A chara, – Prof Jim Lucey of the Mental Health Commission suggests that people suffering from “acute mental distress” are “safer in the community” than in most mental health facilities, because of the “dilapidated” state of such facilities (“Patients in mental distress safer in community than in most specialised treatment centres, watchdog says”, News, July 8th).
There are people, families and communities who would feel utter dismay at this report, especially those who have suffered loss, precisely because a loved one could not or would not be accommodated in a mental care centre.
“Safer in the community”, but for whom? – Is mise,
PETER DECLAN O’HALLORAN,
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Belturbet,
Co Cavan.