The HSE in Mayo strives to provide a comprehensive range of mental health services both in the community and at various hospital and primary care sites around the county. The mental health team includes a consultant psychiatrist, registrar in psychiatry, mental health nurses, as well as addiction counsellors, psychologists, occupational therapists, and social workers. Total confidentiality for patients and clients is guaranteed at all times.
If you or a member of your family feels depressed or is experiencing mental health difficulties such as anxiety, then you should go to your GP, in the first instance, who may refer you to a member of the mental health team. In an emergency situation, you can access the duty psychiatrist who is available 24/7 in Mayo General Hospital. The duty psychiatrist is supervised by a consultant psychiatrist. A 24 hour telephone counselling and support service is provided by organisations which are part funded by the HSE, such as Aware.ie and The Samaritans.ie There are also two advanced nurse practitioners employed to provide an emergency service to the Emergency Department at Mayo General Hospital, Monday to Friday, from 9am to 5pm. Patients may be referred by their GPs or self refer. If a GP telephones the advanced nurse practitioner or the duty psychiatrist in advance, the assessment can be fast-tracked where appropriate and in the interests of the patient, and patients will not have to wait long periods to be seen.
The mental health service in Co Mayo has changed considerably over the past 20 years, moving from large mental institutions to community-based care, and this has resulted in the development of better care and a more supportive and needs-based service to people with mental illness or mental health difficulties.
Further information on mental health services and the supports available within your community is available from your GP, the HSE’s Local Health Office in Mayo at 094 9042012/4, where a directory of services can be obtained, and at www.yourmentalhealth.ie Other useful websites include: www.hse.ie, www.letsomeoneknow.ie, and www.seechange.ie These websites include other useful links.
