Pa Daly, Sinn Fein TD for Kerry has stated that the interim report of the Mental Health Commission and the almost simultaneous announcement by the HSE about the North Kerry Look-back Review into the care of patients at North Kerry CAMHS raises many questions for treatment of patients in Kerry.
Teachta Daly said that the North Kerry announcement, while welcome, does not state when the full review over 15 years will commence.
“In fact, it could be seen as a cynical move. The announcement of a review into young people currently under the case of CAMHS has already been called for by the MHC,” said Teachta Daly.
“While families I spoke to over the weekend hope that this report will be another step in the right direction and should prioritise the need for a better system in Cork/Kerry, the necessary steps have not yet been taken.
Class Lottery Continues
Nationally, The postcode lottery continues but the class lottery also continues. The children of those who can pay can access treatment and those who can’t will have to join the waiting lists that increase year after year. Many health professionals are saying that the psychiatrist led approach should be questioned. A complete overhaul is necessary as the system is clearly not fit for purpose. Professionals in the field have been saying this and now the MHC have said it.
Staff Over-worked and Stressed
“The report rightfully praises the over-worked and stressed staff in the CAMHS teams, some of whom are working extra hours without extra pay, but it is the governance, or lack of it, which continues to let children and young people down. I welcome the call for a full review of all open cases and I reiterate my call for a full review of all North Kerry cases over the last 15 years and a date for this to commence.
Too many children have suffered from over prescription and it is heartbreaking to see that even still some teams are not monitoring psychotropic medication and not escalating cases as they feel “there is no point.”
Lack of Planning
“There is also a lack of planning when patients become 18 with some having to wait two years for an appointment.
“Waiting lists are also still too long and have become longer. A more co-ordinated effort also must be taken nationally in recruitment.
The call to cherish all the children of the nation equally rings particularly hollow in this case.
Listening to the voices of the children is paramount. I and Sinn Féin are also calling for the development of national standards for monitoring the use of anti-psychotic medications by children and young people.
Pipeline for CAMH Services
“We also need to see an increase in education and training places in higher education to give us a pipeline of staff for CAMH services.
This will ensure that safe staffing levels are delivered.
“The solutions are there if the political will is there. The government must now urgently consider Sinn Féin’s proposals.
“Children in Kerry and across the state must get access to high-quality mental health support when they need it, without delay or excuses,” he said.
You can contact The Maine Valley Post on… Anyone in The Maine Valley Post catchment area who would like to send us news and captioned photographs for inclusion can send them to: jreidy@mainevalleypost.com Queries about advertising and any other matters regarding The Maine Valley Post can also be sent to that address or just ring: 087 23 59 467.
