Pa Daly, Sinn Féin TD for Kerry and Councillor Cathal Foley have expressed their concerns at reports that adult mental health services in the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team will have no consultant effective from the coming Monday April 25th.
Teachta Daly said that Councillor Cathal Foley and himself have been hearing reports that the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team for adult services will be without a consultant from Monday.
‘Teleclinics’ from Abroad
“There has been an attempt to introduce ‘teleclinics’ while the proposed replacement consultant will, reportedly, be based abroad.
“Sources tell us that this decision was taken without discussion or consultation with the main stakeholders or community mental health nurses.
“I would like to know what risk assessment or evaluation has been carried out in advance of such a move.
It Doesn’t End There
“Councillor Foley and myself are concerned about the effect on current patients and their ongoing care.
“We have also been informed that, from the first week in July, the South Kerry Community Mental Health Team will be without a consultant. In November the same situation will occur for the Killarney Community Mental Health Team.
“Risk levels have increased dramatically since structural changes were made during the Covid-19 pandemic. These issues and risks have been highlighted to the HSE by staff.
Listowel, Castleisland, Ardfert and Lixnaw
“Clinics would have taken place in Listowel, Castleisland, Ardfert and Lixnaw, reviewing between 70 and 80 people per week.
“I have asked the HSE for urgent clarification of the situation, and the plan to put consultants in place for in-person appointments in Kerry,” said Teachta Daly.
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