Read the press statement in full below or via PDF here.
Read Dr Lorcan Martin’s full address at the launch on 29 May on the College blog here.
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland welcomes today’s launch of Ireland’s first national Model of Care for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry (CLP) by Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler TD.
The new model of care marks a vital step forward in the provision of integrated, person-centred mental health care within acute hospital settings. It provides a standardised, evidence-based framework for delivering high-quality CLP services across Model 3 and Model 4 hospitals, supporting individuals who present with both physical and mental health needs.
Dr Lorcan Martin, President of the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland, commented:
“We are proud to support the introduction of this national Model of Care, which reflects strong clinical leadership and a clear commitment to advancing mental health services in hospitals. The model is the result of meaningful collaboration between clinicians, policy-makers, and service providers, all working with a shared ambition to ensure a consistently high standard of care for people with mental health needs, wherever they present in the health system. It offers a practical, consistent structure that will benefit both patients and clinical teams.”
Professor Anne Doherty, from the Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry, added:
“The development of this model has been grounded in the experience of clinicians working on the front line, and the challenges patients need support with every day. It acknowledges the unique complexities of providing mental health care in hospital settings and offers a coordinated roadmap for services to evolve and improve in a sustainable way.”
The College commends the collaborative development of the model between the HSE, the Emergency Medicine Programme, and the Faculty of Liaison Psychiatry. It also recognises the model’s alignment with ‘Sharing the Vision’, Ireland’s national mental health policy, and its focus on multidisciplinary teamwork, service integration, and clinical governance.
The College looks forward to supporting the implementation of this model and working with partners to ensure high-quality, compassionate care is accessible to all who need it.
