Northern Trust secures 24/7 Mental Health Service for Causeway after ‘productive’ talks with SOS Causeway

Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust pictured with representatives from SOS Causeway following a recent meeting where the group received an update from the Trust on the wide range of mental health services provided across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

Senior staff from the Northern Health and Social Care Trust have described recent discussions with community representatives from SOS Causeway as “productive”, following a meeting focused on mental health service provision across the Causeway Coast and Glens area.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Trust to share updates on its range of mental health services and outline future plans for the region.

One of the key developments announced was the securing of permanent funding for the Mental Health Liaison Service at Causeway Hospital’s Emergency Department and inpatient wards — a move which now allows the service to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The liaison service provides specialist mental health assessment and support for individuals attending the Emergency Department, working closely with other teams to ensure more timely referrals and access to appropriate treatment pathways.

Dr Petra Corr, Director of Mental Health and Learning Disability with the Northern Trust, said:

“We very much welcome this engagement with SOS Causeway as it provided an opportunity to update on the latest good news about us being able to establish a 24/7 Mental Health Liaison Service at Causeway Hospital.

“This is a really welcome development and will ensure there is now early specialist intervention available round the clock. Not only is this positive for our service users, it is also hugely beneficial for colleagues as it provides them with another layer of support, especially during very busy periods, and helps to divert people to the most suitable care pathways in a timely way.”

Dr Corr said that SOS Causeway members were also keen to hear more about the Trust’s community mental health services, including its partnership working with GPs and primary care colleagues through enhanced multidisciplinary teams.

She continued:

“We know that our demographic is changing; we have an increasing older population and that brings with it challenges in terms of increased incidences of mental health issues including dementia.

“As part of our Vision for Causeway Hospital, we want to ensure that the services we provide are responding to those changes, and reflect the needs of the local population.”

Representing the SOS Causeway Hospital Campaign Group, Gemma Brolly said the meeting was encouraging and constructive.

“We will always advocate for clear, concise information on critical issues such as the plans to move forward with inpatient beds being provided at Birch Hill, a new build centre for mental health on the Antrim Area Hospital site.

“We were encouraged to hear that 24/7 specialist mental health care, including the liaison and home treatment services, will continue to operate from Causeway.

“Strengthening dialogue between all stakeholders will help ensure a collaborative approach that places the needs of our community at the forefront.

“All present agreed that clearer, timely communication and the creation of a community consultative body—bringing together experienced representatives, service users and professionals—are essential. By working together and pressing for the investment our community deserves, we can secure the best possible mental health care for the Causeway area.”

The meeting was described by both sides as a positive step towards stronger collaboration between health professionals and community campaigners, ensuring that mental health services across the Causeway area continue to evolve in line with local needs.