New child and adolescent psychiatrist has been appointed for south Tipperary

The appointment of a new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Intellectual Disability Psychiatrist for south Tipperary has been welcomed.

Tipperary TD Mattie McGrath met with Anne Donaghey, the new Head of Service for Mental Health Services in CHO 5, to discuss what he said were a number of serious issues relating to the operation of mental health services in south Tipperary.

During this meeting, Ms Donaghey confirmed that a new CAMHS ID Psychiatrist has been appointed in CHO 5 following the retirement of Dr Victor O’Loughlin last August.

Dr Deniz Kutay will commence work in the area this Monday, December 19.

“The absence of such a specialist has left many of our most vulnerable children fall between the cracks", said Deputy McGrath.

"Due to the complex nature of their dual diagnoses, many children with disabilities such as autism who also present with mental health difficulties have found themselves being pushed from pillar to post between CAMHS and the Children’s Disability Network teams.

"The absence of a CAMHS ID specialist has resulted in children with hugely complex issues and their families being left to figure it out for themselves, with little or no service.

“While the appointment covers the entire CHO 5 area, which includes south Tipperary, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford, it is at least a positive step that this specialist has been appointed,” he said.

He also raised the issue relating to mental health non-consultant hospital doctor cover at Tipperary University Hospital.