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Irish Psychiatric Association survey of psychiatric services in Ireland

Section of Perinatal Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 9RS, UK (Tel: 020 7848 0212; fax: 020 7708 5919; e-mail: v.o'keane{at}iop.kcl.ac.uk)

A. Jeffers

East Galway Mental Health Services, Ballinasloe, Co. Roscommon

E. Moloney

Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Co. Cork

S. Barry

Cluain Mhuire Service, Newtownpark Road, Blackrock, Co. Dublin, Ireland

AIMS AND METHOD

The Irish Psychiatric Association conducted a national survey of psychiatric services in Ireland to examine clinical resources in relation to the relative affluence of catchment areas. A consultant psychiatrist from each catchment area was sent a postal survey form (August 2002) and the data received were cross-referenced with measures of relative affluence.

RESULTS

There was a 72% response rate. A negative relationship emerged between indices of need and both the number of acute beds and the number of consultant psychiatrists per head of the population.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results of this survey indicate that clinical resources in mental health in Ireland are not concentrated in areas of greatest need, but paradoxically have been bestdeveloped in areas of greatest affluence.

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