A former member of Clare’s Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services claims she could no longer work in a system that failed to protect vulnerable youths.
An internal survey of this county’s personnel in April found that 100% of staff believed a shortage of clinical space was putting children at risk.
Clare’s CAMH’S teams processed 412 referrals last year with just five rooms available to facilitate appointments, one of which is reserved for emergency use.
In a statement to Clare FM, HSE Midwest Community Healthcare say they are ‘continually reviewing any disclosures to support making their services safer.’
However, Elaine Kingston who left her post in after ten years of duty, says the current structure is preventing the delivery of appropriate care.
You can listen to the full interview below.
The HSE has issued a response to these claims which can be read below.
Community CAMHS are services that are located in local communities which offer specialised assessment and treatment for a range of young people and their families with mental health difficulties. They are made up of teams of professionals who are trained in the area of mental health like, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists and speech & language therapists.
It is very concerning to management at HSE Mid West Community Healthcare that anyone would have “grave concerns” with how any of our services are operating. HSE Mid West Community Healthcare is fully committed to working with staff, to support them and enable our teams so we can strengthen our connection with the people we serve.
Since 2020 HSE Mid West Community Healthcare has undertaken significant actions to support the Clare CAMHS team, these include:
· The current work undertaken to upgrade social worker posts
· The upgrading of the Psychology Post to a Senior post
· Extra Administration support for the Clare CAMHS team
• Assistant Director Of Nursing, Principal Psychologist, Business Manager and Health and Safety reps and Service Manager mapped the current accommodation based on Estates requirements. Health and Safety Officers reviewed CAMHS Clare accommodation and mapped their requirements.
• Regular engagements with Clare CAMHS accommodation committee and Business Manager.
• Additional Medical Governance provided as a response to a Consultant vacancy.
• Recruitment efforts are ongoing to recruit a full time CAMHS consultant.
• East Clare CAMHS were included in new Capital Project in Parteen to provide outreach CAMHS facility for East Clare.
• Currently exploring outreach options for West Clare.
HSE Mid West Community Healthcare acknowledges the important role staff have in highlighting issues and we are committed to continually reviewing any disclosures to support making our services safer.
