Children of 14 admitted to adult psychiatric hospitals

MENTAL health services have been described as a “national disgrace” after it emerged that almost 200 children were admitted to adult psychiatric hospitals last year.

A report submitted to the Government by the Mental Health Commission said some children admitted to adult institutions are as young as 14 and this has an adverse effect on their wellbeing.

“The provision of age-appropriate approved centres for children and adolescents must be addressed as a matter of urgency,” the report said.