HSE confirms new Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Disability appointments for priority cases in Sligo and Leitrim

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

It has been confirmed by the HSE at a meeting of the Regional Health Forum that appointments are being carried out for priority cases under the newly established Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Disability (CAMHS-ID) service for Sligo-Leitrim.

The update was provided following questions raised by Cllr Declan Bree who asked for updates in relation to the number of posts filled in the CAMHS ID multidisciplinary team in Sligo; What posts have yet to be filled on the team; What steps have been taken to fill those posts and have the vacancies been advertised; Is the CAMHS ID Service in Sligo now operational; how many children who have been referred to the CAMHS ID Service are currently on the waiting list for appointments and assessment and what is the expected waiting time for appointments and assessment for children on the waiting list?

While hailing the news as a relief to parents, Cllr Bree stressed that a fully staffed multidisciplinary team is essential to ensure families receive equitable care.

Addressing the meeting of the Regional Health Forum, Cllr Bree noted that he has been lobbying for the provision of a dedicated Camhs-ID service for the region for almost three years, repeatedly highlighting that local families were facing severe discrimination by not having access to services that were available in other parts of the country.

According to the latest HSE progress report, the executive is currently in the process of recruiting and appointing a Senior Psychologist, a Registrar in Psychiatry, and a Senior Social Worker. They will join a recently appointed Consultant Psychiatrist and Clinical Nurse Specialist.

“This is positive news, and I particularly welcome the fact that appointments are now being arranged for 13 children who have been prioritised,” said Cllr Bree. “This will come as a tremendous relief to parents who have waited far too long.”

However, Cllr Bree cautioned that the service is still far from the comprehensive model required by the national Camhs-ID programme. The national standard dictates that a multidisciplinary team should include a Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Social Worker, and administrative support.

I particularly welcome the fact that appointments are now being arranged for 13 children who have been prioritised

“Without a full team, the service in Sligo and in Leitrim will not be able to provide anything like the Camhs-ID service available in other parts of the country,” Cllr Bree emphasised. “I note the service will now be implemented on a phased basis to address the most urgent cases.”

Cllr Bree also highlighted that critical questions remain unanswered by health officials. To date, it remains unclear exactly how many children have been referred to the service or what the expected waiting times will be for routine appointments and assessments.

“Needless to say, I will be seeking a further progress report and update at our next Forum meeting to ensure we get a fully resourced team for our children,” Cllr Bree concluded.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.