HSE mental health group needs ‘independence’

A HSE implementation group (HIG) to oversee the Government’s new mental health policy will “require a significant degree of independence within the HSE”, according to the Chair of the Department of Health’s national implementation and monitoring committee (NIMC).

Sharing the Vision – A New Mental Health Policy for Everyone 2020 – 2030 was published in June 2020. The policy proposed that the Department establish the NIMC to oversee the implementation process, which will be driven by the HSE’s HIG.

Speaking at the NIMC’s first meeting on 11 December, Chair Mr John Saunders said the HIG will require “a significant degree of independence within the HSE to enable it to interrogate all relevant HSE directorates on implementation commitment”.

Asked when the HIG will be established and whether it will have sufficient independence within the Executive, a HSE spokesperson told the Medical Independent that work was underway.

“In consultation with the NIMC, the HSE are currently working on drafting the terms of reference for the group and are considering proposed membership.” The HIG will report to the NIMC on a monthly basis.