NSUE "Second Opinions" Report Launch 24th January 2012
The results of the largest ever survey of people who use mental health services, their families and friends will be launched at St. Patrick’s University Hospital. Over 1,500 individuals completed the questionnaire which was devised and distributed by the National Service Users Executive (NSUE).
“We use this survey annually in order to evaluate mental health services by those best placed to do so- the people who use them everyday”, said John Redican, the Chief Executive of NSUE.He continued, “Surprisingly, three quarters of respondents reported that they were happy with the services they received last year. This was also an increase on the previous year, 2010. This finding is surprising in the present economic climate, where resources are being reduced. We think that the most likely explanation for it is that our respondents noticed substantial improvements in staff attitudes.”
As part of the results of the survey, NSUE will honour the HSE services which scored highest in selected categories; “Best Overall Service”, “Most Effective Supports”, and the “Most Improved Culture of Care”.The “Best Overall Service” award went to: The Clifden Mental Health Service
The “Most Effective Supports” award went to: The Mallow Mental Health Service
The “Most Improved Culture of Care” award went to: The Carlow Mental Health Service
The awards were presented by Kathleen Lynch, T.D. Minister of State, Mental Health, Disability and Older People at St. Patrick University Hospital, DublinCopies of the report may be obatined by contacting NSUE or can be downloaded here: NSUE Second Opinions Report 2011
NSUE eLearning Programme on Service User Perspectives Launched 24th January 2012
The course is designed to offer an insight into the thoughts and feelings of our members on a range of topics, and a number of simple multiple-choice questions on current practice and policy.
The course can be accessed at http://www.nsuelearningcentre.com
NSUE AND ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY
NSUE stance on amendment of the 2001 Mental Health Act in relation to the administration of Electro-convulsive therapy.
In summary the NSUE position is this:
The phrase 'or unwilling" should be removed altogether, and strong capacity legislation introduced as a matter of urgency in order to protect those who are unable to make decisions for themselves. This conclusion is inescapable if the European Court of Human Rights decisions are to be upheld, which ireland is bound to do.
See the full text in the Documents Section of this website.
(It is interesting that after the NSUE position became known, both the Mental Health Commission and Amnesty Ireland make their positions public. Both of these followed closely the NSUE stance. Indeed, the Mental Health Commission asked NSUE to bring thier postion to the Oireactas during the NSUE presentation. Isn't it good to hve an organisation that is not afraid to lead the way.)
Supporting Your Vision
Vision for Change which is the document which explains National Mental Health Policy, describes an inclusive model, which envisages that:
"Service providers (work) in partnership with service users and their families, and facilitate recovery and reintegration through the provision of accessible, comprehensive and community-based mental health services".
In order for this to happen, service users and their families, friends and carers must have a means of becoming actively involved in this process. The National Service Users Executive has been established in order to make progress on this commitment.
We cannot do this properly without the support of individuals who know, from their everyday experiences, what works best for them.
Elsewhere on this site, you can find information on the background to the establishment of NSUE and other sections where we try to give as much information as we can about the issues that we feel are important.
We also need your feedback on what else you feel is important, and you can register as a member (it's free) so that we can hear your views and respond to them as best we can.
We believe in accountability at all levels and every member will get a chance to vote for people who they believe will represent their views most closely. In this way, we can help the government's vision fit more closely the vision of all those who care about improving mental health services, promoting recovery and active citizenship, and having their hopes and ideas included.
If you don't wish to become a voting member, then we hope that you will find this site a help, support and source of inspiration.
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Message from the National Executive Officer
As recent events have shown, a strong and united voice is essential if ordinary people are to successfully challenge decisions that are taken without their active involvement or any meaningful consultation. The senior members of our society have demonstrated that a united voice is an awfully powerful weapon for change read more
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