Crisis care 'failing those most in need'

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Longford Westmeath TD Sorca Clarke has said figures showing that hundreds of people across the state have died by suspected suicide after recent contact with the HSE, including emergency departments, are stark and wholly unacceptable.

She said the figures released this morning by The Journal Investigates show that between 2022 and 2024, nearly 450 suspected suicides were logged within weeks of a person being seen by health services.

“This is a clear indication that our crisis care system is failing those most in need.

“This data lays bare a tragic reality. Too many people in acute distress are funnelled through general emergency departments that are chaotic and are not designed to provide the specialised support required for mental health crisis.

“Families describe gaps in care and a system that leaves people exposed at their most vulnerable.

“Just two weeks ago, Sinn Féin brought a motion before the Dáil calling for urgent reform of emergency mental health services. Our motion highlighted that tens of thousands of people each year present to EDs in mental health crisis and that too many hospitals lack dedicated spaces and specialist staff to respond appropriately.

“Our motion called for dedicated mental health rooms in every major hospital, staffed by trained professionals and separate from the pressure of general A&E care.

“This is a matter of life and death. When someone in crisis reaches out for help they should not be met with corridors crowded with patients, long waits or a lack of specialist support.

“Too often people leave without the care they urgently need and tragically, some never get another chance.

“The figures released show that presenting to EDs must not be a risk factor for suicide. We owe it to every person who asks for help to make our mental health crisis care safe and effective.

“Sinn Féin stands with families who have lost loved ones to suicide. We see you, we hear you and we will continue to fight for a mental health emergency system that saves lives, not one that fails people in crisis”.