On this Thursday’s Morning Focus, Alan spoke to a former staff member of CAMHS who has highlighted the deep flaws within the mental health services for young people in Clare. According to an internal staff survey in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Clare, 94 percent of respondents felt that clinical environment of the the service in the county isn’t suitable for the support of people.
Former staff member Elaine Kingston left her role due to stress and disillusionment and she believes that the situation could deteriorate even further.
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.
