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Public airs concerns at city listening meeting on Galway mental health services
Galway Bay fm newsroom – Members of the public aired their concerns about shortfalls in mental health services at a special listening meeting held in the city this afternoon.
Up to 40 carers and users of services across the county voiced their opinions on the changes they feel need to be made.
The meeting was organised by the HSE’s National Mental Health Management team, and is part of a series of over 30 meetings scheduled nationwide.
Several members of the public expressed concern over what they describe as a ‘medicate first, talk later’ service, and say that more alternative therapies need to be offered.
Councillor Tim Broderick was met with applause after he brought up the closure of St Brigit’s acute unit in Ballinasloe, and said a new unit should be built at Merlin Park.
The meeting was chaired by Paddy McGowan, Interim Head of the Service User, Family Member and Carer Engagement team.
He says the information gathered at today’s meeting will be passed on to the new National Mental Health Directive.