Work on rolling out a recommendation on polypharmacy in the national mental health strategy has been ‘paused’, according to the strategy’s latest implementation progress report.
A recommendation in Sharing the Vision calls for GPs, mental health service prescribers, and relevant stakeholders to collaborate to actively manage polypharmacy.
According to the progress report for May 2026, an analysis of data on people prescribed two or more psychotropic medications has been completed, based on anonymised information provided by the Central Statistics Office.
“Considering the complexity of this policy recommendation, there is a need to plan a programme of work to effectively manage polypharmacy, which aligns with initiatives already underway,” the report stated.
A steering group had been formed to oversee work in relation to the recommendation. However, the committee’s Chair has since retired from the HSE and no replacement has been identified.
“Given the need for an integrated whole-of-system response across the wider health service, an alternative delivery structure is now being explored, including the potential for standing up a specialist group,” stated the report.
In a joint statement, the Department of Health and the HSE informed the Medical Independent that the Executive is “in the process of establishing an appropriate and effective delivery structure, reflecting the requirement for an integrated whole-of-system response”.
The implementation of two other recommendations in the strategy is also ‘paused’, according to the progress report. These relate to the development of a national stigma-reduction programme and individualised support packages for children and young people with complex needs.
Overall, the report showed that 21 recommendations had been ‘completed’. In addition, 58 recommendations were ‘on track’ and a further 21 had ‘minor delivery issues’.
See news feature, p4–6.
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