Children ‘lost‘ in HSE mental health system
I think there has to be and is an ongoing review
MICHEAL MARTIN YESTERDAY
Martin says findings of report not acceptable
TANAISTE Micheal Martin has said the findings of a report into child mental health services in Ireland are “unacceptable”.
It comes after the HSE admitted to failings with services after an independent report outlined a series of issues with follow-up appointments and monitoring kids on medication.
The Mental Health Commission’s document published yesterday found that children and young people with open cases have been “lost” in the system.
In one community healthcare organisation – the Midwest – there were 140 “lost” cases within the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services team, meaning they did not have an appointment, in some cases for up to two years.
The report also found that there was evidence some teams were not monitoring antipsychotic medication in accordance with international standards and noted there are currently no Irish national standards in relation to this.
This means that some children were taking medication without appropriate blood tests and physical monitoring
The report also found many HSE teams and CHOS had team members working beyond contracted hours, often without compensation, to continue to provide a service.
There was also evidence of stress and burnout in a significant number of employees.
Mr Martin said: “I think there has to be and is an ongoing review in terms of what has happened.
“I think we have to look at governance issues again in respect of the mental health services.
“No child should be lost in the system.”
HSE chief operations officer Damien Mccallion said the organisation had responded to cases highlighted by the report, but admitted there were “significant issues”.vhe added: “We are not happy with the issues that have been identified and the service that’s there.
“But that’s no reflection on our staff who have worked really hard and continue to work hard to try and deal with some of the issues and the challenges that they face.”
The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland said the situation had developed because of poor governance structures and support systems, as well as problems with doctor recruitment and retention.