Shockat lettersent toGPs

The HSE’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health services have deteriorated further, says Sinn Féin Councillor Thomas Healy.

Referring to a letter sent to GPs locally he says: “I have recently received confirmation from a GP that they were issued with a memo from the HSE stating that from March 13th CAMHS would no longer be accepting referrals.

“This is a withdrawal of a vital service which, according to the governments own policy, is vital for early intervention, swift treatment and prevention of mental health problems later in life.

“I have been contacted by a number of families and health care providers who are unable to provide the help needed for young people in crisis. This has led to Doctors having no service whatsoever to refer under 18s to as they are not allowed to be treated by adult mental health services anymore.”

“I attended the Health Services Forum meeting recently where HSE officials admitted that the service was contracting and CAMHS was not accepting referrals.

“We are sick and tired of excuses from the HSE. If it cannot recruit a specialist consultant then it needs to provide some service as opposed to no service. This needs to be done urgently.”