Nursing for Public Health: Realising the Vision

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A Vision for Change - Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy

This Report proposes a framework of mental health service delivery with the service user at its centre. The emphasis is firmly on recovery and on facilitating active partnerships between service users, carers and mental health  professionals. Its recommendations are innovative and some of them are challenging. However, I have nodoubt that their implementation will bring about farreaching change and modernisation in the Irish mentalhealth services, which will be to the benefit of everyone concerned.” Tim O'Malley T.D.Minister of State at the Department of Health & Childrenwith special responsibility for mental health Download the Report (PDF, 1mb)

New insights into the long-term evolutionary history of the avian MHC

SummaryGene duplication and neofunctidnalization are important processes in the evolution of phenotypic complexity. They account for important evolutionary novelties that confer ecological adaptation, such as the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a multigene family with a central role in vertebrates' adaptive immune system. Multigene families, which evolved in large part through duplication, represent promising systems to study the still strongly depbated relative roles of neutral and adaptive processes in the evolution of phenotypic complexity. Detailed knowledge on ecological function and a well-characterized evolutionary history place the mammals' MHC amongst ideal study systems. However mammalian MHCs usually encompass several million base pairs and hold a large number of functional and non-functional duplicate genes, which makes their study complex. Avian MHCs on the other hand are usually way more compact, but the reconstruction of. their evolutionary history has proven notoriously difficult. However, no focused attempt has been undertaken so far to study the avian MHC evolutionary history in a broad phylogenetic context and using adequate gene regions.In the present PhD, we were able to make important contributions to the understanding of the long-term evolution of the avian MHC class II Β (MHCI1B). First, we isolated and characterized MHCIIB genes in barn owl (Tyto alba?, Strigiformes, Tytonidae), a species from an avian lineage in which MHC has not been studied so far. Our results revealed that with only two functional MHCIIB genes the MHC organization of barn owl may be similar to the 'minimal essential' MHC of chicken (Gallus gallus), indicating that simple MHC organization may be ancestral to birds. Taking advantage of the sequence information from barn owl, we studied the evolution of MHCIIB genes in 13 additional species of 'typical' owls (Strigiformes, Strigidae). Phylogenetic analyses revealed that according to their function, in owls the peptide-binding region (PBR) encoding exon 2 and the non-PBR encoding exon 3 evolve by different patterns. Exon 2 exhibited an evolutionary history of positive selection and recombination, while exon 3 traced duplication history and revealed two paralogs evolving divergently from each other in owls, and in a shorebird, the great snipe {Gallinago media). The results from exon 3 were the first ever from birds to demonstrate gene orthology in species that diverged tens of millions of years ago, and strongly questioned whether the taxa studied before provided an adequate picture of avian MHC evolution. In a follow-up study, we aimed at explaining a striking pattern revealed by phylogenetic trees analyzing the owl sequences along with MHCIIB sequences from other birds: One owl paralog (termed DAB1) grouped with sequences of passerines and falcons, while the other (DAB2) grouped with wildfowl, penguins and birds of prey. This could be explained by either a duplication event preceding the evolution of these bird orders, or by convergent evolution of similar sequences in a number of orders. With extensive phylogenetic analyses we were able to show, that indeed a duplication event preceeded the major avian radiation -100 my ago, and that following this duplication, the paralogs evolved under positive selection. Furthermore, we showed that the divergently evolving amino acid residues in the MHCIIB-encoded β-chain potentially interact with the MHCI I α-chain, and that molecular coevolution of the interacting residues may have been involved in the divergent evolution of the MHCIIB paralogs.The findings of this PhD are of particular interest to the understanding of the evolutionary history of the avian MHC and, by providing essential information on long-term gene history in the avian MHC, open promising perspectives for advances in the understanding of the evolution of multigene families in general, and for avian MHC organization in particular. Amongst others I discuss the importance of including protein structure in the phylogenetic study of multigene families, and the roles of ecological versus molecular selection pressures. I conclude by providing a population genomic perspective on avian MHC, which may serve as a basis for future research to investigate the relative roles of neutral processes involving effective population size effects and of adaptation in the evolution of avian MHC diversity and organization.RésuméLa duplication de gènes et leur néo-fonctionnalisation sont des processus importants dans l'évolution de la complexité phénotypique. Ils sont impliqués dans l'apparition d'importantes nouveautés évolutives favorisant l'adaptation écologique, comme c'est le cas pour le complexe majeur d'histocompatibilité

First Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on "A Vision for Change"

First Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on “A Vision for Change” In January 2006, the Government adopted the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy "A Vision for Change"Âù as the basis for the future development of mental health services. In March 2006, the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Mr Tim Oâ?TMalley, T.D., with special responsibility for mental health services, established the independent Monitoring Group to monitor progress on the implementation of the report recommendations. Click here to download PDF 255kb

2nd Report of the Independent Monitoring Group on A Vision For Change

This is the Second Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy. The Monitoring Group was established in March 2006 to monitor and assess progress on the implementation of A Vision for Change. In this Second Report, the Monitoring Group has found that by and large the recommendations in its first report were not addressed in 2007, although some have been prioritised for implementation in 2008. Download document here

Third Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change - the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy - April 2009

Third Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change – the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy – April 2009 Click here to download PDF 322kb

Fourth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change - the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy - June 2010

  Click here to download PDF 222KB Please scroll down for related documents   Related Documents: HSE National and Regional Progress Reports HSE – Key Deliverables 2009 – Report PDF 55KB HSE – National Report PDF 363KB HSE – Regional Report – Dublin Mid Leinster PDF 82KB HSE – Regional Report – Dublin North East PDF 89KB HSE – Regional Report – West PDF 91KB HSE – Regional Report -South PDF 152KB HSE Local Area Progress Reports HSE – Tipperay South PDF 395KB HSE – Tipperary North PDF 367KB HSE Sligo/Leitrim and West Cavan PDF 359KB HSE – Roscommon PDF 352KB HSE – Mayo PDF 338KB HSE – Louth/Meath PDF 525KB HSE – Limerick PDF 395KB HSE – Laois/Offaly PDF 366KB HSE – Kildare/West Wicklow PDF 317KB HSE – Galway West PDF 297KB HSE – Galway/Mayo and Roscommon Child and Adolescent PDF 59KB HSE – Galway East PDF 400KB HSE – Dun Laoghaire PDF 262KB HSE – Dublin West South West PDF 346KB HSE – Dublin South City PDF 361KB HSE – Dublin North PDF 371KB HSE – Dublin North West PDF 432KB HSE – Dublin North – Dublin Central & part of NW Dublin – Child and Adolescent PDF 53KB HSE – Dublin North Central PDF 341KB HSE – Donegal PDF 485KB HSE – Cork West PDF 424KB HSE – Cork South Lee PDF 469KB HSE – Cork North PDF 423KB HSE – Cavan/Monaghan PDF 371KB HSE – Carlow/Kilkenny PDF 451KB Progress Reports from Government Departments Department of Community Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs PDF 20KB Department of Education and Science PDF 121KB Department of Enterprise Trade and Employment PDF 25KB Department of Environment Heritage and Local Government PDF 47KB Department of Health and Children PDF 50KB Department of Justice Equality and Law Reform PDF 19KB Department of Social and Family Affairs PDF 27KB Submissions Received by the IMG Amnesty International Ireland submission PDF 87KB Association of Occupational Therapists submission PDF 81KB College of Psychiatry of Ireland submission PDF 21KB Disability Federation of Ireland submission PDF 81KB Health Research Board submission PDF 24KB Inclusion Ireland submission PDF 18KB Independent Mental Health Sevice Providers submission PDF 82KB Irish Association of Consultants in Psychiatry of Old Age submission PDF 37KB Irish College of General Practitioners submission PDF 25KB Irish Hospital Consultancts Association submission PDF 155KB Irish Medical Organisation submission PDF 63KB Irish Mental Health Coalition submission PDF 90KB Mental Health Commission submission PDF 64KB Mental Health Nurse Managers submission PDF 206KB National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery submission PDF 67KB National Disability Authority submission PDF 49KB National Service Users Executive submission PDF 28KB Neurobehaviour Clinic – National Rehabilitation Hospital submission PDF 24KB Neurological Alliance of Ireland submission PDF 20KB

Facilitation Process Concerning the Difficulties in Implementing A Vision For Change in the South Tipperary and Carlow Kilkenny Catchment Area Mental Health Service

Facilitation Process Concerning the Difficulties in Implementing A Vision For Change in the South Tipperary and Carlow Kilkenny Catchment Area Mental Health Service Click here to download PDF 4.27MB

Sixth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change - the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy - July 2012

Sixth Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change – the Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy – July 2012 This is the 6th Annual Report of the Independent Monitoring Group for A Vision for Change (IMG) and the final report of the Second Group. It is clear to the IMG that the implementation of A Vision for Change (AVFC) to date including 2011 has been slow and inconsistent. There is a continued absence of a National Mental Health Service Directorate with authority and control of resources. Such a body has the potential to give strong corporate leadership and act as a catalyst for change. Click here to download HSE National and Regional Progress ReportsHSE – 6th Annual Report HSE – National and Regional Progress Report Progress Reports from Government DepartmentsDepartment of Children and Youth AffairsDepartment of Education and SkillsDepartment of Health Department of Justice and Equality Department of Social ProtectionDepartment of Environment, Community & Local Government National Mental Health Programme Plan Consultation Document What We Heard Submissions Received by the IMGAmnesty International Ireland submission Association of Occupational Therapists submission College of Psychiatry of Ireland submissionCollege of Psychiatry of Ireland – Press Release regarding Social Psychiatry and Recovery Conference College of Psychiatry of Ireland – regarding Psychotherapy Training for Psychiatric TraineesCollege of Psychiatry of Ireland – regarding relationship with Pharmaceutical Industry College of Psychiatry of Ireland – Mental Health in Primary CareDisability Federation of IrelandHealth Research Board submission Irish Association of Social Workers – Adult Mental Health Irish Association of Social Workers – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Irish College of General PractitionersMental Health CommissionMental Health ReformPharmaceutical Society of IrelandIrish Advocacy Network Childrens Mental Health CoalitionNational Disability AuthorityNational Service Users ExecutiveNational Service Users Executive – Second Opinions ReportNational Federation of Voluntary BodiesHeadstrong  

A vision for change: Report of the Expert Group on Mental Health Policy (2006)

This report, the first comprehensive review of mental health policy since 'Planning for the Future' was published in 1984, makes a series of recommendations for the mental health services, including the closure of all psychiatric hospitals and re-investment of the resources into a community-based mental health service.This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Implementing A vision for change: moving towards a modern, quality and responsive mental health service. Carlow / Kilkenny / South Tipperary.

The key element of the HSE South’s Programme is to enhance and develop community mental health services in Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary, to enable the service user to remain in the community to the greatest extent possible. HSE South has prioritised the implementation of the change programme and has allocated more than €20m capital funding and over €1.75m revenue funding to support this comprehensive development programme. Speaking at the briefings Mr. Pat Healy, Regional Director of Operations, HSE South said, “When this plan is delivered, clients will have access to the highest standards of services in all three counties, which should significantly improve these clients’ treatment programmes and quality of life. The National Service Users Executive are supporting the change programme, which is of immense importance to HSE South. The programme heralds the enhancement and development of community mental health services, the closure of old long stay institutions, the separation of North and South Tipperary acute inpatient mental health services and development of appropriate acute inpatient services, for the extended catchment area, in line with the national strategy for mental health “A Vision for Change”. The programme also acts on recommendations of the Mental Health Commission.”This resource was contributed by The National Documentation Centre on Drug Use.

Potential evidence of parasite avoidance in an avian malarial vector

Epidemiological studies of malaria or other vector-transmitted diseases often consider vectors as passive actors in the complex life cycle of the parasites, assuming that vector populations are homogeneous and vertebrate hosts are equally susceptible to being infected during their lifetime. However, some studies based on both human and rodent malaria systems found that mosquito vectors preferentially selected infected vertebrate hosts. This subject has been scarcely investigated in avian malaria models and even less in wild animals using natural host-parasite associations. We investigated whether the malaria infection status of wild great tits, Parus major, played a role in host selection by the mosquito vector Culex pipiens. Pairs of infected and uninfected birds were tested in a dual-choice olfactometer to assess their attractiveness to the mosquitoes. Plasmodium-infected birds attracted significantly fewer mosquitoes than the uninfected ones, which suggest that avian malaria parasites alter hosts' odours involved in vector orientation. Reaction time of the mosquitoes, that is, the time taken to select a host, and activation of mosquitoes, defined as the proportion of individuals flying towards one of the hosts, were not affected by the bird's infection status. The importance of these behavioural responses for the vector is discussed in light of recent advances in related or similar model systems.

Vision-based localization of an underwater robot in a structured environment

This paper presents a vision-based localization approach for an underwater robot in a structured environment. The system is based on a coded pattern placed on the bottom of a water tank and an onboard down looking camera. Main features are, absolute and map-based localization, landmark detection and tracking, and real-time computation (12.5 Hz). The proposed system provides three-dimensional position and orientation of the vehicle along with its velocity. Accuracy of the drift-free estimates is very high, allowing them to be used as feedback measures of a velocity-based low-level controller. The paper details the localization algorithm, by showing some graphical results, and the accuracy of the system