Children in Cork failed by mental health service gap

Distressed children do not have guaranteed access to mental health services at two of the country’s busiest emergency departments (EDs) because of a staffing crisis.

Recruitment difficulties, combined with resignations and staff leave, have badly hit the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) covering EDs at Cork University Hospital and the Mercy University Hospital.

The CAMHS team provides assessment and specialist treatment for young people and their families who are experiencing mental health difficulties.