Society must accept that people with mental illness deserve the best treatment and facilities, the Chairwoman of the Northern Area Health Board in Dublin, Cllr Anne Devitt said today.
Speaking at the opening of the Carlton House at Lispopple, Co Dublin, a residential home for people with mental illnesses she said: "It is important to realise that mental illness is not confined to institutions . . . there are a significant number of people who have mental illness living in our midst at all stages, and the community in general are unaware of such illnesses being present."
Though today’s event passed off without incident, Lispopple was the scene of protests at the beginning of the year as residents objected against the relocation of psychiatric patients from nearby St Ita's hospital to the area.
The residents’ protested outside Carlton House for over three months, campaigning against the movement of six mentally ill people to Lispopple. The residents said they feared for their safety and that of their property. They claimed they had not been consulted over the NAHB plans.
Acknowledging local opposition, Ms Devitt said the controversy helped generate discussion about resident care in the mental health service around the country. This, she said, challenged public beliefs and understanding of mental health.
She said: "The lack of understanding and fear that veils mental illness is to me both sad and unnecessary. Those of us in the health service have a duty to work with people to alleviate their fears, to make them understand mental illness and to encourage a generosity of spirit in the community."
Also speaking at the opening the NAHB chief executive, Ms Maureen Windle, also announced that six new consultants will be appointed at St Ita’s.
She said one of these will work in the area of rehabilitation which should have a "significant impact on the residents living in the community settings."
The NAHB now has 31 hostels in the community for people with mental health illness. The Board is also planning a new acute mental health unit in Beaumont which is expected to open in 2003.