Louth’s youth failed by deepening crisis in local mental health services
26 January 2023
PRESS RELEASE
26.1.23
Louth’s youth failed by deepening crisis in local mental health services
Young people in Louth and Meath who are in desperate need of mental health services are being failed by the system, according to local Labour TD, Ged Nash who has been alarmed by a report into Children and Adolescents Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in the region.
Children and adolescents requiring urgent mental health services face among the longest waiting list in the country in Louth and Meath.
The CH08 area, which includes Louth and Meath has the second longest waiting list for these services in the country, according to a new report that highlights a crisis in mental health services for our young people.
The report shows that according to the most recent figures, in the CH08 area there are 617 young people waiting on access urgent attention from CAMHS and worryingly, 245 of those have been waiting more than six months with over 70 waiting for over a year for care.
Deputy Nash said: “The Mental Health Commission’s interim report into CAMHS is a damning indictment of the deepening crisis in our mental health services.
“Persistent failures of clinical oversight are putting children’s safety at risk. It is now clear that poor clinical governance is a national issue across the mental health system, and a particular problem in our own region.
“The report points to failures to manage risk, recruit key staff and provide standardised care, resulting in dysfunctional and unsafe mental health services for children and young people.”
The Labour TD added: “The report of the Mental Health Commission is stark and deeply troubling. It’s clear that many children are being utterly failed by the system.
“People will be profoundly disturbed to learn that many children have been prescribed psychotropic medication without proper investigation and the adequate level of support that’s needed. Considering the power of these drugs, I am shocked and appalled that this is going on under this Government’s watch.”
Deputy Nash said: “Unfortunately, most mental health problems begin when people are young. That’s why early intervention and support is essential and if we are to give your young people the best possible start in life. To learn the depth and breadth of these failings in the CAMHS service is beyond disconcerting.”
He added: “Ultimately it’s clear that there has been a failure by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael to adequately resource our mental health system and early intervention services. There has been no ambition to recruit adequate specialists and move towards a system rotted in community care.
“We know that over 90% of mental health needs can be successfully treated within a primary care setting, with less than 10% being referred to specialist community-based mental health teams.
“Assessment, prevention and early intervention is critical to alleviating health issues and taking pressure off stretched CAMHS services.”
Deputy Nash concluded: “In the face of the staggering details of this report, the Government cannot afford to sit on its hands any longer. There must be a sense of urgency now around the reform of our CAMHS system where young people at risk get the treatment and support they need, when they need it.”