Mother’s concerns atmental healthcare

A mother has expressed concern over the continuity of mental health care for her teenage daughter.

The woman from Manorhamilton says her daughter has just turned 18 but that to date there has been no proper ‘ handover’ or ‘ transfer’ from the HSE’s Child and Mental Health Services ( CAMHS) to the Adult Mental Health Services.

Her daughter who has suspected Borderline Personality Disorder has self- harmed and experiences ongoing mental health difficulties.

She contacted the Champion to say that once a child turns 18 there is supposed to be a transfer meeting, according to guidelines, but this has not happened. “My main concern is getting her stabilised with medication. People with mental health issues need stability but there is no such thing as a smooth transition from children to adult services here.

“They are not doing their job as far as this transition is concerned. My daughter was very agitated leading up to her 18th but I could not get a transfer meeting despite numerous requests,” she claims. “I was told by other parents to expect a fallout - now that could mean my child self harming again and ending up in St. Columba’s.”