New specialist mental health crisis service for Mayo hospital confirmed

Minister of State, Alan Dillon, has confirmed that a new specialist crisis nursing team is to be established at Mayo University Hospital, providing dedicated out-of-hours support for people presenting to the emergency department in a mental health crisis.

The new service will strengthen the response available to people experiencing severe distress, self-harm or suicidal thoughts, particularly during evenings and overnight.

Six new specialist crisis nursing teams are being sanctioned for the busiest model 3 emergency departments nationwide at a cost of €300,000 annually.

The new team at MUH will consist of two advanced nurse practitioners and two clinical nurse specialists.

Minister Dillon added: “This is a significant and very welcome investment in mental health services for Castlebar and Mayo.

‘People experiencing a mental health crisis need access to specialist help when they need it most.

"Having dedicated crisis nursing expertise available at Mayo University Hospital will mean a stronger and more appropriate response for patients and their families, particularly outside normal working hours.

‘It is an important addition to services at MUH and further strengthens Castlebar’s position as the key centre for acute healthcare for people right across Mayo.”