The findings of a three year study exploring the transition from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) in Ireland were released at a conference held in Lucena Clinic Services recently. They suggest that improved planning, delivery and quality of effective transition between CAMHS and AMHS are necessary to improve the process and outcomes for young people with mental health service needs.
Funded by the Health Research Board and completed in partnership with University College Dublin, the ITRACK study examined mental health service organisation, policies, processes and user and carer perspectives. Pictured are (from left) research collaborator Dr Barbara Dooley of UCD, Principal Investigator Professor Fiona McNicholas of Lucena Clinic Services and UCD, lead researcher Dr Niamh McNamara (University of Bedfordshire) and conference speaker, Dr Zoebia Islam of University of Warwick and DeMontfort University.
While the transfer of written information between services was perceived to be very good, there was clear evidence that the process of transition between CAMHS and AMHS was poorly managed, with little direct face-to-face or telephone communication between services. Data analysis is currently underway and comprehensive findings will be available in the coming months. For more information see McNamara, N. et al (2013) ‘Transition from child and adolescent to adult mental health services in the Republic of Ireland: An investigation of process and operational practice’, Early Intervention in Psychiatry (doi: 10.1111/eip.12073) PMID: 23826636 [Epub ahead of print].
Research Assistants were Mr Michael Adamson (University College Dublin) and Dr Lesley O’Hara (Lucena Clinic). Collaborators included Dr Blanaid Gavin, Dr Siobhan Barry and Dr Karen O’Connor from Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries, along with collaborators from Trinity College Dublin (Prof Imelda Coyne), University of Limerick (Prof Walter Cullen), University College Dublin (Dr Barbara Dooley) and University of Warwick (Prof Swaran Singh, Dr Moli Paul).
The ITRACK project was carried out with an award of €198,973.80.
The conference held at Lucena Clinic Services on 11th February was called Mind the Gap: Transition from CAMHS to AMHS in Ireland. Speakers were Dr Zoebia Islam (De Montfort University / University of Warwick), Dr Niamh McNamara (University of Bedfordshire) and Ciaran Cobbe (PROTECT Wicklow).
The conference was well attended by interested parties from Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries, Crumlin Children’s Hospital, ISPCC, Barnardos, Headstrong, HADD, the National Service Users Executive, Mental Health Ireland, the Mental Health Commission, Mental Health Reform, University of Ulster, University College Dublin, University of Limerick, University of Bedfordshire and University of Warwick.
For further information contact:
Michael Adamson
Research Assistant
Lucena Clinic
59 Orwell Road
Rathgar
Dublin 6
01-4999739 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Provincial Brother Donatus Forkan was among members of the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers who met with Pope Francis last month. The Council gathered from 24th– 26thMarch in Rome to evaluate its work over the past five years and plan for the future. Each council member was presented individually to the Pope who spoke to the entire group on the nature of suffering and the fragility of human life.
The Pope’s Speech to the Pontifical Council for Health Care Workers
“It is true that in suffering no-one is ever alone”…..“as God in his merciful love for mankind and for the world also embraces the most inhuman situations, in which the image of the Creator present in every person appears to be obscured or disfigured. Thus was Jesus, in his Passion. … And here, in the Passion of Jesus, there is the greatest school for whoever wishes to dedicate him to the service of his sick and suffering brethren”.
“The experience of fraternal sharing with those who suffer opens us to the true beauty of human life, which includes its fragility. In the protection and promotion of life, in whatever state and condition it may be found, we can recognise the dignity and the value of each single human being, from conception to natural death”.
The Pope concluded by encouraging those present always to keep in mind “the flesh of Christ in the poor, in those who suffer, in children, including those who are unwanted, in people with physical or mental handicaps, and in the elderly”.
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The Link Initiative which "twins" staff at Hospitaller Ministries Headquarters with our services in Ireland has resulted in an innovative publication. A member of the ICT Department, Michael Jordan is link person for Saint John of God Hospital. Together with Director of Nursing Lesley Vard (centre) and Head of Occupational Therapy Orlaith Donoghue (right), he has developed a photo-book called “Stories From The Other Side”.
This compilation by patients of their experiences at the hospital is illustrated with photos of their work in Art, Woodcraft, Cookery, Gardening and many other activities. The book has been presented as a new hospital initiative to the Mental Health Commission and there are plans to develop a digital version. A copy is on display in reception at Hospitaller House.
The book cover and some inside pages are shown below.
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Jean Mullin (right) is manager of the recently formed Procurement Department and along with assistant Cristina Gheorghe, is currently implementing some HSE Frameworks and tendering for new services and supplies for Saint John of God Hospitaller Ministries.
The first issue of Procurement News, the Department newsletter is now available. Issued on a quarterly basis, it will give details of the supplies and services being tendered and contracted for.
Please contact Jean or Cristina on their emails or on 01 277 1629 with any queries
Best wishes to everyone taking part in this new pilot project which was launched on 11th February by an Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore TD, The aim is to support disadvantaged jobseekers in gaining skills, experience and qualifications to meet the increasing demand for workers in the elderly care sector. The initiative will run over two years. Pictured are Anna Ruth-Duane (STEP), Frieda Kavanagh (Carmona Services), Jennifer Clarke (STEP), Aidan Gannon (STEP) with Stefan Engemann and Elwira Plominska of Tús.
The pilot project will cover job coaching, opportunities to gain practical work experience and FETAC Level 5 ‘Health Service Skills’ training. The end result should be job seekers who are confident as care providers who can contribute to different sectors in the care industry. Participants in the project are from STEP, Southside Partnership and Carmona Services. Our partners in the project are St. Mary’s Nursing Home, Open Training College, Southside Partnership and IASE (Irish Association of Supported Employment).
