In 3 sentences:
More than 5 million prescriptions for drugs to treat mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and insomnia are written in Ireland each year, costing over €110 million according to official figures. However, the true extent is likely much higher as the data only covers medical card holders, who are less than half the population. Popular drugs prescribed include the anti-anxiety drugs Xanax and Valium, the anti-psychotic Zyprexa, and the sleeping pill Zimovane.
The document discusses the high salaries earned by senior officials in local authorities across Ireland. It notes that householders who must pay the €100 local charge will be upset to see the large salaries at the top levels of each council. The document then provides a detailed breakdown of the salaries of the top earners in each local authority, including county and city managers, directors of services, engineers and other senior roles. It shows that most local authorities have multiple people earning over €90,000 and €100,000, with some individuals earning over €150,000.
- Sierra Leone's only psychiatric hospital is in a dilapidated state, with patients chained to mattresses on dirty floors and no access to therapy, electricity, running water or adequate food. Conditions are described as "deplorable" and "inhumane".
- Mental healthcare in Sierra Leone is severely underfunded and under-resourced. Only 2% of the mentally ill population receives treatment from doctors, while the other 98% are treated by traditional healers.
- A nurse is working to establish a mental health association to advocate for patients and set up youth programs, but faces significant challenges due to lack of funding, resources, and stigma around mental illness. Without improvements, patients will continue
The HSE is owed over €266 million in outstanding patient fees. The majority is owed by health insurance companies for private patient treatment. The HSE has tried to speed up collection, including increasing prices charged to insurers, but most insurers refuse to agree to pay within 30 days. Much of the debt has been outstanding for over a year, so a large portion will likely have to be written off. The new Health Minister will need to address how to improve collection of these vital funds for the health system.
1) Over 2.3 million euro was spent last year placing 15 troubled Irish youths in special care facilities and foster care in other countries, with one placement in Scotland costing over 500,000 euro annually.
2) A study identified a "suicide cluster" involving 18 deaths, mainly adolescent and young men, over an 18-month period in a small area in Cork. However, funding for the research into suicide clusters has been cut.
3) Christine Lagarde, the French finance minister, praised the late Brian Lenihan saying that history will view him kindly for his "heroic" work during the financial crisis, though she refused to pass judgment on his bank guarantee decision.
CAMH researchers, led by Dr. Romina Mizrahi, are conducting innovative research using brain imaging and a specialized dye to map brain activity related to cannabis use and schizophrenia. They are the world leaders in this area. The dye allows them to see in real time how cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of schizophrenia for those who use cannabis. Tamara overcame drug and alcohol addiction through CAMH's Aboriginal services program, which combines clinical treatment with cultural practices. The program helped her address trauma from losing family members and stay sober.
The document summarizes the evolution of the YMCA in the Greater Toronto Area over the past 160 years. It discusses the YMCA's plans to invest $250 million over the next 10 years to build 10 new community centers in underserved neighborhoods. The goal is to provide facilities and programs that promote health, employment, social inclusion and education for youth. The YMCA has expanded its services beyond fitness and recreation to help at-risk youth, newcomers, the homeless and those living in poverty.
The Top Stories of the Hays Journal 17 provide an overall digest of the latest global trends surrounding the world of work, including:
- Organisations offering employees the chance to nap at work in Japan
- The rise of the minimum wage in Spain
- New plans for a universal basic income in the UK and USA
- A training fund aiming to grow skilled workforces in Canada
- Reviewing the disclosure of youth convictions in the UK
- Working hours in India
You can read the full Hays Journal 17 here: www.hays-journal.com
By 2025, one in three senior citizens in Japan, an estimated 13 million, will be suffering from some form of dementia-based impairment. The Japanese Government has therefore adopted a national strategy on dementia known as the New Orange Plan, which is aimed at providing appropriate medical care and support as well as ensuring closer cooperation across government ministries and agencies. Dementia is now a challenge faced by governments worldwide, and Ipsos Business Consulting believes the experiment currently taking place in Japan will be closely watched by societies facing similar issues in the years to come.
The document discusses the high salaries earned by senior officials in local authorities across Ireland. It notes that householders who must pay the €100 local charge will be upset to see the large salaries at the top levels of each council. The document then provides a detailed breakdown of the salaries of the top earners in each local authority, including county and city managers, directors of services, engineers and other senior roles. It shows that most local authorities have multiple people earning over €90,000 and €100,000, with some individuals earning over €150,000.
- Sierra Leone's only psychiatric hospital is in a dilapidated state, with patients chained to mattresses on dirty floors and no access to therapy, electricity, running water or adequate food. Conditions are described as "deplorable" and "inhumane".
- Mental healthcare in Sierra Leone is severely underfunded and under-resourced. Only 2% of the mentally ill population receives treatment from doctors, while the other 98% are treated by traditional healers.
- A nurse is working to establish a mental health association to advocate for patients and set up youth programs, but faces significant challenges due to lack of funding, resources, and stigma around mental illness. Without improvements, patients will continue
The HSE is owed over €266 million in outstanding patient fees. The majority is owed by health insurance companies for private patient treatment. The HSE has tried to speed up collection, including increasing prices charged to insurers, but most insurers refuse to agree to pay within 30 days. Much of the debt has been outstanding for over a year, so a large portion will likely have to be written off. The new Health Minister will need to address how to improve collection of these vital funds for the health system.
1) Over 2.3 million euro was spent last year placing 15 troubled Irish youths in special care facilities and foster care in other countries, with one placement in Scotland costing over 500,000 euro annually.
2) A study identified a "suicide cluster" involving 18 deaths, mainly adolescent and young men, over an 18-month period in a small area in Cork. However, funding for the research into suicide clusters has been cut.
3) Christine Lagarde, the French finance minister, praised the late Brian Lenihan saying that history will view him kindly for his "heroic" work during the financial crisis, though she refused to pass judgment on his bank guarantee decision.
CAMH researchers, led by Dr. Romina Mizrahi, are conducting innovative research using brain imaging and a specialized dye to map brain activity related to cannabis use and schizophrenia. They are the world leaders in this area. The dye allows them to see in real time how cannabis affects the endocannabinoid system in the brain. This research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of schizophrenia for those who use cannabis. Tamara overcame drug and alcohol addiction through CAMH's Aboriginal services program, which combines clinical treatment with cultural practices. The program helped her address trauma from losing family members and stay sober.
The document summarizes the evolution of the YMCA in the Greater Toronto Area over the past 160 years. It discusses the YMCA's plans to invest $250 million over the next 10 years to build 10 new community centers in underserved neighborhoods. The goal is to provide facilities and programs that promote health, employment, social inclusion and education for youth. The YMCA has expanded its services beyond fitness and recreation to help at-risk youth, newcomers, the homeless and those living in poverty.
The Top Stories of the Hays Journal 17 provide an overall digest of the latest global trends surrounding the world of work, including:
- Organisations offering employees the chance to nap at work in Japan
- The rise of the minimum wage in Spain
- New plans for a universal basic income in the UK and USA
- A training fund aiming to grow skilled workforces in Canada
- Reviewing the disclosure of youth convictions in the UK
- Working hours in India
You can read the full Hays Journal 17 here: www.hays-journal.com
By 2025, one in three senior citizens in Japan, an estimated 13 million, will be suffering from some form of dementia-based impairment. The Japanese Government has therefore adopted a national strategy on dementia known as the New Orange Plan, which is aimed at providing appropriate medical care and support as well as ensuring closer cooperation across government ministries and agencies. Dementia is now a challenge faced by governments worldwide, and Ipsos Business Consulting believes the experiment currently taking place in Japan will be closely watched by societies facing similar issues in the years to come.
1. Many people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents caused by drinking and driving, despite this risk being neglected.
2. The goal is to make drinking and driving seem as relevant and realistic a risk as other serious threats like AIDS or Ebola.
3. The strategy is to present drinking and driving as a newly discovered disease, in order to replace the behavior with something people genuinely fear. An announcement of a fictional new disease worse than Ebola will be used to draw attention to the risks of drinking and driving.
1. Many people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents caused by drinking and driving, though most people neglect the risks.
2. The goal is to make drinking and driving seem as relevant and realistic a threat as other things people fear, like diseases.
3. The strategy is to present drinking and driving as a new deadly disease, using a press conference and media/social media campaign during a UN road safety week to spread the idea.
The document discusses the business opportunity available through Synergy Financial Partners. It outlines three categories of people who may be interested in the opportunity - business owners, self-employed/dual career individuals, and clients. It then discusses SFP's mission to change how Americans plan for their financial future and their vision to build the best consumer financial education company. The rest of the document focuses on explaining the problems Americans face financially, how SFP's solutions address these problems, and the business opportunity available through SFP.
Raisers' Ask - South Asia's Fundraising MagazineRanjini Victor
Raisers’ Ask is a magazine that aims at equipping fundraisers in South Asia with information and good practices to guide their fundraising. It shares skills in the form of articles, case studies and tutorials, besides experiences and perspectives in communication, fundraising, governance, donor relations and technology. It also seeks to provide research based on which fundraisers can make decisions..
This document provides information about various mental health and support resources in the UK. It lists contact information for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which can provide information on mental health matters. It also provides details about upcoming events from Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support, including opportunities to get involved and contribute to the organization's newsletter. Various other mental health organizations and resources are described, such as the British Red Cross services for refugees, Brook/FPA's sexual health promotion campaign, the Meniere's Society for dizziness disorders, and events for World Mental Health Day.
• Consumer confidence stumbles in the face of uncertainty
• Tesco to install defibrillators in over 900 stores
• Boots says getting into schools is creating loyalty among the next generation
• Asda ‘Income Tracker’ shows consumers enjoyed another boost in spending power last month
• Tesco scrapping boost events as part of moves to make Club card simpler and more appealing
• Self-Service checkouts and lack of pricing transparency turning customers away from the high street
• Asda agrees to make changes after being singled out by CMA in probe into supermarket pricing practices
• Motor Fuel Group agrees supply deal with Booker Retail Partners
• British consumer confidence damaged by European uncertainty
• Nisa hails success of Bank Holiday bonanza
• SPAR launches new radio service to help drive sales
This document summarizes a speech given at the Consumers International World Congress in November 2007. The speech discusses the growth of consumer credit and borrowing globally over the past 40+ years since the movie "Live Now, Pay Later" warned of the dangers of credit. While most consumers are able to borrow and repay wisely, an estimated 7% face financial distress. The speech argues that lenders, particularly credit card companies, need to improve practices that have damaged consumers and invites regulatory intervention. Education has limitations and regulation should focus on bad industry practices rather than overregulating.
The document summarizes risks and challenges facing the microfinance industry according to a survey of 304 microfinance insiders from 74 countries. The biggest current risk is seen as management issues, but these are judged as well controlled. The biggest future risk is rising competition from commercial banks entering microfinance, which could lower profit margins and weaken standards. Other top risks include inappropriate regulation, political interference, too much funding without capacity to absorb it, and credit risk if repayment morale declines in saturated markets. While challenges exist, two-thirds of insiders remain optimistic that major players will overcome them.
The document provides an overview of international development news and issues from December 2014. It discusses several topics:
- Improved economic management in Africa has contributed to recent growth but debt problems persist if not properly managed.
- The Ebola outbreak is draining budgets in West Africa and increasing countries' dependence on foreign aid as they see slower growth and increased spending needs.
- The UK is sending experts to help the Philippines strengthen weather forecasting capacity after Typhoon Haiyan to help with disaster preparedness.
This document provides a summary of articles from issue #50 of User's News, a magazine for people who use drugs. The articles discuss:
- The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Sydney receiving funding for 4 more years based on positive evaluation findings.
- Issues with Centrelink incorrectly cutting off benefits for some people for longer than the mandated 8 week period due to processing delays.
- Welfare agencies inappropriately referring people in crisis to a guest house known as a roach-infested shooting gallery.
The document discusses the influence of the prophet Zephaniah on King Josiah of Judah. Zephaniah prophesied during a time of idolatry under the previous kings Manasseh and Amon, condemning the worship of false gods. King Josiah enacted religious reforms influenced by discovering the Book of the Law and the warnings of coming judgment in Zephaniah. The prophet's message of impending divine punishment for idolatry and call to repentance and return to God impacted Josiah and motivated his destruction of idolatry.
Distribution of Climate Information on the 3-2-1 PlatformGreg Benchwick
The Human Network Internationa's David McAfee shared this presentation in the recent UNDP Last Mile Conference in Zambia.
Climate information and early warning systems can save lives, improve livelihoods and build resiliency across Africa. In order to seize this opportunity, timely, accurate and actionable weather and climate information must be delivered from data collection and creation sources across the “Last Mile” to uninformed and vulnerable end-users.
In this innovation-driven multi-country workshop, experts on cutting-edge technology, communications, public-private partnerships, meteorology and sustainable development will come together to explore new pathways to move from the collection of data to its application, with the end goal of creating actionable recommendations that UNDP-supported climate-information programmes can leverage to impact lives and build sustainability. For this to happen, national weather information services should not only have access to modern weather observation technologies and forecast information, but they must also be able to communicate and apply the content derived from these systems to those in need.
This document provides an executive summary of a report from the independent Mental Health Taskforce to the NHS in England. It summarizes the current state of mental health in England, noting that 1 in 4 adults experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. It also discusses policy context and initiatives over the past 50 years. Key points made include that half of all mental health problems emerge by age 14, and 1 in 10 children have a diagnosable mental health problem. It recommends providing equal status and funding for mental and physical health in the NHS to improve mental health care.
This document summarizes the long wait times for cataract treatment in the NHS Highlands region of Scotland. It discusses how the waiting list has tripled over two years to over 900 people waiting. Local management blames staff shortages like maternity leave, but the chairman argues this is a national failure of healthcare planning over a decade. An elderly writer seeks to hear from others affected by the long delays to help improve the ophthalmology service.
The best job in the world: practising public health, past, present, future John Middleton
Presentation to University of Maastricht, International Masters in Public Health leadership and management course, December 14th 2018. 181214 middletonj maastricht
The document summarizes the launch of a new electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) system at Southend University Hospital. With a £1.1 million investment, half from the government and half matched by the trust, the hospital has recently launched the new e-prescribing system. It is designed to save staff time, improve patient flow, and most importantly improve patient safety and quality of care by eliminating errors from handwritten prescriptions. The system has already been rolled out successfully on one ward and will continue being implemented across other wards and clinics over the next 18 months. Staff feedback has been positive, praising the time savings and benefits for both staff and patients.
Nhrc notice to the govt of maharashtra over the death of 10 newborns due to f...sabrangsabrang
Nhrc notice to the govt of maharashtra over the death of 10 newborns due to fire in bhandara district general hospital, maharashtra national human rights commission india
The document summarizes the key points from the Highland Senior Citizens Network's annual conference and AGM. It discusses the various speakers and topics covered, including human rights for older people, legal matters like power of attorney, and challenges around residential care provision in Scotland. It also announces that NHS Highland is seeking volunteers for a patient visiting program and provides contact information for those interested.
This document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Receive the paper and ensure it meets expectations before authorizing payment. 5) Request revisions until fully satisfied, with the option of a full refund for plagiarized work.
1. Many people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents caused by drinking and driving, despite this risk being neglected.
2. The goal is to make drinking and driving seem as relevant and realistic a risk as other serious threats like AIDS or Ebola.
3. The strategy is to present drinking and driving as a newly discovered disease, in order to replace the behavior with something people genuinely fear. An announcement of a fictional new disease worse than Ebola will be used to draw attention to the risks of drinking and driving.
1. Many people have lost their lives due to traffic accidents caused by drinking and driving, though most people neglect the risks.
2. The goal is to make drinking and driving seem as relevant and realistic a threat as other things people fear, like diseases.
3. The strategy is to present drinking and driving as a new deadly disease, using a press conference and media/social media campaign during a UN road safety week to spread the idea.
The document discusses the business opportunity available through Synergy Financial Partners. It outlines three categories of people who may be interested in the opportunity - business owners, self-employed/dual career individuals, and clients. It then discusses SFP's mission to change how Americans plan for their financial future and their vision to build the best consumer financial education company. The rest of the document focuses on explaining the problems Americans face financially, how SFP's solutions address these problems, and the business opportunity available through SFP.
Raisers' Ask - South Asia's Fundraising MagazineRanjini Victor
Raisers’ Ask is a magazine that aims at equipping fundraisers in South Asia with information and good practices to guide their fundraising. It shares skills in the form of articles, case studies and tutorials, besides experiences and perspectives in communication, fundraising, governance, donor relations and technology. It also seeks to provide research based on which fundraisers can make decisions..
This document provides information about various mental health and support resources in the UK. It lists contact information for the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS), which can provide information on mental health matters. It also provides details about upcoming events from Birmingham Mental Health Carers Support, including opportunities to get involved and contribute to the organization's newsletter. Various other mental health organizations and resources are described, such as the British Red Cross services for refugees, Brook/FPA's sexual health promotion campaign, the Meniere's Society for dizziness disorders, and events for World Mental Health Day.
• Consumer confidence stumbles in the face of uncertainty
• Tesco to install defibrillators in over 900 stores
• Boots says getting into schools is creating loyalty among the next generation
• Asda ‘Income Tracker’ shows consumers enjoyed another boost in spending power last month
• Tesco scrapping boost events as part of moves to make Club card simpler and more appealing
• Self-Service checkouts and lack of pricing transparency turning customers away from the high street
• Asda agrees to make changes after being singled out by CMA in probe into supermarket pricing practices
• Motor Fuel Group agrees supply deal with Booker Retail Partners
• British consumer confidence damaged by European uncertainty
• Nisa hails success of Bank Holiday bonanza
• SPAR launches new radio service to help drive sales
This document summarizes a speech given at the Consumers International World Congress in November 2007. The speech discusses the growth of consumer credit and borrowing globally over the past 40+ years since the movie "Live Now, Pay Later" warned of the dangers of credit. While most consumers are able to borrow and repay wisely, an estimated 7% face financial distress. The speech argues that lenders, particularly credit card companies, need to improve practices that have damaged consumers and invites regulatory intervention. Education has limitations and regulation should focus on bad industry practices rather than overregulating.
The document summarizes risks and challenges facing the microfinance industry according to a survey of 304 microfinance insiders from 74 countries. The biggest current risk is seen as management issues, but these are judged as well controlled. The biggest future risk is rising competition from commercial banks entering microfinance, which could lower profit margins and weaken standards. Other top risks include inappropriate regulation, political interference, too much funding without capacity to absorb it, and credit risk if repayment morale declines in saturated markets. While challenges exist, two-thirds of insiders remain optimistic that major players will overcome them.
The document provides an overview of international development news and issues from December 2014. It discusses several topics:
- Improved economic management in Africa has contributed to recent growth but debt problems persist if not properly managed.
- The Ebola outbreak is draining budgets in West Africa and increasing countries' dependence on foreign aid as they see slower growth and increased spending needs.
- The UK is sending experts to help the Philippines strengthen weather forecasting capacity after Typhoon Haiyan to help with disaster preparedness.
This document provides a summary of articles from issue #50 of User's News, a magazine for people who use drugs. The articles discuss:
- The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre in Sydney receiving funding for 4 more years based on positive evaluation findings.
- Issues with Centrelink incorrectly cutting off benefits for some people for longer than the mandated 8 week period due to processing delays.
- Welfare agencies inappropriately referring people in crisis to a guest house known as a roach-infested shooting gallery.
The document discusses the influence of the prophet Zephaniah on King Josiah of Judah. Zephaniah prophesied during a time of idolatry under the previous kings Manasseh and Amon, condemning the worship of false gods. King Josiah enacted religious reforms influenced by discovering the Book of the Law and the warnings of coming judgment in Zephaniah. The prophet's message of impending divine punishment for idolatry and call to repentance and return to God impacted Josiah and motivated his destruction of idolatry.
Distribution of Climate Information on the 3-2-1 PlatformGreg Benchwick
The Human Network Internationa's David McAfee shared this presentation in the recent UNDP Last Mile Conference in Zambia.
Climate information and early warning systems can save lives, improve livelihoods and build resiliency across Africa. In order to seize this opportunity, timely, accurate and actionable weather and climate information must be delivered from data collection and creation sources across the “Last Mile” to uninformed and vulnerable end-users.
In this innovation-driven multi-country workshop, experts on cutting-edge technology, communications, public-private partnerships, meteorology and sustainable development will come together to explore new pathways to move from the collection of data to its application, with the end goal of creating actionable recommendations that UNDP-supported climate-information programmes can leverage to impact lives and build sustainability. For this to happen, national weather information services should not only have access to modern weather observation technologies and forecast information, but they must also be able to communicate and apply the content derived from these systems to those in need.
This document provides an executive summary of a report from the independent Mental Health Taskforce to the NHS in England. It summarizes the current state of mental health in England, noting that 1 in 4 adults experience a diagnosable mental health problem each year. It also discusses policy context and initiatives over the past 50 years. Key points made include that half of all mental health problems emerge by age 14, and 1 in 10 children have a diagnosable mental health problem. It recommends providing equal status and funding for mental and physical health in the NHS to improve mental health care.
This document summarizes the long wait times for cataract treatment in the NHS Highlands region of Scotland. It discusses how the waiting list has tripled over two years to over 900 people waiting. Local management blames staff shortages like maternity leave, but the chairman argues this is a national failure of healthcare planning over a decade. An elderly writer seeks to hear from others affected by the long delays to help improve the ophthalmology service.
The best job in the world: practising public health, past, present, future John Middleton
Presentation to University of Maastricht, International Masters in Public Health leadership and management course, December 14th 2018. 181214 middletonj maastricht
The document summarizes the launch of a new electronic prescribing and medicines administration (ePMA) system at Southend University Hospital. With a £1.1 million investment, half from the government and half matched by the trust, the hospital has recently launched the new e-prescribing system. It is designed to save staff time, improve patient flow, and most importantly improve patient safety and quality of care by eliminating errors from handwritten prescriptions. The system has already been rolled out successfully on one ward and will continue being implemented across other wards and clinics over the next 18 months. Staff feedback has been positive, praising the time savings and benefits for both staff and patients.
Nhrc notice to the govt of maharashtra over the death of 10 newborns due to f...sabrangsabrang
Nhrc notice to the govt of maharashtra over the death of 10 newborns due to fire in bhandara district general hospital, maharashtra national human rights commission india
The document summarizes the key points from the Highland Senior Citizens Network's annual conference and AGM. It discusses the various speakers and topics covered, including human rights for older people, legal matters like power of attorney, and challenges around residential care provision in Scotland. It also announces that NHS Highland is seeking volunteers for a patient visiting program and provides contact information for those interested.
This document provides instructions for requesting writing assistance from HelpWriting.net. It outlines a 5-step process: 1) Create an account with a password and email. 2) Complete a 10-minute order form providing instructions, sources, and deadline. 3) Review bids from writers and choose one based on qualifications. 4) Receive the paper and ensure it meets expectations before authorizing payment. 5) Request revisions until fully satisfied, with the option of a full refund for plagiarized work.
1. TERAPROOF:User:sambolandDate:04/08/2011Time:23:01:09Edition:05/08/2011ExaminerLiveXX0508Page: 1Zone:XX1
05.08.11
IRISH EXAMINER
Recommended retail
price in Ireland €1.85
XX1 - V1
www.irishexaminer.com No. 58,800Friday, August 5, 2011 €1.85Stg £1.50
TWO-DAY SERIES STARTS TODAY
Surviving the mental health systemSurviving the mental health system
CURE OR CURSE?
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INVESTIGATION
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EMAIL US ON jo@samaritans.org
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‘Samaritans’
LOG ONTO US AT www.samaritans.ie
INDEX
FEATURES................................. 17
MONEY&JOBS ...................... 21-25
SPORT ................................. 26-33
DEATHS .................................... 37
5m drug
prescriptions
for mental
health a year
■ Cost of prescriptions surpasses €110m a year
■ True figure thought to be much higher as data
only covers medical card holders
Real cost
Medical card and drug
payment scheme
prescriptions:
■ Xanax prescribed
493,190 times in 2009
at a cost of over
€1.2m.
■ Valium prescribed
484,814 times at a cost
of €496,484.
■ Anti-psychotic drug
Zyprexa prescribed
221,666 times at a cost
of over €23m.
■ Zimovane, a sleep-
ing tablet, was pre-
scribed 596,521 times
at a cost of over €4m.
by Jennifer Hough
MORE than five million
prescriptions for powerful
drugs to treat depression,
psychosis, anxiety or lack
of sleep are being written
every year, costing in ex-
cess of €110 million, offi-
cial figures have revealed.
The true extent of
so-called “pill-popping” in
Ireland, however, is much
more as the only figures
recorded are for medical
card holders and people
claiming through drug
payments schemes, which
accounts for less than half
the population.
Figures compiled by the
Irish Examiner from the
HSE’s 2009 Primary Care
Reimbursement Service
show 14,000 prescriptions
for anti-depressants, ben-
zodiazapenes (addictive
tranquillising pills), anti-
psychotics and sleeping
tablets were being written
every day, at a cost of
€113m. The drugs are
now being prescribed as
often as common antacid
tablets.
A report in 2002 found
11.6% of the adult medical
card population were using
benzodiazepines.
Since that report, the
prescribing of Valium and
Xanax, both used to treat
anxiety and panic, have in-
creased dramatically, with
399,798 prescriptions writ-
ten for Xanax in 2009,
compared with 283,000 in
2005.
The Mental Health
Commission, during the
inspections of 2010, found
the use of benzodiazepine
in both acute and long-stay
units was widespread. In
total, 57% of in-patients
were prescribed benzodi-
azepines. Of these, 62%
were on regular doses of
the highly addictive drugs.
Nine anti-depressants,
most of which are selective
serotonin re-uptake in-
hibitors (SSRIs), were
prescribed more than 2.2
million times in 2009.
Basil Miller, director of
communications at the
Wellbeing Foundation, said
it is clear from the data that
anti-depressants are grossly
over-prescribed.
“This is largely down to
inappropriate prescribing,
where anti-depressant
scripts are written as first
recourse for depression
when all the guidelines
state that they are not to be
used as a first treatment for
depression and are not ap-
propriate for mild to mod-
erate depression.
“Because counselling
and talk therapy, which
work better for depression,
are not widely available in
the general medical service
and are costly in private
practice, pills are prescribed
which should not be pre-
scribed,” he said.
“Virtually everyone who
presents with depression
gets a pill. As severe de-
pression is diagnosed in
only 5% of cases, this
means that 95% of patients
are being given anti-de-
pressants contrary to
guidelines.
“If the guidelines were
followed, the bill for anti-
depressants would be
€3m, not €60m. It’s time
to spend that €57m on
talk therapies which work
rather than lining the
pockets of the drug com-
panies by paying for the
wrong — and ineffective
— treatment.”
In relation to anti-psy-
chotic drugs, usually pre-
scribed for schizophrenia,
bipolar disorder or to man-
age psychosis, former men-
tal health inspector Dr
Dermot Walsh maintains
that second generation
anti-psychotics — such as
the current most common-
ly prescribed olanzapine
(better known as Zyprexa)
— cause “substantial ad-
verse effects”, compromis-
ing life expectancy in
psychiatric patients.
Dr Walsh said that there
is emerging evidence
that some changes in the
structure of the brain,
previously thought to be
the consequence of the
schizophrenic process, may
actually be treatment-
related.
INSIDE
by Niamh Hennessy
THOUSANDS of staff at AIB
have been offered the chance to
get a new uniform — just over
two years since they last got one.
The bank, which is owned by
the state, sent a memo to employ-
ees saying anyone who wants a
new uniform can have one.
An AIB spokesman said: “Up to
assistant manager level, staff in
branches and other locations can
wear the uniform. The last time
the bank provided the opportunity
for staff to replace garments was
in January 2009.”
He would not say how many
staff members will be eligible for
the new uniform, nor would he
say what the uniforms were
costing. It is understood, however,
that the new uniforms are being
delivered to staff next week.
It is estimated that there could
be as many as 8,000 staff through-
out AIB’s retail division — which
includes branches and business
centres in Ireland, the North and
Britain, as well as the company’s
head office.
Based on these numbers, it has
been estimated that replacing all
the uniforms could cost as much
as €1.6 million.
Director with moneycoach.ie,
Frank Conway, said: “I think the
meanwhile, when asked how
often they replaced uniforms,
made no comment other than:
“Frontline staff in our branch
network who are in customer-
facing roles are encouraged to
wear staff uniforms that are
provided by the bank.”
The Government recently paid
out the final €6.1 billion of the
€14.8bn needed to recapitalise
AIB.
Yesterday, the bank confirmed it
was selling AIB JerseyTrust to
Capita Group for €14.3m. Also
this week, it said it was selling
its outsourcing operation AIB
International Financial Services to
Capita for €33.1m.
AIB, once one of Ireland’s
biggest banks, is almost fully state-
owned after receiving enormous
state bailouts. The group has
already received more than
€7.2bn in aid from the Govern-
ment.
majority of bank
customers would
prefer the money
was used to reduce
their fees and
service charges as
well as get back
to lending to
businesses and
consumers.”
Bank of Ireland,
29,000 Somali children
under 5 die in famine
by Jason Straziuso
Nairobi, Kenya
THE drought and famine in
Somalia have killed more
than 29,000 children under
the age of 5, according to
US estimates, the first time
such a precise death toll has
been released related to the
Horn of Africa crisis.
The United Nations has
said previously that tens of
thousands of people have
died in the drought, the
worst in Somalia in 60 years.
The UN says 640,000
Somali children are acutely
malnourished, a statistic that
suggests the death toll of
small children will rise.
Nancy Lindborg, an
official with the US govern-
ment aid arm USAID, told a
congressional committee in
Washington that the US
estimates more than 29,000
children under the age of 5
have died in the last 90 days
in southern Somalia. That
number is based on nutri-
tion and mortality surveys
verified by the US Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention.
The UN has declared
three new regions in Soma-
lia famine zones, bringing
the total number to five.
Out of a population of
roughly 7.5 million, the UN
says 3.2 million Somalis are
in need of immediate life-
saving assistance.
Getting aid to Somalia is
difficult because al-Qaida-
linked militants control
much of the country’s most
desperate areas. Al-Shabab
has denied that a famine is
taking place, and won’t give
access to the World Food
Programme, the world’s
biggest provider of food aid.
Tens of thousands of
refugees have fled south-
central Somalia in the hope
of finding food at camps in
Ethiopia, Kenya and in Mo-
gadishu, the Somali capital.
Hundreds of millions of
euro have been donated to
fight the hunger crisis, but
the UN says it needs hun-
dreds of millions more.
The continuing lack of
rain means the crisis will
only deepen, with the rest
of southern Somalia to
reach famine levels within
six weeks, the UN’s Office
for the Coordination of Hu-
manitarian Affairs said.
UN humanitarian coordi-
nator for Somalia, Mark
Bowden has called on “all
parties to support an urgent
scale up of assistance so that
we can save the lives of
those who most need our
support at this critical mo-
ment”.
■ UNDER the Mental
Health Act 2001, people
can be involuntarily
detained if they are
deemed to be suffering
from a mental disorder.
A review is held
within 21 days.
A lawyer is appointed
to represent the patient
and a consultant
psychiatrist reviews the
case.
NEWS: P8&9
■ WE should be far
more open to
supporting a person
struggling with these
terrible, but entirely
natural, difficulties. We
should not rely on
blunderbuss medication
to lift the darkness in
the souls of so many.
We must find a better,
more humane way to
fight this epidemic.
EDITORIAL: P14
■ WE talk to a woman
who refuses to allow
schizophrenia to take
over her life, and to
the founder of Hearing
Voices Ireland.
We also look at the
failure to embrace a
recovery model of care,
as experts warn that a
cultural change is
needed within the
mental health services.
TOMORROW
LADIES DAY EARNS ITS STRIPES
Aine Horgan from Dublin at Blossom Hill Ladies Day at the Discover Ireland Dublin Horse Show. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins
AIB to spend €1.6m on new staff uniforms
SPECIAL
INVESTIGATION
“As a family, we have
lost so much in terms
of intimacy and time
together. Joshua has
missed out on a father
and we have conduct-
ed most of our family
relationship in a
locked visitor’s room,
which has been
devastating.”
Grainne Humphrys,
John Hunt’s partner
SEE: Page 7
THE HIDDEN EPIDEMIC