Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health Mark Ward TD has welcomed the government announcement to provide surge capacity within private mental health hospitals to deal with the increased demand on mental health services during the pandemic. 

Teachta Ward has been leading the charge on this issue and it was one of the core measures called for in the Sinn Féin mental health motion that was passed by the Dáil last week.

Teachta Ward said:

“I want to welcome the government announcement to provide surge capacity within private mental health hospitals to deal with the increased demand on mental health services during the pandemic. 

“This is something that I have been calling for now for a long time, and it was one of the core measures outlined in our recent successful motion that was passed by the Dáil last week.

“The Minister now needs to make sure that the people who need emergency treatment can avail of the additional acute and longer-term beds that were announced. This will free up further public capacity.

“The Minister acknowledged today the increase in those presenting with eating disorders.

“I have urged the Minister to prioritise those suffering with eating disorders to be able to avail of this additional surge capacity. Disgracefully, at present there are only three adult specialised eating disorders in the state.

“It is now incumbent on Minister Mary Butler to ensure that this additional capacity makes a real impact on people’s ability to access mental health services.”