HSE chief apologises 'unequivocally' over treatment of patients at North Kerry CAMHS
Kenneth Fox
The HSE has issued a further apology to the Southwest Region following the publication on Wednesday of a report about the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs).
The independent review found more than 200 children being treated by the Camhs in the area were at risk of potential harm.
The review highlighted concerns about high rates of prescribing medication and low rates of therapeutic intervention.
Speaking on Thursday about the report, HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster said, “I apologise unequivocally to the children and families under our care who have been affected by the North Kerry Camhs review.
"I am truly sorry for the harm caused, and we will continue to work to improve, reform and invest in mental health services for young people in Kerry, and indeed throughout the country.
"For families and children attending services, I want to offer reassurance that our services will respond to you, and it is a safe service, unlike that which led to this review.
“In 2023, based on the Maskey report, I received the support of the Government and directed the establishment of the National HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office."
He said the office published the Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan, which considers all the recommendations of Maskey; the HSE’s internal audits on prescribing practice; HSE audits of adherence to Camhs operational guidelines; and the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission’s (MHC) Report on Camhs provision.
Mr Gloster said the HSE will continue this significant programme of service improvement and investment to ensure the recommendations of this review into North Kerry Camhs are implemented and to provide high-quality mental health services for children and young people in Kerry and throughout the country.
"I am conscious that for the people of Kerry and indeed Camhs service users across the country, their confidence has been eroded.
"While all of our improvements are good and welcome, there is no doubt but that our services in Kerry were so far below the acceptable standards as to cause risk of harm.
"That is unacceptable, it is not good enough, and for that I am sincerely sorry. I have also clarified that the HSE has made a referral to the Medical Council in this case, and it is important that their assessment is allowed to progress," he said.
