Sinn Féin Councillor Conor D. McGuinness has urged people across Waterford to have their say on mental health services. He made the plea as Sinn Féin launches an online survey to examine the experiences of people accessing – or attempting to access – mental health services. McGuinness represents Waterford on the Regional Health forum and is an advocate for improved access to mental health supports for people across Waterford City and County.
McGuinness said:
“We wants to hear the real-life experiences of people trying to access HSE and Community mental health services in this state.
“In many areas, due to chronic underfunding and neglect by government, our mental health services are creaking and under constant strain. This isn’t good enough and patients across the state are being forced to suffer the consequences of government failure.
“Sinn Féin is launching a survey of patients to determine their experiences of accessing, or attempting to access, mental health services.
“The survey aims to capture these details to tell the human story and human cost of underfunding and understaffing of our mental health services.
“Care delayed is care denied, and the longer the wait is the more difficult a condition can sometimes be to treat.
“Inadequate service provision can cause huge additional emotional pressure and stress for people already suffering with their mental health. This is unacceptable.
“Behind every number and statistic is a person waiting for care that they need.
“I am asking everyone affected to take part in this survey and make your voice heard. We will be using the results to inform my policy proposals.
“Sinn Féin will stand up for people attempting to access mental health services to ensure they get the help and treatment they need. The survey is available online on my social media or at surveymonkey.com/r/B5FGG6C”.
Cllr. Conor D. McGuinness 