The College of Psychiatrists is concerned that some quotations in the papers yesterday and subsequent online and broadcast coverage of same, attributed to Mrs Majella O’Donnell, give a misleading impression to people with mental health problems about mental health services and may deter those in extreme mental distress from seeking support and help.

After a fantastic night in the Sugar Club in Dublin, Swati Vara and Catherine Eves, medical students from Queen’s University Belfast took home the top prize at the Annual Spike Milligan Public Speaking Competition hosted by the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland (CPsychI). They faced tough competition from RCSI whose focus on mental health issues as a consequence of lower socio-economic standing earned them the Runners-Up prize.

CPsychI congratulates Dr Cornelia Carey, winner of the John Dunne Medal 2015. Dr Carey, who is currently employed in St. James Hospital also sits on the CPsychI Trainee Committee. Dr Carey will also sit on this year’s judging panel for the Spike Milligan Public Speaking Competition.

The ‘Hot Topics in Psychiatry’ series of events aims to address the ‘Hot’ issues facing psychiatrists in clinical practice.

The College hosted their second annual conference with Shine on Friday 14th October with a focus on the role of family in promoting recovery. Family members/carers and service users had the opportunity to discuss their needs and issues during panel discussions with various key stakeholders such as Liam Hennessy (Head of Service User, Family Member and Carer Engagement in the Mental Health Division), Dr. Ruth Loane (CPsychI President and Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist), and Susan McFeely (National Coordinator of Shine).

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland is gravely concerned at media reports today that the HSE plans to end the role of National Director for Mental Health.

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland fears that uninformed reactions to ISPCC statistics on childhood distress will further delay the development of appropriate interventions for children at risk of mental distress and illness.

The released HSE figures reported by RTE today suggest that the people with psychiatric illness do not have access to community based interventions and supports, ten years after the launch of A Vision for Change. This document promised a Recovery orientated service nationwide.

Two events this week will enable members of the public to engage informally with psychiatrists by Tweeting or Walking and Talking in Merrion Square

An AGM of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland will take place this Friday afternoon, 4th March 2016, in the Ashling Hotel Dublin where attending members as well as being presented with summary activity of each division of the College will be briefed on finances and matters arising from last year’s AGM.

The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland welcomes the commencement of the Clinical Programme for Management of Self Harm Presentations in Emergency Departments.

The Conference, hosted in the Hilton Hotel, Kilmainham Dublin on 26th February, was organised by the Trainee Committee, a dedicated working group within the College. Based on the theme “Innovations in Psychiatry” the day delivered a diverse and thought-provoking programme. Trainees were invited to attend a wide range of plenaries and workshops which encompassed topics that can prove challenging to Trainees in everyday clinical practice.

Using ‘Equality of Access for All’ as the focus, the College of Psychiatrists has issued all candidates running in the General Election with a one page manifesto outlining the top five priorities for mental health in Ireland. To achieve equality of access for all nationally the College is asking candidates, when elected to ensure:

1. 24/7 Community Based Mental Health Teams for All Ages Nationally
2. Multi-Disciplinary Team Development including a National Plan for staff Retention and Training
3. Nurturing the Mental Health of the Future Generation through support for vulnerable children and resilience
education for all
4. A national Mental Health Information Technology System
5. Increasing the percentage of Health Budget for Mental Health to 12%

The first of 5 university events centred on the topical theme “Framing Trauma: Conflict and Medicine” showcases the potential for the Arts to contribute to medicine