Families 'heartbroken and angry' after north Kerry mental health services report

Review of 374 active cases highlights medication concerns, governance failings and widespread risk in north Kerry child mental health services

Health officials have issued apologies to more than half of those affected, amid fresh concerns about over-prescribing anti-psychotic medicines and a lack of oversight. File picture

A report on north Kerry children’s mental health services has left families “heartbroken and angry” after finding that more than 55% of cases reviewed involved risks.

The review, seen by the Irish Examiner, found that two children were at major risk, 195 cases involved moderate risk and 12 children faced minor risk.

It found no cases of extreme harm.

This means more than half of the 374 children whose cases were active in November 2022 were affected in some way.

The review also flagged high rates of polypharmacy — the prescribing of two or more psychotropic medications at the same time — as concerning.

Almost half of the children had a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of autism. Of those, 94% were prescribed psychotropic medication.

The report also notes that children were prescribed the anti-convulsant medication Sodium Valproate.

While beneficial in treating epilepsy, this medication should not be given to girls and women of child-bearing age unless they are carefully monitored under the HSE Prevent Programme.

A State inquiry recently opened into the prescribing of this medication to pregnant women.

Health officials have issued apologies to more than half of those affected, amid fresh concerns about over-prescribing anti-psychotic medicines and a lack of oversight.

The north Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) have been under review since 2023. Dr Colette Halpin, consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, was appointed in June that year to lead the review.

Families previously received individual apologies and reports on their own children, but the full report was mailed to them this week.

Minister for mental health Mary Butler is expected to publish it on Wednesday evening.

Solicitor Keith Rolls, who represents many of the families, described the findings as “shocking and upsetting” and called for immediate action.

“The inappropriate treatment vulnerable patients received was nothing short of disgraceful. It is truly hard to comprehend how patients can be treated so badly and dangerously,” he said.

Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín, from Families for Reform of Camhs, said: “As families, we are heartbroken and angry at the findings of the report into North Kerry Camhs. These are not just figures on a page.

“They are our children and were already struggling and who turned to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services for help.” 

Many children are still living with the impact, she said, adding: "no parent expects that seeking help could make things worse."

Dr Halpin also highlighted a lack of assessments, including of children’s physical health, even though some of these medications can have detrimental physical effects.

The review noted low rates of heart health checks, for example. Children were offered talk therapy at a much lower rate than medication was prescribed.

The clinician responsible for these children’s care is not currently practising medicine, it is understood.

Dr Halpin recommended changes to governance and resourcing to ensure the service is safe for all children referred to it.

The HSE commissioned the review after an audit of files identified concerns following the similarly critical Maskey Review of Camhs in South Kerry.