Mental Health Commission

Working Together for Quality Mental Health Services

Learn more about the Mental Health Commission

Annual Report:

Mental Health Commission Annual Report 2011 including the Report of the Inspector of Mental Health Services.

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Standards and Quality Assurance Division

One of the core functions of the Mental Health Commission under the Mental Health Act, 2001 is “to promote, encourage and foster the establishment and maintenance of high standards and good practices in the delivery of mental health services”.

The main responsibility of the Standards and Quality Assurance Division is to work closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure that high standards and best practices are achieved in Ireland’s mental health services. The implementation and maintenance of high standards is for the benefit of all involved in the mental health services but particularly service users.

The Standards and Quality Assurance Division fulfills its mandate by:

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Establishing and maintaining a Register of Approved Centres, pursuant to Section 64 of the 2001 Act; For more information see the Registration of Approved Centres section.

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Preparing and reviewing Rules Governing the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy and Rules Governing the Use of Seclusion and Mechanical Means of Bodily Restraint pursuant to Sections 59(2) and 69(2) of the 2001 Act.

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Preparing and reviewing Codes of Practice for the guidance of persons working in the mental health services pursuant to Section 33(3)(e) of the 2001 Act.

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Promoting the implementation of the Quality Framework for Mental Health Services in Ireland which incorporates the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centres) Regulations 2006.

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Collecting and analysing data to monitor activity in approved centres and the compliance of mental health services with the 2001 Act, Rules and Codes of Practice.

 

The division is committed to:

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Developing standards and promoting best practices that are evidence based;

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Consulting with a wide range of stakeholders to inform its work; and

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Making information available in a number of accessible formats, including plain English and easy-to-read publications.