Adam’s Protocol Petition Achieves 20,000 Signatures for Reform

A petition advocating for significant reforms to mental health services in emergency departments has successfully gathered over 20,000 signatures. Launched by the family of Adam Loughnane, who tragically died by suicide in February, this initiative aims to improve the treatment of individuals facing mental health crises.

Adam Loughnane visited the emergency department at University Hospital Galway (UHG) in a state of distress, expressing suicidal thoughts. Unfortunately, he left without receiving the necessary care, and shortly after, his body was recovered from the River Corrib. This heartbreaking incident has highlighted the urgent need for changes in how emergency departments handle cases involving mental health issues.

Call for Change in Mental Health Protocols

The petition, known as “Adam’s Protocol,” seeks a radical overhaul in the processing of patients presenting with mental health difficulties at accident and emergency departments. By raising awareness of Adam’s story, his family hopes to drive systemic change to ensure that no one else experiences a similar fate.

In an interview with Galway Talks, Adam’s brother, Joe Loughnane, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support the petition has received. He mentioned that the next step is to submit the petition to the Dáil’s public petition committee for further discussion. This will allow lawmakers to consider the proposed reforms that could potentially save lives.

The response from the community has been significant, with many individuals sharing their own experiences with mental health services. The Loughnane family hopes that by bringing these issues to light, they can encourage other families to advocate for changes that enhance mental health care in emergency situations.

The petition’s growth underscores a collective demand for more compassionate and effective mental health support, particularly within the high-pressure environment of emergency departments. As discussions continue, the Loughnane family remains committed to pushing for reforms that would provide better care and support for those in need.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Adam’s case serve as a poignant reminder of the critical need for reform in mental health services. The movement sparked by this petition aims to ensure that all patients receive timely and appropriate care, particularly during crises.