Neville raises issues with Limerick CAMHS

Fine Gael TD for Limerick, Tom Neville, has raised the issue of delays and waiting lists associated with CAMHS, in Limerick and the Mid-West.

CAMHS stands for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and is a service that provides assessment and treatment for young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties, provided by six multidisciplinary teams in Limerick city and county.

“In Limerick central, there are currently 25 on a CAMHS waiting list. In Limerick east there are 56 and in Limerick west a waiting list of 63.

“The HSE has outlined the factors that are currently affecting the Limerick waiting list. One is the fact that two members of the west Limerick team are on extended sick leave, with a consultant on leave for over two months and a social care leader on leave for over six weeks.

“There is an increase in demand but flexibility arrangements are not in place when people are off sick and obviously the recruitment arrangements have not been put in place to recruit staff.

“The Minister of State for Mental Health, Helen McEntee has confirmed to me that the crux of this problem is the recruitment of the appropriate staff.

“There are significant recruitment challenges and the HSE must address the recruitment shortfalls, to ensure that Limerick receives the Child and Adolescent Mental Health it needs.”