children into adult mental health in-patient services.