The system is failing heartbroken parents
WHEN it comes to a child, a parent will do whatever it takes to protect them. For the majority, it is a natural instinct stronger than any other. So when a child is in trouble parents will automatically seek help. But what happens when there is no suitable help available?
This is the case for hundreds of families across the North West region who are trying to access and avail of support from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services ( CAMHS) in Sligo.
Over the last week, I have spoken to several parents about their specific experiences with CAMHS and they all have the same sorry story. The service, according to them, is sub standard. Children can be left on a waiting list for years and when eventually they get access to CAMHS, there is a serious issue with continuity of care.
Last week we highlighted that suicidal teenagers were being put on a waiting list for CAMHS. A distraught Dad told me that he automatically assumed his 13- year- old daughter would be treated immediately given the fact that she was threatening to take her own life.
He was shocked to discover that she would in reality be placed on a waiting list. This child went on to self- harm months later and is still on a waiting list.
These facts are difficult for anyone to comprehend. Our health services are severely under pressure but when a child’s life is not considered a priority, then what is?
This week, The Sligo Champion features parents of children with autism who are desperately trying to access psychiatric care from CAMHS.
The saddest aspect of their stories is the fact that early intervention works best with autism - so each month that their child spends on a waiting list means they deteriorate further.
These local parents are coming together to protest over the mental health services for children in the region. ‘ Enough is enough’ is their group name - it says it all.
Next week, we will feature several new stories of frustrated families who feel CAMHS has let them down and we will continue to support them in their fight for better vital services for these most vulnerable children.
In response to our campaign, the HSE yesterday ( Monday) issued a statement confirming that the waiting list for autism therapy currently stands at 37 patients.
It also reiterated that there is no consultant Psychiatrist at CAMHS at present.
It said: “With regards to Autism Therapy, the Autism service is provided through an Autism Therapist with the support of a Consultant Psychiatrist who provides clinical direction to the Autism Team.
“Note the Consultant Psychiatrist is part of the CAMHS Service.
“There is a vacancy for a lead Consultant Psychiatrist and the recruitment and reten- tion of Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrists for the service in Sligo/ Leitrim is a challenge.
“This is not a resource issue but it reflects a national shortage of Consultant Psychiatrists particularly in the specialism of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.”
Sources have told this newspaper that the work pressure in CAMHS means psychiatrists simply ‘ burn out after a few months.’’
The HSE statement went on: “The waiting list for autism therapy currently consists of 37 patients.
“With regards to Autism assessments the Early Intervention Teams in Sligo, Leitrim & West Cavan assesses children under 6 years where there are concerns in relation to a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
“In 2016 a total of 21 children were assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder by the Team.”
The statement concluded: “Autism service continues to provide reassurance to these parents whose child is on the Autism Therapy waiting list, that they can access the full multidisciplinary team, such as Speech & Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, if this is recommended within their child’s care plan.
“The HSE Sligo/ Leitrim Autism Service are continually striving to address this issue.”
The HSE here may be ‘ striving’ to do better but in the meantime as our case studies on page 5 outline, heartbroken parents are looking outside of Sligo and paying privately to access the care that the State in their region can’t provide in a timely or suitable way.