This is an independent statutory agency set up in 2002 established under the Mental Treatment Act (2001)
Aims
- To foster &promote high standards of care within the mental health services.
- To ensure that the interests of those involuntarily detained are protected.
- To increase public awareness of mental health.
- To promote and enhance research on mental health services and interventions.
- To promote and protect the rights of people with mental health problems.
Function
- To bring about the necessary reform.
- Appoint review tribunals.
- Arrange a scheme for free legal aid.
- Appoint and inspector of Mental Health services.
- Develop guidelines, protocols and standard documentation in relation to treatment, documentation etc.
- To work closely with service users families health agencies and professionals.
- Will be charged with registering all in-patient facilities to be known as approved centres for the care and treatment of persons suffering from mental illness.
- Establish a panel of consultants to carry out independent medical examination.
Members
There are 13 members appointed by the Minister of Health. They can hold office for no more than 5 years:
- 1 lawyer
- 3 registered medical practitioners
- 1 psychologist
- 1 rep of the CEO of health board
- 1 Social Worker
- 2 registered nurses
- 1 rep of the general public
- 3 rep of voluntary bodies at least 2 of whom must have a mental illness.
- Service user
Website address
http://www.mhcirl.ie
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