Calls for major extension of HSE review of children's mental health care

HSE South West has pledged to review more cases before November 2022, but a solicitor representing many of the families seen by Camhs in Kerry said this should extend to 2010 "at least"

Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín of 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.' File Picture:  Alamy

The HSE will extend a review of children’s mental health care in north Kerry to examine cases before 2022, with urgent calls for it to go as far back as 2010 and to include all of Kerry.

A “devastating” review published yesterday found that 209 children — more than half of the 374 cases examined — were at risk of harm, according to findings by Dr Colette Halpin’s team.

Some 94% of children with an intellectual disability were prescribed psychotropic medication, and 80% were also given antipsychotic medications, which the report says is “inconsistent with standard practice”.

As the review follows individual apologies already issued to families, the full-scale of the crisis has left parents and their supporters reeling.

These cases were open in November 2022. HSE South West has pledged to review more cases before this date. 

It will include children with an intellectual disability, prescribed antipsychotic medication, or who received high-dose psychotropic medication. 

Keith Rolls, a solicitor and partner at Coleman Legal, represents many of the families. He has written to minister of state for mental health, Mary Butler, to share “our concerns regarding atrocious deficits in care, throughout the county, dating back to 2010.

“A full review of all Kerry Camhs files needs to be undertaken dating back to 2010, at least,” he wrote. 

Mr Rolls said the review shows the problems are more widespread than those revealed by the Maskey Review in South Kerry Camhs. It was “shocking and upsetting to say the least", he said, adding: “The inappropriate treatment vulnerable patients received was nothing short of disgraceful.” 

Other families spoke out through advocacy group Families for Reform of Camhs. 

Hannah Ní Ghiolla Mhairtín 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.” 

She called for urgent change, declaring that "we need more than reports and apologies".

In the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin acknowledged that children under the care of Camhs in Kerry had not received appropriate care.

"We need accountability, transparency, and urgent reform so that no other family experiences this pain," he said. 

“There will be a need for an extended look back in terms of absolute certainty for all cases."

He added: "I also understand there is a referral to the Medical Council in respect of what has transpired here.”

ADHD and autism charities respond

Concerns were also noted about supervision of medication among children with ADHD.

ADHD Ireland chief executive Ken Kilbride said: “It’s now at the point where we need to do something.” 

He acknowledged some improvements since 2023, but said that for children with ADHD, waiting lists are only going up.

Autism charity AsIAM chief executive Adam Harris also called for urgent change, telling RTÉ that many autistic

children were essentially under “chemical restraint”.

The review noted five children were given sodium valproate. The HSE advises that this only be given to girls of child-bearing age under supervision due to concerns about fetal injury.

Dr Halpin recommended that all Camhs community services have a dedicated pharmacist. She also advised changes to the way Camhs intellectual disability teams are run.

Ms Butler said: “I am seriously concerned that such a significant shortfall in standards in the North Kerry Camhs constituted a risk of harm to children.” 

However, she said she is satisfied the HSE has addressed gaps in care, as well as those identified in the Maskey review. 

HSE South West regional executive officer Andy Phillips apologised and said the HSE has “already acted” on some recommendations. 

"I want to promise you that work is under way to make sure that all of these recommendations are acted on," he pledged.