Report critical of mental health services for children in Limerick
THE health service agency responsible for delivering mental health care for children has apologised to families “who have not received the standard of care” expected.
A spokesperson for HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare spoke out following a report which was critical of a number of aspects of its service.
The Mental Health Commission reported a number of what it saw as issues in the service across Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.
The watchdog warned staff members in the service were operating at two-thirds of nationally recommended standards, that it's difficult for them to go out on training due to this shortage.
In terms of patients, 210 young people were on the waiting list for initial assessment in Limerick alone. Issues were also identified with the storage of patient data among the agency.
In a statement, released on foot of the publication of the report, Mid-West Community Healthcare said it acknowledges “deficits” in its provision.
It apologised to children and families “who have not received the standard of care that they or we expect.”
“We are continuing to progress a targeted series of service improvements in Mid-West Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs),” it stated.
“Mid-West Camhs now has the highest provision of consultant psychiatrist staffing of any Community Healthcare Organisation when compared to the recommendations of a Vision for Change,” a spokesperson said, in reference to the HSE strategy which proposes a framework for the promotion of mental health at all levels, and specialist care to anyone who needs it.
“The report also notes strong levels of staffing among non-consultant hospital doctors, nursing staff, psychologists, social workers and occupational therapists,” they added.
“Mid-West Camhs reports some of the shortest wait times from when a young person is referred to the service until they are assessed.
"Mid-West Camhs has the lowest wait time for young people referred to for an assessment relating to eating disorders and a shorter-than-average wait times for all of the other main reasons for referral,” the group’s statement added, mentioning depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and anxiety.
“The delivery of a high-quality Camhs service to the children and young people of Clare, Limerick and North Tipperary is a priority for HSE Mid-West Community Healthcare,” they concluded.
The Mental Health Commission praised staff for their “dedication and commitment”.
But they said the “stress and burnout” workers experience makes it hard to retain members of staff, as well as attracting new recruits.