Calls for clear communication and collaborative planning on Ross Thomson Unit closure

During the meeting the group received an update from the Trust on the wide range of mental health services provided across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The Trust also shared the good news that it has secured permanent funding to enhance its mental health liaison service at Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department and hospital wards, with the service now operating 24/7. 

The liaison service works in partnership with other teams to provide specialist mental health assessment and support to individuals attending the Emergency Department, resulting in more timely assessment and referral pathways for ongoing treatment and care.

Dr Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability with the Trust, said: “We very much welcome this engagement with SOS Causeway as it provided an opportunity to update on the latest good news about us being able to establish a 24/7 Mental Health Liaison Service at Causeway Hospital.

“This is a really welcome development and will ensure there is now early specialist intervention available round the clock. Not only is this positive for our service users, it is also hugely beneficial for colleagues as it provides them with another layer of support, especially during very busy periods, and helps to divert people to the most suitable care pathways in a timely way.”

Dr Corr said SOS Causeway members were also interested to hear more about community mental health services, including the Trust’s partnership working with GPs and other colleagues in primary care primary care via enhanced multi-disciplinary teams.

Dr Corr added: “We know that our demographic is changing; we have an increasing older population and that brings with it challenges in terms of increased incidences of mental health issues including dementia. As part of our Vision for Causeway Hospital, we want to ensure that the services we provide are responding to those changes, and reflect the needs of the local population.”