Kildare Judge calls for change in how mental health patients are seen by doctors

A Naas District Court Judge has called for changes in how mental health patients are assessed by doctors.

Judge Desmond Zaidan made the comments during a court case which was held on Thursday, June 15 last.

The case concerned a defendant that has a personality disorder, and had previously spent time voluntarily in a psychiatric unit.

She appeared via video-link.

A Health Service Executive (HSE) worker, in addition to a social worker and the woman's parents, were present on the date in question.

Judge Zaidan told the HSE worker that he had concerns about remanding the woman into custody, but added that he had previously seen that the woman 'was in a very, very, bad way' back in March.

He added: "She seems stable now, but there is a possibility that she won't go into prison, and will be let back into the community by herself, and if no one is there to help her, things could go wrong again.

The HSE worker replied to the judge by saying that those with personality disorders 'can only be detained for a short period of time.'

In addition, the woman's mother said that the only emergency accommodation available to her daughter was a unit in County Wicklow: one full of people with similar mental health difficulties — "That wouldn't be healthy," Judge Zaidan replied to her.

Speaking to the HSE worker, Judge Zaidan also said: "People like you need to tell the State that there are shortcomings in this area."

The HSE worker said he agreed with the sentiment, and said: "Often times, the HSE, gardaí, and even people like you, Judge, are left picking up the pieces."

The judge further said that he believes that there should be a change in how doctors see patients: "When it comes to seeing a patient who is over 18 years of age, another person should be there in order to give the doctors a clearer picture of how they are.

"Having the patient appear on their own does give the doctor an accurate representation... I just think that's so bad.

"For example, If I had seen her now (in her present, stable state), for the first time, with no prior knowledge, I probably would have granted her bail."

He added: "It's a general problem across all of Ireland, we don't seem to learn."

Judge Zaidan thanked the HSE worker for his attendance, and also thanked him for 'not mincing' his words.

When the woman's solicitor asked for reporting restrictions to be imposed in the case, Judge Zaidan agreed to apply them.

He adjourned the case to a later date.

If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Samaritans Ireland (116123 or jo@samaritans.org) or you can visit pieta.ie (24/7 Free Crisis Helpline: 1800 247 247 or Text HELP to 51444).