Minister for Mental Health, Mary Butler, has officially launched the Dual Diagnosis Programme for Cork at Heron House in Blackpool, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of integrated mental health and addiction services in Ireland.
The HSE South West programme is the first service in the country to operate under the National Dual Diagnosis Model of Care, providing specialist multidisciplinary support for people experiencing both mental health difficulties and substance use disorders.
The service offers a range of evidence-based interventions, including individual psychotherapy, recovery-focused and therapeutic group programmes, and family supports. Care is delivered through community-based clinics at the hub in Heron House Blackpool, but also in outreach clinics in Mallow, Bantry, and Arbour House in Ballinlough, ensuring access to specialist supports across the county.
An Advanced Nurse Practitioner-led clinic also provides targeted support for vulnerable women and people experiencing homelessness. Flexible outreach services and hybrid online appointments are also available to help improve engagement and access to care. Strong links with inpatient mental health services and community and voluntary organisations further support continuity of care for service users.
Even before its official launch, the programme had demonstrated a strong impact. Around 250 people with complex care needs have already accessed the service, including a significant number experiencing homelessness. The programme has maintained rapid access to care, with patients typically seen within two to six weeks and no waiting list to access the service.
Early outcomes are encouraging, with approximately one-third of service users continuing in treatment and one-third successfully completing the majority of their care plan goals. They also provide ongoing quality improvement initiatives focused on supporting those who find it difficult to engage. Referrers have reported high levels of satisfaction with the service.
The launch represents an important step forward in delivering integrated, person-centred care for people with some of the most complex mental health and addiction needs, while demonstrating the benefits of early intervention, multidisciplinary working and improved access to specialist supports.
Speaking at the launch, Minister Butler said she was “really pleased to be here in Blackpool to officially launch the Adult Dual Diagnosis Hub Team, representing a significant milestone in the rollout of the National Clinical Programme for Dual Diagnosis.
“I am very encouraged to see the range of supports and services provided here for people who experience a mental health condition and an addiction issue. I am also encouraged to hear about the 250 people who have already benefitted from these innovative approaches to providing integrated care."
“Early intervention, accessible mental health services like the Dual Diagnosis team here in Cork are critical for people dealing with both mental health and addiction challenges, and I know the HSE team here will continue to improve outcomes for people on their recovery journey.”
Dr Sinéad O’Brien, Executive Clinical Director, Mental Health Services, HSE South West, outlined how the programme represented a “major step forward in how we support people with co-occurring mental health and substance use needs. The team has built an integrated, responsive service that is already improving access, engagement and outcomes for service users across Cork and Kerry. I want to acknowledge the dedication of staff and the contribution of service users, whose insights have shaped the development of this new model of care.”
Dr Kevin Lally, Consultant Psychiatrist, (Dual Diagnosis), described how the programme has “grown significantly since it began operating. The impact for service users across Cork and Kerry is already clear. We are seeing complex patients earlier, with no waiting list, and delivering integrated care that genuinely improves outcomes. To sustain this progress and meet rising need across the region, continued investment is essential.
"I want to acknowledge the commitment of our staff, service users and partners, whose work has been central to establishing this programme as a national exemplar.”