Why do Govnment departments ignore vulnerable people and their contribution?

by Jack Russell Fri Sep 29, 2006 21:44

I have got to agree with Michelle. You sure have written on Mental healtj and suicide. Given the delicacy and confidentiality that surrounds these illnesses, one would expect Ministers and partic. those related to Health, Mental Health, Suicide, would have the courage and decency to reply. (I must also add to this University Departments involved in research related to the specific illness.......it is arrogance that we have acquired in Ireland, over the last number of years, and is nothing other than intellectual snoppery and could even contrive to being called poaching......

How many more people out there are writing about issues.....with the respect of reply.....exchange.

No wonder such a mess exists for our Taoiseach. Surely the Civil Service have the function of ensuring the paperwork is in order including tax returns.........

The verbal contract.....the overusage of mobile phones leads to a confabulation that in turn wastes time creates lies, and extinguishes political careers with just a 'flick'.

Quotation:
Margaret Mead 1901-1979) UsAntropologist, outspoken on issues of women's rights, birth control and the environment'
'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed. it is the only thing that ever has'

Jack Russell

by Michellle Clarke - Mental Health and Suicide Sat Sep 30, 2006 14:37

Hello Jack Russell

Are you a dog that became ownerless and vulnernable? Lucky you that that there are knd peole who volunteer their time and find homes and people in need of dogs, like you.

The Margaret Mead quotation for the like of me and many others is about hope and small isolated groups.

The Government appointed the Mental Health Commission some years back.....they are based near enough to the national Disabilities Authority - all in Dublin 4.

They share one aspect in common and that is the mere 'sufferer' can't as random questions or write letters. They need to devise the questions themselves first, seek those who will reply to them as they want them to reply and that its - They get paid for research committees with representatives of University relevevant deparments and most likely are paid.......

Why so narrow a view.......
Now 10th October is World Mental Health Day.

Where do I find the advert but in the Evening Herald.....

The admission is free , By Ticket Only........Who does this exclude - me being agoraphobic with minimal stamina and many more I reckon......people who like Patricia Byrne last night on the Pat Kenny Show (Patients Together) and her experience about the state of hospital care and medical care in our Country, from primary level through to hospitas and those receiving radiation.

Always looking towards Hope:
I am delighted to embrace the topic and would like to hear Mr. Dougie Paterson, Operations Manager, Choose Life from Scotland.

Theme:

Building Awareness - Reducing Risk Mental Illness and Sucide

Gareth O'Callagh an, Author and Broadcaster
Theme 'Being Kind to your Mind

Venue: Corrigan Hall, 6 Killdare Street
Royal College of Physicians of Ireland
Tuesday 10th October 2006 2-5 pm

Margaret Mead - yes there is a small group.of people who can make change but there is always that smaller group who are more excluded (In Ireland we have harsh evidence of this).

i am in the smaller group - I can write and possibly answer questions but go places that is a real problerm with mental health conditions, TBI, Anxiety, Thyroid, problems with senses,. memory, all complicated by Chronic Fatigue. Never forget we can all contribute something.

An e.g. for me, I read in the Science magazine about Savant Syndrome, I wrote by email to Dr. Treffort in the US who recommended me to UCL.. Interaction; commmunication, patient involvement, education exists world wide and some share and some don't because of greed and competiveness.

Ireland and whole of irelalnd need to take the advice at ever level of the famous Psychologist an and change attitude. Stigma prevails through an antiquated system of attitudes and hospitals
People must be treated with Dignity. and the medical profession must open up to wider expertise from abroad and stop bickering about money.......What about people........

Michelle

'The greatest kindness I always have to give you is the Truth.......
Fr. John Powell Jesuit
'Why am I afriad to tell you who I am ?

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Mon Oct 09, 2006 22:23

Some years ago, John B. Keane wrote the film 'The Field'. It was set in Leenane, in Co. Galway at the start of the 19th century. Richard Harris plays the Bull McCabe, John Hurt, as the Village idiot, but a wise man. Brenda Fricker was in the film and Tom Berringer played the Yank.

Now I am going to explain this movie to you. It is called mental health in Ireland today and the denial of suicide. It is alarming to learn that 1 in 5 teenagers in Ireland experience mental health problems resulting in self harm and in some cases sadly suicide. It is also sad to learn that children under the age of 11 are hooked on alcohol.

This report goes from Belfast to Cork, from Galway to Dublin, in fact everywhere. It is also disturbing to note that 16% of teenagers who suffer mental health disorders have seriously considered committing suicide. Remarkably, these figures do not emanate from urban blackspots in an urban city. On the contrary, they reflect the problems confronting young people in towns in rural Ireland. These towns are not getting sufficient funds from Government - in an affluent society.

Today on Baggot Street with my partner, we spoke to an Englishman working here in Advertising. After telling us the serious money he was making, he said honestly I am from Brixton and Kevin I made my own way in life - right to the top. I have advertised for Martin Cullen Minister for Transport. I smile and said nothing but then he looked me and he asked - this economy here is thriving, why can you not have a proper medical health system. I ask the queston tonight - with approximately 500 people a year taking their own lives in Ireland, 11,500 children attending A & E hospitals for self harm and alcohol one of the main stream issues in this equation - I ask the question what Ministers are not doing their job. I also ask tonight - how Mrs. Grace and her children could leave Ely House Hospital, in Wexford and then take her own life and the lives of her two children (RIP)

Yes, we have the Corrib, yes we have the problem now with Aer Lingus and O'Leary - yes we have corporate greed in Ireland. Michael Smurfitt's nephed, torched himself alight on a London Street, only recently. Terry Keane's son died suspciously and sadly in his home. I walked behind myself in my life 11 coffins - all suicide in West Galway. I ask why are people still stuck in the movie the field and denial. I hear the question of young people screaming - psychiatrists, psychologists don't listen they lecture. I have experienced some of this myself through my partner's experience with bipolar condition, acute anxiety and brain injury. Some psychiatrists, one in particular at the Mater appear on television like a true politician with the words 'I know, I will and I am rrght' but some patients and they are human beings - don't forget, keep saying ' Why don't these people Listen?'

Carl Jung, Psychologist, said - 'Two L's - You Listen you learn'

Suicide is in Ireland - that is fact. Ireland is in the top three in Europe and that too is a fact. I have noticed Michelle Clarke's articles on suicide over the last three years rarely replied to. Some of her articles were printed on Indymedia - yet on this Indymedia site, we are stuck with Gerry Ian and Mary Lou Bertie, the piggy bank, and the tooth fairy. McDowell in the chemist in Ranelagh today - he asks 'what do you have for heavy constipation - the Chemist. Michael Bailey replies, 'A bottle of Ethics, Michael.

On a serious note, we have a sin of denial of the epidemic of suicide throughout Ireland. We have organisations like Aware, Mental Health Association, and others but are we really understanding the deep routed causes or do we just play the part of actor's on a stage.......Don't get me wrong, people are doing good work. I am just not so grasping of the reality of young people who feel down, who feel alone, who are excluded, who suffer phobias.........it is really hard to gain constructive help.

Ireland is famous for having an approachable system. The reality is on a Friday Evening and a problem you find health services at slow down level with staff gone home........Anxiety is a strange phenomenon ...... all you need is to exceed the normal level for existence and you are into anxiety states, panic attacks. You may have a safety valve in the cigarette or a glass of wine but then anxiety can become so extreme that all that lies ahead - is out of control. This is not about logical.......this is crisis.....and the services do not cater for this. Time Slots......order this society.

This is what friends of mine have experienced all their lives (yes at school too). People laugh and mock the Samaritans like the old Skoda of years ago but believe me these people have saved lives just like Sr. Concilio who receives no state funding because she does not agree with Government policy unlike Sr. Stanliaus who gets praised by all media - for what I ask.

Please I ask my own Irish people to wake up to suicide - at every walk of life. 7 young Polish lads have committed suicide in Ireland since Christmas.. Homesick of course, imporverished probably, not unlike our own people who walked on Ellis Island many years ago.

I say Goodnight and God bless the vulnerable tonight

Kevin . T. Walsh

Quotation:
'What was any art but a mould in which to imprison for a moment the shining illusive element which is life itself. Life hurrying passed us and runing away, too strong to stop and above all to sweet to lose.
Willa Cather 1876 1947 From the Song of the Lark

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Oct 10, 2006 17:58

Kevin. I have watched the field many times and as I become older, I feel more saddened for the plight of the Bull McCabe.

Today, let us recall John Carthy and vindication granted to the family and those with mental health problems as a consequence of The Barr Tribunal Report.

Michelle Clarke

Let me quote George Bernard Shaw (1856 to 1950)
'The true artist will let his wife starve, his children go barefoot, his mother drudge for his living at seventy, sooner than work at anything but his art'

by Jack Russell - Social Justice Sun Oct 29, 2006 23:42

Luckily, personal intervention, not community services, not state services, intervened and the woman and her dog has been left in her room of 27 years.........basic; too basic; but hidden....in D4

Personal intervention by three people, who had made contact with services, the community officer, Threshold, Dublin City civic services and as many website links as possible, have secured a stay......until January. 2007

There are others who face the same threats to their Tenure. There are people in their eighties facing Tribunals........How could this have happened in Ireland........the Island of Ireland......?

Let us be under no illusion that this matter rests with the lack of State provisiion, community services, link up. The State services need Govt funds, even if this means taxes must go up.

I listened to a programme on Cuba who has a better health survival rate than the US. The young doctor made a very valid point re. their intensive health programme. They meet the patients at surgery but at least three times a year they visit the home of the patient on their list. Health is essential. It is from health the spokes of a wheel emanate.......Integration and rationalisation and good old common sense adds to the potion that is so badly needed here.

The sense here is that you can read more about the patient from the environoment they live in. The old dispensary system was based on this.

Now the Comhairle websites, the Oasis websites, the Citizens Information services, the Naditional Disabilities Association, Threshold, Charities etc. all do good work. The problem is the funding and the possible need for a rationalisation based on cost/benefit analysis is an urgent requirement. Also, we need to alert ourselves to how many cannot read or write. Then how many are not computer literate. We need to consider patients using their computer to maintain their own medical file on disc......What is the point in say attending specialists for psychiatry and then neurology and then endocrine......Where is the integration here? Remember health is paramount.

It is Election Time..........Community Services are vital and it is most important that they are co-ordinated and interactive.

If people have medical cards......something must be done to ensure comprehensive assessments are made of their home and living conditions. There is a need to deal with addictions and psychiatric now that a global connection has been established. Likewise education is key relating to Sex by teenagers, addictive drugs and alcohol, psychiatric issues.........Where is our Vision?

Again, I recall the 1970's in a rural practice. The Public Health Nurses in liaison with the GP provided an excellent services and an ever watchful eye........

This does not appear to happen now. People are left vulnerable and prey........This could be the reason so many people are homeless.....

We need genuine care, compassion and understanding. We must also try to understtand that some people may be eccentric.....this is nothing new. The only change may be peoples' attitudes........as we focus upwards on that social ladder.

Petra Kelly
Feast or Famine
'We cannot have a feast on global resources while the world's poor struggle to survive on inhospitable lands. It is as simple as that.

It is rich who are making the world poorer.

Environment and Poverty are one crisis, not one.....

Petra Kelly (1947-1992 German Green Politician

Tonight BBC News ought to makes us all aware of Just How Serious the Green Issue has become?

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion Justice and Ethics Fri Dec 15, 2006 18:41

Nietzche despaired.........

Tonight Minister McDowell, Minister for Justice and Law Reform is to appear on the Pat Kenny show...............Worth viewing....

The Gauntlet is down........Time to tackle serious crime, drug dealing and social problems needing attention.

Michelle

by Michelle Clarke - Social Inclusion and Justice Thu Mar 01, 2007 21:28

Shame Shame Shame.

What is happening within our Government Departments? We got the European Union funds and the NDP is evidenced by roads, buildings, the Luas. There are complaints and overspends but at least we can see outcomes and there are plenty of plans for work due in the next decade.

Education benefits from EU funds and other social projects yet the outcome is far from satisfactory and there is the feeling that projects for Autism and other projects to do with people and children will be wound down and out....

The promises for Disabilities, for Mental Health, for Suicide Prervention.......there is a lack to indepthness....

Why? I ask. Just look at the revelations ......... What are people doing with mobile phones, computers, during work hours and who is at a loss

Yes, it is the vulnerable..........Have we lost the intuition necessary to have compassion and a sense of duties to others, particularly our children, the vulnerable, the mentally ill, those with addictions, the elderly.

Our focus has been legislation but I ask has the vanity of writing legislation without integrity assumed such importance that a priority list is not first drafted ............. people say that recent crime legislation will be subject to many alterations and it would perhaps be more appropriate to highlight obscure existing legislatiom and use it effectively.

Thank you Indymedia for providing a grassroots system of communication - one that includes people like me with limited time in the day and multiple disabilities together with pre-accident life experience and different perspectives.........

I lived in Zimbabwe in the 1990's and I know the value of Freedom of the Press...........Changes in legislation need to be thought out carefully and not rushed in via Emergency Legislation as an Election Date approaches fast.

Also Children - To amend the Constitution with such haste, how wise is this?

Similar to other letters submitted to Government in earlier posts, this one is of interest in the light of the horrors of this weeks news concerning a 14 year old boy 'used but hopefully not wasted' by 10 men..................the professions of some really scare me. The power element ...........meeds careful consideration.

Sometimes we need to listen a little more e.g. letter June 13th 06 to Justice Equality and Law Reform

----- Original Message -----
From: Michelle M. Clarke
To: aengus.osnodaigh@oireachtas.ie
Sent: Tuesday, June 13, 2006 3:39 PM

Aengus

Just in case you did not see the article in Irish News paper during the week.

Judge in district court North of Ireland sentenced man to three years for the abuse of a 12 year old. The young girl was at a function with her father and this other man, a chef, encouraged her to come away to a local Green with her. The father noticed and followed. He witnessed the scene, the man admitted what he had done, the police came. The Judge took account of his admission to guilt.

Did you see Questions and Answers last night? If not, a Dr. Freedman spoke. He is eminent in medicat experience and works in HIV research, I think. His experience gives the broader social dimension.

I don't know but the marriage age in Ireland around First World war was 14 - I might be wrong.....but then we had the Monto down here which was the second largest red light district.........naval port etc. Being pregnant when you don't want to be is pressure enough without age barriers.

All the best

Michelle

----- Original Message -----
From: Michelle M. Clarke

Sent: Wednesday, June 07, 2006 1:05 AM

JUNE 2ND AS PEOPLE IN IRELAND WHO WILL ENDORSE WHAT CAN ONLY BE DEEMED A FAVOURABLE LEGAL OPTION TO ENTRAPMENT, RAPE OF A MINOR ETC.....FOR THE LAWYERS TO DETERMINE.

Dear Minister McDowell - Justice Equality and Law Reform

This time I will be brief. The task ahead of you arises because it is an issue that secrecy, history, power of the dispensary doctor, the priest, concealed decade after decade and human nature.

I recall in my father's dispensary practice a girl the same age as me then i.e. about to give birth in our hall. She was beautiful, she was only 13......it was the reality then. Regularly, incidents would occur, the Gardai would call to the front door as distinct from the back where the patients had access. They would speak but realistically what could they do back them. We know this from Granard..........tragedies that happen and will continue to happen.

My Grandfather was appointed to the senate in 1928 - I have been compiling his debate period....as suggested by the RIA - he was fiery. I have read the Illegitimacy (with clear knowledge of family events at that time) bills and more importantly the Children's Act 1935. Times were hard. Babies were found in ditches; or near the Falls Hotel, then Ennistimon House, thrown on the river edge. All I will say is these were desperate times. The age of seven applied to the fostered children and the age was raised to 9. Many professional people of this time, as you know, had their children boarded out.......It is said, Nurse Cadden, had asked for my Grandfather as Judge in her case..... The law in Ireland was based on English law and it was no more progressed there. My mother worked in the slums in Hull as a GP in the early 1950's.......a comment made that stuck in my head 'the girls mothers taught them how to procure abortions in the same way as they taught them how to cook!' She was in her early 20s. This was the advice to her of the senior partner.......

Vulnerability must be dealt with and openly acknolwedged. Since the Brain Damage I have been described in many ways Some say without guile.....All I know is there are people out there who take advantage in a way you would never have permitted in your other life.

An example, I received many emails about two years ago........comprehension is too poor to grasp and when I met Kevin, he tried and I still can't grasp to get me to understand their content, which he thought was child pornography. I am agoraphobic, have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and medications for bipolar. I never use the phone so I still really have no feed back. I look at them tonight and I don't know. The annoying part is I will forget alson until something awakens my attention....If only people could understand, listen, avoid denial rather than action....

Yet: The secrecy, the denial of Ireland, is against me and the like of me and why.........

I sent these images to Copine in Cork. I wrote, I explained, and I wrote and they never replied to me......so I still have these on my machine and actually I don't know and nobody is willing to take the time to explain to me yes or no.

This has to be removed from our society.......I don't remember yesterday but I have lots written;

The psychologist Henry James, a century or more, I believe has the nugget.......You cannot change people and the way they treat you (that's up to them and the law ultimately) but you can nurture a healthy attitude and find coping strategies ........ these need not be family members!

Kevin Walsh brought me to your office one day and I spoke to a very nice woman but it stops there.....my head.

Michelle Clarke I have found the best checks and balances to be 'knowledge is no load' even if the pen has to be at your side at all times........

Ultimately, I suppose 'The pen is mightier than the sword'

Some earlier articles I must have written.....
----- Original Message -----
From: michelle clarke
To: info@michaelmcdowell.ie ; Enda.Kenny@oireachtas.ie ; dmurray ; Cistercians Please Circulate to Fr. Francis Mount Mellary and Fr. Eanna Roscrea ; Christian Aid Ireland ; aosnodaigh@oireachtas.ie ; Ann Fisher
Cc: Trinity Social Studies Eoin O'Sullivan ; Provost (by way of Secretary ) (by way of Michelle CLarke ) ; Info @Children's Law Centre ; eoin cassidy ; Emmet_Stagg@oireachtas.ie ; Community Awaremess of Drugs
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 1:16 AM
Subject: Emailing: newswire Clerical Abuse. Today, we hear about the secrets (known to a select few no doubt) from the Teaching Profession and a few weeks ago the Guardian in the UK was talking about abuse at Football Clubs

Tomorrow's news will reveal that a teacher from Kerry has been sentenced by a Judge to two years for unlawful sex with a young 14 year old in the science laboratory.

Yes, I see the sense in setting the 18 month limitations to the Clerical Sex Abuse Audit. We need to enforce a clear message that society says it is acting in the best interests of our children and vulnerable members of society.

If you click to Indymedia newswire and scross to the latest comment, it may be of interest.

My penchant for second-hand book shops provided me with a Guide to Early Irish Law - Children were referred to as 'Innocents' then and you could classified as 'half sane'. Have we advanced from our Medieval law.......!

Could I possibly be hearing that there is no legislation...........against the people who engaged with this 14 year old.........Why all the wasting of time by Committees.............Where is the intellect?

Michelle Clarke

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Apr 13, 2007 21:17

I have received Lucinda Creighton's - Don't Blame the Government,
Change it !!! 2007 First Steps Forward Election Manifesto.

If she has read my emails and those of others who write re. suicide, mental illness, educational psychologists, etc........., I would like to say one thing......

Through necessity, people like me have been consistent in our approach to Government to rectify the faulty and ill-funded services put foward for people with mental health problems. I also add we are lacking in Neurology services - Ireland ranks near the bottom here. Yet if we think about it between, road accidents, murders and assaults, we need investment particularly now as head injured tend to survive but face the need fo lifelong rehabilitative services.

I have written about Mental Health services in Dublin 4. It is not the address that sets the standard in fact it invokes more denial.

The Mental Health Commission is centred in D4......there is a real problem here to acknowledge emails from people with some input. Every so often, you can find a publication or even a Report....but there it stops. As for the National Disability Authority, this excels. It has doubled in size on Clyde Road but try get interaction and support as a person with mental health needs combined with neurological issues......it doesn't work. It appears to be a boardroom and all those academics with their scientifc views from our universities, and other representative groups.......I distinctly feel that these people are challenged by the idea of 'those who know different' might gain the upper hand. The view from the library is beyond a dream - Herbert Park and Clyde Road......making people feel welcome, well thats another thing....

Psychiatric nurses have chosen to go on strike. I have a real problem here. Psychiatric services receive only half the funding and it has been a diminishing amount over the last decade. Hospitals have been closed down but there is a serious question to be asked about the high percentage of homeless people who have mental health problems. Without the strike, there service is grossly inefficient.......and doggedly closed minded.

Again I ask about people and suicide.......Do people really care or just want to be seen.

The hospital services and the concept of community for people with problems including those with drug addiction problems are in dire need of commitment from medical people, integration with the homeless agencies and the primary care services, and initiatives to help people who have long term health problems re-integrate into society.

I know on Baggot Street that I have a good idea when a homeless man is giving trouble to people, there is a strong chance he, like me, takes medications and he he has more than likely taken alcohol.

When people understand medications and drink and illegal drugs......You can throw all you like in terms of pills, drink and illegal drugs, and each time the person takes something, they hope they will get a lift.....and the dream they had before they fell off the path of life.....

Because I know - I raise this point. It has been my experience.....of public services, not all but some.......

A woman left the ward I shared with her.......on her mind......she had shared what she wanted to do........and she did.....

Psychiatric nurses and Psychiatrists have major responsibilities.....a government that reduces a budget by half and then pledges all they are going to do about suicide by media - I challenge you to get real.

I note everyone talks about low taxes but frankly I would prefer to see higher taxes and effective and efficient organisation of our health services with particular focus on neurology, mental health, child mental health, drug addiction, public health services, MRSA, ME, HIV,

There must be integration.

Minister for Health Mary Harney is too shrewd a woman and academic to let the Health Pot boil to what we witness today. Personally, I see in her a sense of co-ordination; and similar to aftermath of Merger and Takeover in the world of business, - there maybe major change. I wonder if the Consultants ever envisaged the point of no return they are at now. :Likewise the nurses - do they really no what lies ahead of them........

Michelle Clarke
'You have to be the change you want to see in the world' - Gandhi

or

'Live as if you are going to die tomorrow, or learn as if you are going to learn for the rest of their lives'

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics Tue Apr 17, 2007 20:24

Michelle - I enjoyed your article on psychiatric nurses and the STRIKE.

This is going to be a long and dirty haul. It will be as dirty as Charlie and Bertie's memoirs. I wish Arthur Scargill would fly over and negotiate this deal. He sure learnt a lot from hindsight.

Don't get me wrong I am not comparing Thatcher to Harney - any Irish taxpaying gobshite would realise that Harney is three times the size of Maggie T...... This is not about size. Maggie had a major overall majority when she was in power whereas Mary Harney, PD, has only 2.5%.

Yet, eventually, it appears that the PD's can bring this country to its knees i.e. if they are not stopped. Perhaps PJ Mara could come back from his romantic retirement - I heard he is giving the Galway water a wide berth these days. Who cares? PJ in his day covered many a deal for Charlie Haughey while Charlie ran the Yacht....

It is time to get real. Will Taoiseach Bertie Ahern get Phil Flynn, negotiator, in to try and sort out the deadlock (the Consultants, the Nurses, the patients)?

Now here is my view on the overall situation.

We all know it is very common for the nurse to marry the Garda or the nurse to marry the doctor but they will always marry professionals. I have two friends at the moment, one a doctor, one a nurse, both working with combined earnings of Euros485,000 p.a. with pensions. Let's move down the scale to Nurse and Garda. With 9 years service by both, there will be a combined income of Euros112,000 p.a.

Now when Eamonn Dunphy phoned Podge and Rodge today in relation to the strike, the answer he got was - where is the LOGIC Eamonn? For once, Dunphy was dumbfounded. Straight away he allegedly made an appointment with Dr. Patricia Casey, Mater Psychiatric Hospital and also writer in many journals as to how the mind works.........After 2 hours, Dr. Casey read her notes - they read 'the fullback won't move, the half backs are asleep, the forwards are half drunk and George Best is dead..............Rumours now have it that Dr. Casey has signed herself in to St. Patricks with other collegiates. The reason she gave to her fellow doctor was - I earn Euros 128,000 per year as a consultant, I earn another Euros100,000 for sitting on State Boards, writing articles and engaging in research - where is the justice in all of this. After to listening to Dunphy for two hours and the fact that he earns twice as much as me!!!! This is why the nurses are on strike.

Will Bertie Ahern try to apply some logic to this? I believe Bertie when he says he had no bank account, I believe Mary Harney when she says she has no weight problem, I believe McDowell is the legal brain of the Universe (inc. the Cuckoo). So tonight I am asking Paidi O'Shea in Dingle after 10 pints of guniness to make some logic out of this and make contact across the Atlantic to the New York Times about the poor doctors and nurses in Ireland with their foreign holiday homes, their yachts, their mansions in the West of Ireland and their vested interests outside of medicine.

I will close by asking the most serious question of all - who now can clean up the mess of our health system, take moral account of those people lying and dying on trolley's.

You talk Michelle on suicide. I enjoyed that paragraph - I sit at times in Baggot Street and watch the young people leave the hospital who are on methadone, looking pale, gaunt and undernourished. There is I believe an underlying depression and anxiety, that our psychiatric services choose to ignore. Some of these children with children, end up in our prisons and become suicide victims. The system is cold and harsh to them.

Ireland now thanks to the PD's and the 2.5% mandate means that public medicine is the underfunded, understaffed, least innovative option. On the other hand, the private system costs, the insurers like VHI and Bupa (now Quinn) pay and equality of people appears a dream for some.

A Reminder to the medical profession and I mean all members.

The Hippocratic Oath (Morality Ethics reminder)
Hippocrates 460-377 BC author of some 76 extant texts.
'The Great Achievement of him and his followers was to turn diffuse Greek medical practice into a PROFESSION. Medicine was a freelance activity at that time, and there were no professional qualifications. Therefore TRUST was an important mechanism, and a doctor's reputation was what secured - or did not secure - his living.......

The Hippocratic corpus of work lays down, in effect, certain guidelines for trustworthy conduct. For example, a doctor should not allow financial considerations to affect treatment, should treat the poor as the rich, should not extend or curtail treatment in order to maximise profits, and should not negotiate payment. He must treat the patient's testimony as strictly confidential. He must be gentle and dignified, and should concentrate on correctness of treatment, NOT A VULGAR DISPLAY OF SKILL......'
Quoted from book by Kieron O'Hara. Title: Trust from Socrates to Spin

An old man in Connemara once said, money is filth and I asked him why. He smiled and just said 'look how many hands a coin penetrates and it collects the corruption along the way and also there is the absence of morality. If you translate this to the Ireland of today - the answer stares you in the face.

Now the status is number one - the mercedes and the sports car, the south Dublin apartment but the cracks are beginning to show because sometimes, as Bertie no doubt knows, have a habit of just cropping up. Tonight Bertie lies in his bed in North Dublin chewing green Broccoli, petting his half Jack Russell Trevor (to alleviate his stress). In the meantime McDowell is in Ranelagh reading the Book - Why can't a genius turn into an idiot in 5 years and why me? His Jack Russell pure bred called Jack turns around and says 'I told you not to cross O'Connell Bridge - you could have practiced law full time southside but as soon as you crossed the Bridge Michael - you became one of them......A shady character alas and wuff wuff.

Kevin T. Walsh

Quotation: Consuming Passions
'In a consumer society there are inevitably two kinds of slaves: the prisoners of addiction and the prisoners of envy Ivan Illich 1926 Austrian Born Philosopher, Theologian and author of LIMITS TO MEDICINE

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Thu Apr 19, 2007 15:40

Kevin

I thought your article was very well written and more importantly thought provoking.......

The Hippocratic Oath is a worthwhile remiinder at a time that Nurses are on strike, consultants are under attack for self-regulation, the Consultants are musing, talking, suggesting to other collegiates not to take up the offer of potentially forfeited jobs as constructed (socially and economically) by Minister for Health, Mary Harney and the HSE Chief Executive Drumm.

What about the patients? What about Negotiation and Honour? Is the equilibrium right - the doctors and nurses are mutually exclusive as are the nurse aids, the administrators etc. Equality is a principle of our State.

What about the consultants accepting less to facilitate the shortfall of the nurses?

Health is wealth. We have no choice about poor health why should we the people of Ireland be made vulnerable to a value system that is economic only.......we deserve more. Where is the social context? Where is the compassion? Not all people have a money mindset......

Health as defined June 25th 1923 : NATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE.

At the inception of the Irish State, the issue of Health was reviewd and the proposed need to provide health services for all people. This was the objective and thus became a target to be achieved.

Let us not forget this. We have the European route based on the social dimension or we can opt for the US corporate model, that provides only for those who can pay? Let us look as we did in the 1950's when Architects like Michael Scott and a team travelled to Eastern Europe for ideas!

As Hamlet says' 'There is something rotten in the state of Denmark' In Ireland, in relation to health commitments, we are lost in a fog and wasting money, opportunities, lives, mindsets, based on greed by some and an inadequate ability to share. People may have the degree and no education. I left Trinity while I still wanted to be able to regard myself as having an education, rather than as a widget with a degree.....They taught me enough, to learn enough, to identify from my experience working for a US Investment Bank etc, in my preaciddent life. I loved Trinity, the opportunities given to me with both mental illness, anxiety, and ABI but the ultimate is feeling okay with jumping off before the last stop - I like Ethics, Transparency, Imagination, my health deteriorated and

Again I am not my degree, I am my being. In this regard I scare of the nurses who gain the degree but want to be paid for their degree without moving into the next category. It should be a fair wage for all. My health history is the component plus ongoing health problems, plus no energy.....This is a deck of cards dealt.......do I cry because of the economic shortfall.......or to I take responsibility for my attitude and accept .......

Quotation:
Kabir
'I laugh when I hear the fish in water is thirsty'

by Kevtin T. Walsh - Social Justice Sat Apr 21, 2007 01:26

I can but think of the 7 Deadly sins with Jealousy, envy, Greed and ask where is the shame in the economic model as distinct to the social model of medicine.......We need proactive, primary health care, night surgeries and an absence from the acceptance of alcoholics and drunks being taken to hospital Accident and Emergency......this causes a lot of problem regarding beds.......There must be an alternative location for such people and a fine for the inconvenience, the cost of the Ambulance. Then they ought to be directed towards AA, with a further penalty if the arrive in public services again. MRSA is critical as now is the re-appearance of TB,,,,,Trips to A and E's become a health hazard to others .....

Nurses are planning to next onslaught and shamefully, the psychiatric hospitals are the fodder again..........Why! Where are the GP's, Consultants to hammer out what Professor Drumm has proposed?

I wonder how the system can work in the Ireland.

There primary care teams, with management support, and providing a large range of services (taught out and planned for years) and yet in lack of regulation and stantards are only sub-standard.

Then there are people with multiple illnesses - the kind that if you were in the UK, you would be monitored by a team - and they would have to work in a must disciplinary way. Not here.. It is my humble opinion that this relates to the two tier system in public medicine and then the apportioned time to private practice. The stretch of Trust and Ethics is just to glib and in an honesty difficult to handle. I would go further and say it causes damaging stress and anxiety to all concerned.

Ireland seriously needs to get some protype from other countries and their ought to be discussion about availing of cheap travel and going to Brussells and other countries that are more socially focused and now building up a team of patients from Ireland and the UK.........

We are talking about a service, competition, price, choice, and a realisation that we are part of Europe.........

We have Hospitals, private, public, public/Private then we have the new American Corporate concept of hospital that is high spec. and in need of Staff......here is more competion but the question is Who drafted the plan?
and why did they not think through about an ultimate objective of free health in Ireland for all. There is a turn in direction.

What I am waiting for is the Quinn Direct that bought over BUPA. They say they will hold on to the staff. Their challenge is VHI. Competition will be good I hope. You see I note that VHI are low on what they give you to repay the GP, the Consulstant, the phsysiotherapist etc. but I do notice items provided that are not essential to recovery and a firm profit source......Is this fair......Health cover ought to be specific. If you attend the consultant you should be repaid his total fee and likewise the GP

The machinations are screwed up by the Private route to medicine intermingled with the public and no conscience or parameters set.

Given the health I would be trundling off to Brussells for the service I heard from a man who worked in the EU is just excellent......

Kevin T. Walsh

I had a look at a Primary care practice (ex. IGPI site) in Cremorne, North Dublin.

The web page is excellent and covers the range of illnesses and the suppot groups are outlined.......This is where we go to surely.

Quotation
Idealism Kathe Kollowitz (1867-1945 German Artist
'I am in the world to change the world'

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Wed Apr 25, 2007 16:26

Rerence Article: Youth Mental Health and Equality
Equality, UCD

Ogra Sinn Fein discussions on Mental Health and Suicide

Reference: MEP Synott mental health and disabilities

Maybe others can be added to this

Michelle

by Michelle Clarke - Social Jusdtice and Ethics Thu Jul 17, 2008 20:42

Is there transparency?

A man who begs daily in Dublin 4 (beside the Fas office, beside the Hospital, near the Church....etc)

He drinks too much, he gets a little over excited if he takes that extra bit of cider!! or whatever....

yet.....you ask, does he read and the answer is yes and I like certain authors but I have no glasses. You say why and he says I have no address, I am in a hostel, therefore I have no medical card.

There are people sleeping out......for their own sanity no doubt, if the hostels are so poor, yet in this area, there are nothing but properties being held for investment purposes. If each village identity say like Baggot Street/Canal had a level of responsibility surely the housing officers, the district nurses, members of the Church could provide an alternative for these wayward people and re-train them for suitable work.

Personally, I see no outward activity from the hospital in Baggot Street towards the vulnerable. Why is it that during our Tourist Season, people who are not able to keep themselves clean due to homelessness are not part of the social work routine. If these people interacted more, perhaps they could empower people rather than throw them on the scrap heap and leave them to early death or even suicide.

Alcoholism, drug addiction, homelessness.........need a hub. Baggot Street has the most disjointed service that acts as a deterrence and reminder of same........This is far from the History of the Hospital, the remnants you see when you walk in the door. Why has Ireland lost this Church of Ireland Care system.........We are all losers.

I suspect.....health services sees a lot of double jobbing..........this could mean, working off par, because of family pressures. The purpose of the Hospital needs Inspiration and then to create motivation.

All I know now is that one used to get bloods done there......and now....having spent time re-arranging how to take blood and moving from a queue to a nurse and assistant in an office.......the outcome is that there are no more Bloods and people must go to Vincents. Crazy

Bloods are taken for a reason. Ultimatel;y you need the patient to take responsibility for their own health......how can they be encouraged if it becomes either a chore or exhausting process for them.

What are the plans for Baggot Street hospital......given the level of homeless people, the people who will be forced to leave their flats due to leases being up........Surely, people can ask, add, know........Rather than depress us all with recession, let us have a positive return from the bureaucrats who will receive pensions any way.

Michelle Clarke

Quotation: The summing up
In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: IT GOES ON.

Robert Frost, (1874-196) US poet

by Jack Russell - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Jul 25, 2008 18:03

This has become a very real problem and yet it ought not be so.

What if a human being chooses not to conform with society.....they don't wash for long periods; they soil their clothes; they sleep out; they travel on buses; they shop in the local shops.

Add to this that they may urinate on the streets.

You can see that their physical health is suffering and even one might question their mental health.

When does society react? As a daughter of a dispensary doctor in the country (1970's)....the district nurse proved excellent in dealing with such situationsbut alas today's society has changed.

For example: Baggot Street Hospital, a resplendid building of pre-Independence Ireland, stands amongst its rivals - the Adelaide, and others. Passing by the Adelaide the other day, I noticed the billboard highlighting a new conferance/library centre due to open shortly....the plan is towards life-long learning. This hospital has had the benefit of funding provided by patrons and appears to have an interactive group of consultants and administrators involved in its development (yes, they work in line with the old system of governance and controls systems). This suggests looking to the dignity of the patient......and this is a basic human right.

We talk about the recession being forthcoming. Developers have made fortunes and we have the buildings that say 'The Changing Ireland'. However, sitting outside O'Briens coffee shop today.....and there are many eateries now on this street, one find's oneself in that awful paradox that here am I eating and beside me stands a person in need of real human care and attention.

A woman (passing through) is horrified by what she witnesses. She comes to me and says 'what can we do for that man?'. I try to explain.....nothing......but ironically I am looking straight at a hospital that used to have an Accident and Emergency, social services, elderly services etc. The woman is talking about calling an ambulance for the man and I am looking at a hospital that once served a community, now being basically run down......here I suggest that there is a vested interest by the HSE and it does not include a service to the local community.

The Canal at night is home to many, as is Herbert Park and other places. I live in apartment block and one night late found a man sleeping outside.......Several weeks ago, early a.m. my partner saw people, Gardai, Forensics.....a body was removed from the canal. This is not the first time.....yet there was no mention in the news.

Where are the social workers? Surely someone can organise services for people who sleep out in this area - the very least these people need are facilities to wash, clean, and use the bathroom. It is awful to hear an elderly woman comment about her body ordour and going to shops or coffee houses, knowing people are commenting about the smell. We need to be more aware. There is plenty of room in the hospital if used strategically and if staff are motivated.

In the hospital is the welfare office, yet my experience, is that people receiving rent supplement due to health reasons are living in appalling bedsits in the so called exclusive Dublin 4, yet this hideous and odious treatment of vulnerable people is endorsed by the HSE. The computer buffs, have made their money. The websites are there but the core point is how to encourage people to access the data through the computer and this ought to be done at locations like Baggot Street Hospital.

The web like a spider's web covers a lot of space.........but before the spider can weave the web.....they must be empowered. For the human being who may vulnerable assistance may be needed to draw out their hidden resources and talents.

It is possible to find a home......through the system......but it takes knowledge and courage......interaction with the system but above all by calling up the website Dublin City Living......therein, like following an index and using the backspace, you will find your way to the information you need to qualify for a home.

Any chance a person has to use the web or learn (perhaps FAS would provide facilities, if in earnest about vulnerable people).

I am so happy to hear that someone we know has a new home........much deserved. Well done for the perservance and especially in Dublin 4 where the bedsits still lurk amongst the illustrious refurbished home dwellings.

Michelle Clarke
Relaptionships Joan Baez (1941.......) Us singer and civil rights activist
'The easiest kind of relationship is with ten thousand people, the hardest is with one'

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Thu Apr 02, 2009 16:41

The Leas Cross scandal revealed on Prime Time and in the media via undercover cameras........is alive and kicking in good old Ireland or so some journalists revealed in the papers yesterday. Yes, our psychiatric hospitals are under question with physical force being used against mental health patients.......Constraint may be necessary on occasion but in no way abuse. Stand Ashamed those who resort to violence to the vulnerable. We the plain people of Ireland cannot be asked to accept this form of behaviour in 2009.

Shame on Ireland as a nation: We are losing sight of the core values to people who are vulnerable.

The Budget is due i.e. the mini budget given the world crisis in the Financial Markets and the greed of some people in fortunate positions that allowed them exploit, we the plain people of Ireland. Follow this money ought to be the aim of Government not:-

Cancelling carers for those of us, who need them through necessity, age, birth, disabilities, special needs ... vulnerability can mean value!!!! Stop being blinded by the light

Jeff Smurfit senior, I was told by a very close friend of his, used the adage 'Opportunity comes to pass not to Pause'. Those involved with budget, I would implore they look to the research in the universities and the success of people with disabilities in attaining degrees and entering the workforce with plenty to contribute. Why deprive a person the opportunity to engage in learning and add to the pool of life. Other countries are more advanced than Ireland......Let us not lose out through a mini budget that says no to Disabilities, no to special needs assistance; fees to be paid for university.

Out walking today I met an elderly man, with neck chain of religious significance around his neck......He spoke of the Congo........yes, we the Irish people sent our own to fight in the Congo in the most atrocious of circumstances and all we offer them is the basics of a hostel and a meagre oap pension. What value do we really have on life and moreover the control we exercise via government. Let not budget reduce the men and men like them who fought in the dirty war of the Congo or any dirty war of Enough.....to live their old age with dignity.

Equality is core to Society and we need this budget to address an awful financial situation but not at cost of the vulnerable.

Jobs are being lost but remember it is mainly in the computer component computerised and mechanised areas. Think of it as the allocation Ireland was given say 20 years ago as the G20 equivalent doled out the order of the day. The order for Ireland of their tomorrow was surely the 'Knowledge Economy'

We have the assets of knowledge for centuries, now we understand more about exploration through the computer. Let us carry on........we have the capabilities.....

Michelle Clarke

by empathiser Thu Apr 02, 2009 19:52

Thanks for sharing that with us ,Michelle . It's good to see that a woman who has been touched by illness herself is still able to feel compassion for others . Mental illness , so often compounded by social stigma , not only affects the sufferers themselves .It frequently places great strain on their partners and loved ones as well . I'm sure that Kevin and yourself must at times feel alone against an uncaring and hostile world , and just feel like lashing out. .

Mental Health Ireland is a national voluntary organisation which aims to promote positive mental health and to actively support persons with a mental illness, their families and carers by identifying their needs and advocating their rights. . You can read more about Mental Health Ireland on its website here.
http://www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics Fri Apr 03, 2009 13:01

I have been aware of Mental Health Ireland for a number of years now and have followed your website which is most detailed and helpful.

Just in case people don't know: Professor Simms was speaking on Pat Kenny show this morning. Apparently there is a meeting via the Iona Institute, with Patricia Casey, Psychiatrist, Professor Simms, along with others in the field about the importance of Religion to people with mental problems. It will form a debate I hope.

Professor Simms then qualified the misuse in psychiatry and in ordinary parlence of the word Delusion......it is better in a non mental health situation to say that something is false but not to say it is a 'delusion'.

Look out for notes or coverage in the newspapers; or contact Iona Institute directly on the net.

It sounds good....

by Kevin T. Walsh - Social Justice and Ethics: Dignity Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:46

This week from radio, television and every broadsheet paper in the country, sadly spoke and wrote on the treatment of the vulnerable psychiatric papers in the two hospitals in Tipperary.

Minister Moloney said on Drivetime, this week, there will be no cover up. That sends shivers down my spine!!! The facts to date from a director of the Tipperary HSE and from the Irish Mental Health Organisation states that from 2004, patients were left all day in their night clothes, other patients were contained - in what is similarly known as 'lock up'. The most tragic cases in these hospitals were the 17 vulnerable people who were left in pain with bone fractures on their bodies. As one senior member of the Irish Mental Health Commission said, this is the year 2009 - its not just unacceptable, it is despicable and it breaks the persons dignity and above all human rights.

It is nice to see Michelle that you got a reply in an above posting from the association of Mental Health Ireland in Dun Laoghaire and hopefully we will see more of this interaction on this site particularly in relation to mental health.

There are 365,000 people with disabilities in Ireland. Research around the country comes up with figures that - almost 40,000 of them are computer illierate which is fantastic. Hopefully more of these people will engage in breaking the stigma to mental health in this country, that sadly still exists. I also hope the coming budget on Tuesday doesn't have a negative impact on these vulnerable peoples' lives in psychiatric hospitals around the country.

Tony Bates spoke on the Marianne Finucane show yesterday (Headstrong) spoke of the major positive approaches now in engaging with young people who suffer from depression and these people are not alienated which sadly as Dr. Bates said brings on suicide. Aware, Grow, Samaritans - down the years, in a low profile are doing great work with people who need assistance and who suffer from mental health difficulties. People should give all the encouragement required, not just to the less well off financially but more importantly to the less well off both mentally and physically........it is called humanity to each other.

Kevin T. Walsh

.

by Fred Johnston Sun Apr 05, 2009 17:10

Simply because they are helpless, and this can be defined as not having money or influence. That is why governments which are established upon or from the grass-roots, ordinary people, through revolution or the vote, are perceived as dangerous in the Western world; they are proof that people who have neither money nor influence can predict the course of events when encouraged or supported to become directly involved. And this is perceived as anti-capitalist and threatening. Our own government's recent attacks upon the less-well-off, the homeless, those in need of special care, is actually - sadly - common and predictable behaviour for most Western governments in a similar fiscal crisis. The sick, the disabled, the homeless, have neither the physical ability nor the will to march, to demonstrate in the streets (and a quick run through recent media pundit statements about the 'threat' of civil unrest and the like illustrates how much public demonstration is feared) and to take their case personally into the media spotlight. The government can and will do nothing about bankers demanding obscene salaries; nor will they bring the law to bear on those who have wrecked our economy. These are considered 'powerful' people, and above the law. Meanwhile, a poor person stealing a loaf will be prosecuted and have a criminal record, at the least. On this respect, nothing has changed in our society since the 18th century.

by Michelle Clarke - Social Justice and Ethics: Dignity Wed Apr 22, 2009 19:14

Fred:

You summed in such a distinct way, what it is like to be vulnerable.

Power, if not diluted, becomes such a dangerous force. Power exists at every level of society and the abuse of power, must at all times, be destabilised and if possible a corrective option applied to those who abuse it.

Ireland is now at a level of vulnerability globally, that we would not have anticipated this time last year. Krugman gave his economic synopsis of an Eire on brink of being 'broke' or words to this effect. Ireland is vulnerable to such commentary......today, the IMF have come to the fore, and their forebodings are about doom also.

Meantime our Power-Base is focused at who gets fired at Government level and the sweetners they receive.

When will people take responsibility and stop the criticisms and start some positive press and media reporting to encourage people to think creatively, laterally and productively.

I was delighted to read Chris Horn's article in the Irish Independent today. Iona Technologies was an incubator company in Trinity College and forged ahead. Today, he is considering how education will advance through the media of computer. This I must say I had been thinking about. As a person with ABI, only for the computer and adaptive technology, I would have been left in a facile, non participative existence. The computer provided me with a means of communication that did not physically tire me, as attending classes would, speaking to other students, listening to teachers, commuting etc.

Mandelson in the UK has zoned in on Broadband and the fact that speed of usage has doubled. He is looking at targeting the population supply and high agenda. Meantime in Ireland, there are areas with no Broadband and Eircom appears to be for sale again.

Fred.....your paragraph......hits the heart and soul. Well said.

Michelle Clarke
Quotation
Opportunity
'Enlarge the opportunity and the person will expand to fill it'
Eli Ginzberg (b. 1911 US Health Policy Expert and writer