Specialist services inadequate for children with psychiatric problems

I MUST concur with Catherine Shanahan’s report headlined ‘Lack of adolescent psychiatrists highlighted’ (Irish Examiner, September 20).

One in five children in Ireland has a psychiatric or behavioural problem. Only 15 of the recommended 156 in-patient beds exist for those under 16 years of age with psychiatric or behavioural problems. These beds are located in Dublin and Galway only.

The existing beds facilitate assessment and elective admissions. However, acute admissions are not facilitated.