Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry, has called on the HSE to provide additional resources immediately to help families affected by the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) review in South Kerry.
“The news this week that over 1,500 CAMHS cases in South Kerry were being reviewed for over prescribing of medication was shocking to many,” said Teachta Daly.
Parents’ Heart-breaking Stories
“In the time since, it has been sobering to hear from parents who are telling heart-breaking stories about the changes and withdrawal from life that they witnessed in their children as a result of this.
“Even more concerning, we know now that some families were contacted as far back as September 2020.
Lack of Auxiliary Services
“When speaking on Sinn Féin’s motion for resources to deal with the Mental Health crisis in Dáil Éireann yesterday, I questioned if the lack of auxiliary services and long waiting lists had led to chemical interventions in children.
“These children need urgent services to help them cope with heightened anxiety, depression, physical effects and impulses that these medicines have numbed for months and years.
Names on a Waiting List
“Resources must be provided to these families today. It is not good enough to hear that these families are being told they are now placed on a waiting list.
“The 1800 number launched by the HSE yesterday should also be extended for at least one month, or as long as families need it,” said Teachta Daly. The Freephone number is: 1800 742800.
You can find out more about CAHMS with a click on the link here: https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/kerryhealthservices/kerrymentalhealth/kerrycamhs.html
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