Response from the IHCA to the publication of the Mental Health Bill 2024

Response from the Irish Hospital Consultant Association (IHCA) to the publication of the Mental Health Bill 2024.

The Irish Hospital Consultant Association (IHCA) welcomes a number of important amendments made in the newly published Mental Health Bill 2024, following the participation of the Association in the Bill’s pre-legislative scrutiny. 

While a number of these positive changes should avoid unnecessary delays in the provision of timely expert medical care to patients with moderate to severe mental illness, the IHCA said concerns remain over the provisions for those lacking capacity and their ability to access care.

Welcome amendments include the decision not to restrict the arrangement of involuntary admissions solely to authorised officers, as this could have given rise to a number of unintended negative consequences, such as lengthy waits in chaotic Emergency Departments for patients waiting for an authorised officer to attend.

Additionally, the new Bill will also allow admissions for people presenting with an apparent risk to self or others owing to a mental disorder or a perceived need for treatment. Consultant Psychiatrists had expressed concern that the draft Bill had initially proposed that this 'need for treatment' be removed from the legislation.  

Consultant Psychiatrists had also warned that the proposal to shorten the period for review of admission and renewal orders from 21 days to 14, while well intentioned, would have in fact caused increased distress for patients and provided inadequate time for doctors to evaluate complex presentations. The Mental Health Bill 2024 retains the existing 21-day duration of involuntary admission orders, in line with the Association’s concerns.

Commenting on the publication of the Bill, IHCA Vice President and Consultant Liaison Psychiatrist Prof Anne Doherty said:

“An initial reading of the Bill shows a number of welcome improvements which will benefit both patients and our membership. We are thankful for the opportunity we had with members of the Oireachtas during pre-legislative scrutiny to advocate for legislation that is in the best interests of patients and look forward to reviewing the details of the Bill in full over the coming weeks. We will seek continued constructive engagement with members during its passage through the Oireachtas.”

ENDS

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