Seán Canney TD, Minister of State for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports and Leader in Cabinet of the Independent Ministers, has welcomed the commencement of recruitment for a new specialist out-of-hours mental health crisis nursing team at University Hospital Galway.

The new four-person team, comprising two Advanced Nurse Practitioners and two Clinical Nurse Specialists, will provide dedicated support to people presenting to the emergency department in mental health crisis during evenings and overnight, when demand for specialist care is often greatest.

University Hospital Galway is one of ten hospitals nationwide selected to receive one of these specialist out-of-hours mental health crisis nursing teams.

Recruitment is now underway as part of a national initiative announced by Minister for Mental Health Mary Butler TD, with the Health Service Executive working to have the new service operational as quickly as possible.

Welcoming the announcement, Minister Canney said: “This is a very important investment for University Hospital Galway and for people across Galway and the wider west who need urgent mental health support at some of the most difficult moments in their lives.

“Mental health crises do not happen only during normal working hours. Having specialist nurses available in the emergency department during evenings and overnight will ensure people experiencing severe distress, self-harm or suicidal thoughts receive timely, expert and compassionate care when they need it most.

“These additional staff will also provide valuable support to frontline emergency department teams while helping to improve the overall experience for patients and their families.

“This investment reflects the Government’s commitment to strengthening mental health services across the country. Alongside expanded community-based crisis services, it will help ensure people can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.”

The new nursing team is being funded as part of a wider programme of mental health crisis service reform supported through Budget 2026, which includes investment in specialist hospital-based services, community Crisis Resolution Teams, Crisis Cafés and enhanced suicide prevention initiatives.