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Cllr Cathal Foley and Deputy Pa Daly.
KERRY Sinn Féin representatives, Pa Daly TD and Cllr Cathal Foley have expressed their concern at reports that adult mental health services in the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team will have no consultant from next week.
“Councillor Cathal Foley and myself have been hearing reports that the North Kerry and Castleisland Community Mental Health Team for adult services will be without a Consultant starting Monday April 25th,” said Deputy Daly.
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“There has been an attempt to introduce ‘teleclinics’ with the proposed replacement Consultant reportedly based abroad. Sources tell us that this decision was taken without discussion or consultation with the main stakeholders or Community mental health nurses.
“I would like to know what risk assessment or evaluation has been carried out in advance of such a move. Councillor Foley and myself are concerned about the effect on current patients and their ongoing care.
“Risk levels have increased dramatically since structural changes were made during the Covid-19 pandemic. These issues and risks have been highlighted to the HSE by staff.
“Clinics would have taken place in Listowel, Castleisland, Ardfert and Lixnaw, reviewing between 70 and 80 people per week.
“I have asked the HSE for urgent clarification of the situation, and the plan to put Consultants in place for in-person appointments in Kerry,” concluded Deputy Daly.
