Since 2011, the production and publication of an annual Outcomes Report has been firmly embedded within St Patrick’s Mental Health Services’ (SPMHS) clinical practice.
The Outcomes Report 2024, published today, once again demonstrates the important role of multidisciplinary, evidence-based care in improving mental health outcomes. The 2024 Outcomes Report, the 14th edition, presents findings across inpatient, outpatient, Homecare and day care services. Using validated clinical measurement tools and service user feedback, the report provides insights into outcomes following treatment and support.
Key improvements in clinical outcomes
The report found notable improvements in outcomes following inpatient care, outpatient care, day patient care or Homecare.
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Willow Grove Adolescent Unit
On admission to Willow Grove Adolescent Unit, 34% of service users were noted as having a moderate degree of interference in their functioning (difficulties impacting a person’s ability to perform daily tasks or social interactions) and a further 25% had major impairment in functioning in several areas. Following treatment, the overall improvement rate in functioning for individuals admitted to the Willow Grove Adolescent Unit was 85%.
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Homecare service
On admission to adult inpatient care or the Homecare service, 46% of service users were noted as moderately ill, 22% as markedly ill and 17% as severely ill. Based on a sample of 299 treatment cases, an overall improvement rate of 94% was recorded, with 62% noted as much improved or very much improved.
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Alcohol and Chemical Dependency or Dual Diagnosis day programmes
Service users who participated in the Alcohol and Chemical Dependency or Dual Diagnosis day programmes reported significantly lower levels of dependency on substances, such as opiates and alcohol, on completion of a programme. Both programmes used the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire to screen for mild to severe dependency, completed by service users before and after participation. The report recorded significant improvements in dependency levels following completion of both programmes.
Commitment to accountability and best practice
Speaking about the importance of publishing outcomes data, Tom Maher, Director of Services at SPMHS, said:
“Clinical outcomes measurement has been in place in St Patrick’s Mental Health Services since 2011 and is a priority embedded within clinical practice. Wherever possible, validated tools are utilised through the report and the choice of clinical outcome measures used is consistently reviewed to ensure we are attaining the best possible standards of service delivery."
"The publication of our annual Outcomes Report is central to our promotion of best practice in mental healthcare and consistent with standards set by the Mental Health Commission. By measuring and publishing the outcomes of our service, we aim to foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The insights and learnings from our annual outcomes reports help us understand what we do well, identify areas for growth and inform improvements to our services.”
Service users’ experience of care at SPMHS
Data from the 2024 Outcomes Report also showed strong levels of satisfaction among respondents to the service user experience survey who accessed inpatient, outpatient, day patient and Homecare services.
- 41 respondents admitted to the Homecare service rated their overall care and treatment as 8.6 out of 10.
- 382 respondents who attended remote outpatient appointments via the Dean Clinics rated the care and treatment received on average as 8.3 out of 10.
- 213 respondents admitted to adult inpatient services rated their overall care and treatment on average as 7.7 out of 10.
Our Homecare service continues to play a key role in providing multidisciplinary mental health support remotely through video and phone consultations.
Reflecting on the 14th Outcomes Report
Paul Gilligan, CEO of SPMHS, said:
“The publication of our Outcomes Report reflects the hard work of our staff and the courage and commitment of our service users in seeking support for their mental health."
"It is vital that mental healthcare services are accountable, transparent, and grounded in a rights-based approach. We are proud to show that our services are achieving meaningful, measurable outcomes that support people in their recovery. By making results of service outcomes publicly available, we aim to enable service users and referrers to make informed choices about care and treatment while also advancing a culture of accountability for the services being delivered.”
Download the reports
We have published our Outcomes Report 2024 alongside our Annual Report 2024, which outlines progress across service delivery, advocacy, education, research, and service user engagement.
Read the summary of the Outcomes Report 2024
Read the full Outcomes Report
Read the Annual Report 2024