Lack of access to CAMHS service means families in Sligo and Leitrim being ‘discriminated against’

By Philip Rooney, The Sligo Champion

Families in Sligo and Leitrim who have not had access to a Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMHS) Intellectual Disability (ID) Service have in effect been discriminated against and treated as second class citizens by the HSE, Cllr Declan Bree told the most recent meeting of the Regional Health Forum West and North West.

“The saga of the CAMHS-ID Service in Sligo has dragged on for much too long,” he said. “I have been highlighting the lack of such a service for the past number of years and outlining the trauma parents and families have had to go through as a result of the failure of the HSE to provide the service.

Cllr Bree highlighted the plight of a number of parents who met with President Connolly on the occasion of her visit to Sligo last month as he referred to their “Trauma and heartache” and queried how they cope without adequate support.

“Last month I had the privilege of accompanying a deputation of parents who met with President Catherine Connolly during her visit to Sligo. I heard their stories, I heard of their trauma and their heartache and I still find it difficult to comprehend how they can cope without such a service.

“The love and dedication those parents give to their children is incredible and there is not a doubt in my mind but that they are entitled to all the expertise, respite and services that they need in order to facilitate their children’s optimum development.

“A Camhs-ID Service has been in place for families in the rest of the country over the years, but families in Sligo and Leitrim have not had access to such a service and have in effect been discriminated against and treated as second class citizens by the HSE.

“Hopefully in the current year we might see the beginning of the end to such discrimination.”

Cllr Bree welcomed news that a Consultant Psychiatrist has commenced work in Sligo but stressed greater support is still required.

“I note from the response I have received today that it is confirmed that a Consultant Psychiatrist has commenced work in a new Camhs-ID Team in Sligo.

“However there is only one other person on the team – a clinical nurse, and I note with great concern that the service will only be implemented on a phased basis, providing limited intervention, in the absence of a full Multidisciplinary Team.

“The national Camhs-ID programme indicates that multidisciplinary teams should include a Consultant Psychiatrist, a Senior Psychologist, Occupational Therapist, a Clinical Nurse Specialist, a Social Worker in addition to administrative support.

“So it is very clear that 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. To add to my concern I have not been given any indication when all the vacant posts on the team might be filled.

Cllr Bree also expressed his frustration and and disappointment that requested figures in relation to the number of children referred to CAMHS-ID or waiting for an appointment was unavailable.

“I have asked how many children who have been referred to the Camhs-ID Service are currently on the waiting list for appointments and assessment and I am extremely disappointed and annoyed that this information is being withheld or is not available.

“We need to know haw many children have been referred to the Camhs-ID Service. We need to know how many children are waiting for appointments and assessments, and we need to have an indication as to what the expected waiting time will be for children referred for appointments.

“Needless to say I will be raising this matter further and seeking answers to these questions at the next meeting of the Health Forum,” concluded Cllr Bree.

Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.