LAST UPDATE | 19 Feb

THE HSE HAS apologised to the children and parents impacted by the levels of care in North Kerry’s child and mental health services (Camhs).

A review published yesterday found that the level of care given to children was “inconsistent with standard practice” in Camhs nationally.

The review, which was ordered after the 2022 Maskey report, also identified a high rate of prescribing antipsychotic medicines as one of its core concerns.

The review found that among children whose cases it reviewed, the rate of prescribing of psychotropic medication was much higher than the national norm, particularly for children with an intellectual disability.

The prescription of two or more psychotropic medications at the same time was also noted to be a concerning feature of the care given to children.

Meanwhile, prescribing of antipsychotic medication was 64% higher than the national average.

In a statement this afternoon, HSE chief Bernard Gloster said that the State body is “truly sorry for the harm caused”.

“We will continue to work to improve, reform and invest in mental health services for young people in Kerry, and indeed throughout the country,” Gloster said.

“For families and children attending services today, 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.”

Gloster added that “confidence has been eroded” for the people of Kerry and Camhs service users across the country.

“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.”

Gloster explained that the HSE has made a referral to the Medical Council in relation to this case.

Speaking on Morning Ireland today, Amanda Burke, the HSE’s national clinical lead for youth mental health said there was a failure of oversight.

“I’m really sorry, and the HSE is really sorry. The standard of care described in the report is not the standard of care that children, young people or families should ever experience, and they deserved better,” she said.

“Clearly there was a failure of oversight here, and we acknowledge that, but as soon as that was identified, we’ve moved swiftly to reassure that there are procedures and policies in place, and strong clinical oversight.”

The review also highlighted that the unit did not have necessary facilities such as a blood pressure machine.

“To be honest with you, I can’t understand how the blood pressure machine wasn’t thought out and purchased,” Burke said.

“I can only say that now the processes are in place. There is a team coordinator, there’s a practice manager, there’s a clear clinical governance structure to ensure that these things do not happen again.”

Burke said an upcoming extension of the review will look at the children that are most likely to have been at risk of harm, which is children with an intellectual disability, children on antipsychotic medication, or children on high doses of psychotropic medication.

She said parents who have concerns over their child’s care can ask for their chart to be reviewed, or discuss immediate concerns with clinicians at mental health services or their general practitioner.