HSE admits list has 39 patients
IN response to ongoing criticism of mental health services for children, the HSE in the North West has confirmed that there is a waiting list of 39 patients to access the Autism Service within the HSE for Sligo Leitrim.
A statement said: “Sligo Leitrim Autism Services wishes to reassure patients and their families that they are continually striving to address this issue.” It added: “The Early Intervention Team ( EIT) provides a multi disciplinary assessment, diagnosis, and intervention service to children under 6 years of age who have complex developmental delay or disability. When a child is diagnosed by the EIT with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a referral is made to the Autism Service for Autism specific interventions and support.
The Autism Therapists work in collaboration with the multi disciplinary team to provide support and intervention. This team liaises with a Consultant Psychiatrist who is part of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. ( CAMHS)
Currently there is a vacancy for a Psychiatrist and the recruitment/ retention of Child Psychiatrist is a challenge.