Funding granted for five staff to support the people of Creeslough
Councillor Ciaran Brogan said it was important to recognise and acknowledge ‘all the good work that is being done on the ground’ since the Creeslough tragedy
Donegal Mental Health Services have received funding to recruit two psychologists and three clinical nurse specialists to provide ongoing and continued support to the people of Creeslough.
Ten people lost their lives in an explosion that occurred at the Applegreen petrol station in Creeslough on October 7, last.
People were referred to clinical services and facilitated with priority assessments and services to primary care psychology, Jigsaw, Pieta House and other services in the aftermath of the tragedy. In addition, people were also referred for priority services within National Counselling Service (NCS) and where necessary to the Traumatic Bereavement Service.
Speaking at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West which took place on Monday, Fianna Fáil Councillor Ciaran Brogan said it was important to recognise and acknowledge ‘all the good work that is being done on the ground’ since the Creeslough tragedy and welcomed the allocation of the psychologists and nurses which will be in place over the next two years.
He said: “I want to acknowledge the huge amount of work undertaken by our own team in Donegal since the tragedy in Creeslough” adding it is important the good work continues.
The Letterkenny-based representative was speaking at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum West which took place on Monday where he asked for an updated report in relation to the crisis response and continuing of services for the community of Creeslough.
Services were managed and implemented by the Donegal Mental Health Services Crisis Response Team during and following the Creeslough tragedy. The response to date has been intensive and focused on the needs of the people in Creeslough in conjunction with other services and organisations.
Cllr Brogan was told that efforts will continue to work with services and other agencies to identify people who are vulnerable and in need of assistance. The HSE Support lines remain active to provide advice and guidance as needed and to signpost clients into services as appropriate.
Cllr Brogan also welcomed the major capital refurbishment project which is currently underway in the Department of Psychiatry at a cost of €1.2m which commenced in September, last.