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Deputy John Brassil.
FIANNA Fáil TD for Kerry John Brassil says almost 150 vulnerable young people are being left behind as the waiting lists for the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service across Kerry and Cork continue to grow.
The latest figures released reveal that 564 children and teenagers are waiting for an appointment; 147 of these are waiting more than a year and 83 are on the list for over 18 months.
Deputy Brassil said; “The waiting list for access to CAMHS services is longer in Kerry and Cork than anywhere else in the country. The fact that 83 children and teens are waiting more than 18 months to be seen is unforgiveable. We need answers as to why the figures for Kerry and Cork are so high. Outside of the two counties, there is only one other child in the country waiting this length of time – it’s a disgrace.”
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“No child should be forced to wait this long for an appointment. Early intervention is key, but the fact of the matter is that it simply doesn’t exist.
“The number of children suffering from anxiety, stress and mental health issues is increasing and we need our health system to be able to adapt to these needs. However, there are still huge gaps in our mental health services – not least in staffing. The CAMHS service has barely over half the staff required.
“Addressing the deficits in mental health services and fully realising ‘A Vision for Change’ must be made a priority. Otherwise the government cannot continue to spin the baseless claims that they understand the severe, dangerous shortfalls that exist,” concluded Deputy Brassil.
