17 vacancies leave Clondalkin mental health services in ‘crisis’

THERE are currently 17 vacancies in Clondalkin mental health services positions, which represents a “crisis” according to TD Mark Ward, Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Mental Health.

Deputy Ward was speaking following receiving a parliamentary response from the HSE which highlighted that that the 17 vacancies in Clondalkin include five staff nurses, and three clinical nurse specialists.

“Our community mental health teams are unacceptably understaffed.

“This is a crisis,” said Ward, who says Steeple House in Clondalkin is among the affected facilities.

“When your community mental health teams are not fully staffed, people in crisis have nowhere to turn other than the emergency department and this is not an appropriate place for someone with mental health difficulties.

“I raised this on the floor of the Dáil and Minister Butler did not give a satisfactory answer.

“I have since followed up with a further parliamentary question to identify how many posts have actually been filled and what efforts are being made to address the high level of vacancies.”

The 17 vacancies in Clondalkin Mental Health includes an Area Director of Nursing, Clinical Nurse Managers, Community Mental Health Nurses, and an Advanced Nurse Practitioner.”

Deputy Ward fears the HSE recruitment embargo “will only make matters worse.”

“The people of Clondalkin and the surrounding areas deserve a fully staffed community mental health team,” he said.  

If you need someone to talk to, call Pieta’s free 24/7 crisis helpline on 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.

Talk with The Samaritans by calling 116 123.