LABOUR Alternative candidate Donal O’Cofaigh believes politicians and the Western Health and Social Care Trust “can’t remain in denial over the mental health care crisis any longer.”
He believes support mechanisms in Fermanagh-south Tyrone “fail the most vulnerable.”
“What we’ve heard back from the electorate is that there is another healthcare crisis that no one is talking about, the mental health crisis. I am genuinely shocked by what I’ve heard. 
“Young people presenting with mental health problems have to wait months to be seen by the children and adolescent mental health services team and even when they are finally seen, austerity cuts means the support they receive is often completely inadequate,” he said.
Adults who are vulnerable or have addiction problems are “being left to sink or swim on their own” said Mr. O’Cofaigh. “Key stakeholders quickly need to be brought together around a table to work out what’s needed to provide an emergency safety net for those most at risk.”
“There is a mental health crisis here; politicians and senior health trust staff cannot remain in denial any longer. I am committed to work with others to address this issue both before and after the election,” he concluded.

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