Professor O’Neill commissioned Dr David McDaid and Dr A-La Park from the London School of Economics and Political Science to create a report to examine the economic case for developing a Regional Mental Health Crisis Service in Northern Ireland.
The report estimates that mental health crises cost Northern Ireland over £45 million annually. The report compares current provision with Scotland’s Distress Brief Intervention (DBI) programme, which provides 14 days of community-based support for people in distress, at a cost of £392 per person, compared with £544 for an Emergency Department visit in Northern Ireland. The evidence suggests over two-thirds of people in crisis can be supported by community and voluntary sector services, potentially saving Northern Ireland more than £9 million each year while improving access to specialist services.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or distress, please call Lifeline 0808 808 8000 or Samaritans 116 123. Both helplines are free and confidential to call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.