Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has called for no wrong door policies to be introduced in health care for people with a dual diagnosis of addiction and mental health difficulties.
Deputy Ward was speaking following the launch of Sinn Féin’s Mental Health Action Plan last week where dual diagnosis was one of the priority policies.
Teachta Ward said:
“People who present for help for dual diagnosis often fall between the gaps that exist in addiction and mental health services.
“An addiction may lead to the onset of mental health difficulties, or a mental health difficulty can lead to people using substances as a coping mechanism.
“One of the first pieces of legislation I introduced was the Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door Bill. This would ensure that no matter what door the person knocks on for help for addiction and mental health difficulties, that they are treated with dignity.
“Last week, Sinn Féin launched our Mental Health Action Plan where we focused on key issues for reform in mental health care, including for dual diagnosis.
“Sinn Féin would like to see a joint care plan between addiction and mental health services be developed to make sure people get the care they need, when they need it and where they need it. There can be no wrong door for dual diagnosis treatment.
“Sinn Féin would also reopen Keltoi, a trauma-informed, state-run residential facility treating addiction and mental health dual diagnosis.
“This has been closed since March 2020, due to Covid Restrictions at the time, and has not reopened since. This needs to be opened as soon as possible so people can receive help to fully recover from dual diagnosis and to learn new coping skills.
“Sinn Féin is serious about addressing the pitfalls in dual diagnosis care, and we have the plan in place to deliver this change in government. Sinn Féin would resource both addiction and mental health services to deliver dual diagnosis services.”
Sinn Féin’s Mental Health Action Plan can be read here:
https://vote.sinnfein.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Sinn-Fein-Mental-Health-Plan-2024.pd
