TD wants more support for mental health patients

Tipperary Sinn Féin TD Martin Browne has said that he will continue to press for a more suitable environment for mental health presentations at the emergency Department of Tipperary University Hospital.

Teachta Browne was speaking after raising the matter at a recent meeting with representatives of South East Community healthcare.

Teachta Browne said: “I believe it is important that any planned remodelling of the emergency department at Tipperary University Hospital should incorporate additional room for mental health patients.

“At present there is a room for mental health assessment adjacent to the emergency department. However, as it is, only one patient can be catered for in that assessment room at a time for privacy reasons.

“I was told that funding is being sought to remodel the emergency department, and was glad to be told that should enough funding become available, consideration would be given to addressing the lack of space in the assessment room for mental health presentations.

“While nothing has been confirmed yet, I will continue to press for this to happen, as I have been approached by numerous people who believe more needs to be done for mental health crisis presentations.”