Minister For Mental Health Visits Site Of New 6-bed Adolescent Unit At St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview To Monitor Progress, Ireland

Main Category: Mental Health
Article Date: 20 Feb 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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"Important to recognise the value of early intervention for any young person experiencing mental health difficulties"- Devins

Dr. Jimmy Devins, T.D., Minister for Disability and Mental Health yesterday visited St. Vincent's Hospital, Fairview, where work commenced recently on a new 6-bed Adolescent Unit. The Minister said that he was delighted work was progressing well and was confident that the Unit would be completed on target and be operational by the end of 2008.

The Minister stressed the importance of recognising the value of early intervention for any young person experiencing mental health difficulties. Without the right circumstances and support, problems may arise which can have a significant effect on a young person's future and can potentially lead to serious difficulties.

The Minister also welcomed the recent establishment of the Office for Disability and Mental Health. The Office will support him in the exercise of his functions in relation to disability and mental health across four Government Departments. In relation to mental health, the Office will focus in particular on driving the implementation of 'A Vision for Change' and will lead to more coherent policy making and the more effective use of resources.

Department of Health and Children