Quicker action on Bamford findings could help us combat suicides

12.34.31pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 21st Jun 2007

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA

Alliance Health Spokesperson Kieran McCarthy MLA has challenged Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey, to make more progress in implementing the recommendations of the Bamford Review on mental health, in order to deliver better services and support to combat suicide amongst local young people.

The Strangford MLA said: "We need further progress to be made on implementing the recommendations within the Bamford Review on Mental Health services to help us combat suicides amongst our young people.

"The devastating news of recent suicides has hammered home the urgent need for the implementation of a coherent strategy to deliver better services and support for our local young people. Swift implementation of the Bamford findings will ensure the provision of a more responsive and joined-up counselling service which operate between all the health and education and youth agencies to tackle this appalling issue.

"Only last month, I underlined the fact that no Mental Health Chief has yet been appointed locally. This is an essential new role which was highlighted within the Bamford Review. More work must be done by the Health Minister in this area, and I will continue to keep the spotlight on him to secure the best possible services and highest level of support for our local young people."

ENDS