Report uncovers “unacceptable” figures across the required disciplines in Child and Adult Mental Health Services

A report commissioned by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) has outlined that the State cannot provide assurances to parents that their children have access to safe, effective and evidence-based services.

The Midlands and CHO8 figures show staffing levels at just 57% overall across the required disciplines in CAMHS.

There are only 42% of Occupational Therapists required, 49% of Social Workers, 33% of Psychologist and just 21% of the required of Speech & Language therapists.

Waiting times for children to receive a referral for ADHD is an average of 9 months in the region, plus, a further 4 months wait to be assessed with many waiting much longer than this

The report also highlighted insufficient budgeting for CAMHS, with care teams and services being under resourced.

The budget for CAHMS in the Midlands CHO 8 region is the third lowest in the State.

Sinn Féin TD for Laois Offaly, Brian Stanley, is calling for immediate action on CAMHS services, calling these figures “unacceptable.”

“The finding of the latest independent report on CAMHS services show that the figures for the Midlands are a damming indictment of Government failing children,” Deputy Stanley said.

“CAMHS waiting lists have doubled since this Government was formed in 2020. These figures have increased by 112%.

“This is a national scandal. Figures for Health Area CHO8 which takes in the midlands, highlight that these services are in crisis.

“This latest report has 49 recommendations that the Minister for Health must accept and implement to reform CAMHS and improve service delivery.

“Government now needs to take control of the situation and take immediate action to fill staffing vacancies across CAMHS services in the Midlands.”

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