The Health Service Executive says Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services would like to progress discussions with all those involved so as to extend out of hours services beyond 8pm.
The HSE was responding to queries from Ocean FM News following claims in the Dail by Sligo/Leitrim TD Martin Kenny that a patient having a severe psychotic episode was unable to gain access to the necessary out-of-hours mental health services in Sligo.
In its response to Ocean FM News, the HSE says it cannot comment on the details of an individual case.
But it went on to outline details of the out-of-hours adult mental health services that ARE available in Sligo/Leitrim.
It says out of hours adult mental health services in Sligo are provided through the Emergency Department of Sligo University Hospital, which provides 24/7 acute mental health services where members of the public will receive care and treatment.
The HSE says that in addition to this, Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services also operate out-of-hours adult mental health services for those aged 18 to 65.
This is in the form of seven-day mental health services based in the primary care centres in Ballymote and Sligo Town in County Sligo; and Carrick on Shannon and Manorhamilton in County Leitrim.
The HSE says these services provide acute mental health treatment and support to individuals from the hours of 9.00am to 5.30pm, seven days a week.
In relation to rehab and recovery, the HSE says services include home-based treatment and outreach to clients known to the mental health services.
These are also co-located within the primary care centres and operate from 8.00am to 8.00pm Monday to Sunday.
The HSE statement says Sligo Leitrim Mental Health Services would like to progress discussions with all stakeholders to extend out of hours beyond the hours of 8.00pm, subject to the requirements of the Public Stability Agreement, and funding as set out in the National Service Plan 2019.
