A new national strategy for psychiatry is needed to address gaps in the recently ‘refreshed’ 10-year mental health strategy, the President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has said. The strategy, he said, trivialised and stigmatised mental health and failed to focus on more serious psychiatric illnesses and disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar affective disorder. Dr Flannery, who works in adult mental health and addiction services, said psychiatrists were not consulted on the ‘refreshed’ 10-year strategy, which also lacked funding and manpower commitments. “This document isn’t funded but they spent money on outside agencies for this report,” Dr Flannery said. The Covid-19 pandemic, he said, has already “stressed” an “underfunded and overburdened” mental health service and heightened the need for more resources.

Source: Irish Examiner June 23, 2020 13:07 UTC