Mental health services across the State have been urged to show they can identify and manage risks related to the progression of Covid-19, the chief executive of the Mental Health Commission has said. John Farrelly said there had been 17 Covid-19 related deaths among residents of mental health services since data started being compiled in early April, with the figure unchanged since May 19th. The commission does not have figures showing the total number of cases in mental health services since the pandemic began, but 15 services had reported suspected or confirmed cases last week. He said it is “critical” that providers of mental health facilities provide “the evidence of an ability to identify and manage risk”. Inspection reportsMr Farrelly was speaking following the publication of inspection reports on two mental health facilities – An Coillín in Co Mayo and Creagh Suite in Co Galway – which identified six moderate-risk non-compliance ratings.

Source: The Irish Times September 10, 2020 17:15 UTC