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10/12/2003
Teenage viewpoint on NI healthcare wanted
Adolescents were today urged to share their views on teenage healthcare in Northern Ireland with the Commissioner for Children and Young People, Nigel Williams.
Speaking at the QUB nurses' winter graduation, the Commissioner said he wanted to hear views and experiences especially from young people themselves and also from their families and professionals within the different parts of the health service.
Mr Williams said: "I would encourage you all to share your own experiences with me then I will be able to build up a better picture of what the issues are. Later next year, I can decide whether I need a more detailed investigation of some kind.
"There is a clear gap in provision for adolescents in mental health. Teenagers with eating disorders or with serious psychiatric problems have very few dedicated facilities in Northern Ireland. As a result, if they need to be admitted to hospital they will end up on general wards, with adults some quite elderly with a range of problems,'' he said.
The Commissioner welcomed current work being undertaken by the Government in their review of mental health services.
"I commend the work already done in improving gaps in teenage healthcare. There is a special unit for adolescents at the Ulster Hospital, and a psychiatric unit for teenagers in south Belfast.
"Voluntary agencies in this field are working on issues like sexual health, risk taking behaviour and mental health. But the message I as receiving is that the situation is patchy, there are gaps and that our teenagers are suffering as a result."
(MB)
Speaking at the QUB nurses' winter graduation, the Commissioner said he wanted to hear views and experiences especially from young people themselves and also from their families and professionals within the different parts of the health service.
Mr Williams said: "I would encourage you all to share your own experiences with me then I will be able to build up a better picture of what the issues are. Later next year, I can decide whether I need a more detailed investigation of some kind.
"There is a clear gap in provision for adolescents in mental health. Teenagers with eating disorders or with serious psychiatric problems have very few dedicated facilities in Northern Ireland. As a result, if they need to be admitted to hospital they will end up on general wards, with adults some quite elderly with a range of problems,'' he said.
The Commissioner welcomed current work being undertaken by the Government in their review of mental health services.
"I commend the work already done in improving gaps in teenage healthcare. There is a special unit for adolescents at the Ulster Hospital, and a psychiatric unit for teenagers in south Belfast.
"Voluntary agencies in this field are working on issues like sexual health, risk taking behaviour and mental health. But the message I as receiving is that the situation is patchy, there are gaps and that our teenagers are suffering as a result."
(MB)
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