Funding allocated for specialist crisis nursing team at Mayo emergency unit
A Mayo TD wants the Department of Health to assess the need for hospital-based crisis mental health nurses at Mayo University Hospital in view of demand for mental health services.
Deputy Keira Keogh is seeking clarity on the funding allocated in Budget 2027 to expand crisis intervention and mental health nursing services at the facility.
She has also asked the Minister for Health if she is satisfied that people in rural counties such as County Mayo have equitable access to crisis mental health services when compared with urban centres and the steps she is taking to address any disparities identified.
In response, Minister of State Mary Butler outlined: "A key priority for myself as Minister in Budget 2027 is a further €10 million investment in crisis supports and suicide prevention, building on the significant expansion of crisis services over recent years.
"We are continuing to shift services into communities and investing in earlier intervention to make sure more people can access appropriate, timely support, as close to home as possible.
"Budget 2027 includes funding to establish the Suicide Crisis Assessment Nurse (SCAN) service in every county.
"SCAN teams provide rapid assessment, safety planning and follow-up support for people who present to their GP experiencing suicidal ideation or severe emotional distress.
"Twelve additional teams will be established across eight counties, ensuring national coverage of the programme for the first time.
"The Budget also funds six new specialist crisis nursing teams in the emergency departments of Louth, Naas, Mayo, Sligo, Wexford and Connolly hospitals.
"These teams will provide specialist mental health support during evenings, nights and weekends, helping ensure that people presenting in distress receive timely assessment and care when they arrive at hospital.
"Finally, as occurs each year following the Budget, discussions will now take place by my Department with the HSE on the detailed allocation of resources and implementation of specific service initiatives through the HSE National Service Plan 2027, including mental health crisis supports."