HSE admits workforce for children's mental health services needs to double

HSE chief executive, Bernard Gloster, accepted waiting times for Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services 'remain too long in some parts of the country' still. Picture: Brendan Gleeson

Mental health services for children who are severely ill need to double the workforce to meet rising demand, the HSE has admitted.

The Child & Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) treat about 2% of children and young people but saw demand grow by 16% between 2019 and 2022. Dr Amanda Burke, clinical lead for Youth Mental Health, told the Oireachtas Health Committee that staff increases are needed, especially psychiatrists or health and social care professionals.