Approximately 150 individuals are expected to receive assistance within the inaugural year of a groundbreaking service in Cork designed to aid those struggling with addiction and mental health challenges. According to a Cork TD, without such specialized support, these individuals are at risk of being overlooked.

The first dual diagnosis services in the country are currently operating in Cork and Limerick, with the Cork team based in Blackpool and established in July 2024. A spokesperson from the HSE informed The Echo that the Cork team is on course to reach its 150th patient milestone within its initial year. Led by a consultant psychiatrist, the service is situated in a newly-renovated area within an existing healthcare facility. Approximately 85% of the team has been assembled, with ongoing recruitment efforts to fill the remaining positions, including a senior addiction counselor.

The spokesperson stated, "The team is highly responsive, with individuals typically being seen within days of referral. Initial data indicates that four out of five individuals referred to the service have attended appointments, demonstrating strong service utilization."

David Lane, HSE South West general manager of social inclusion, mentioned, "We've been diligently working on this for a decade. While addiction services have offered programs for individuals with milder mental health issues, we previously lacked the clinical expertise to address more severe cases, such as those with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. Ten years ago, very vulnerable individuals could seek help from an addiction service only to be informed that their addiction could not be addressed until their mental health issues were resolved, and vice versa at mental health services. This disjointed approach necessitated a more integrated method of care delivery."

Mr. Lane expressed satisfaction with the significant advancements made over the past year, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of the team, which includes professionals in psychology, addiction counseling, social work, and occupational therapy.

He also noted a substantial demand for the service and expressed hope for its expansion both geographically and to include adolescent populations. He stated, "I am pleased with the project's progress and optimistic that additional resources will be allocated, as there is still much work to be done."

Social Democrats TD for Cork East and former clinical psychologist Liam Quaide emphasized the urgent requirement for this type of service in Ireland, stating, "It is heartening to learn that the HSE's dual diagnosis team is now operational in Cork. Based on my professional experience as a psychologist, individuals with co-occurring mental health and addiction issues often face challenges within existing services, resulting in unfavorable outcomes."