Mark Ward TD has said that there is an emergency in children’s mental health care. Teachta Ward highlighted the huge waiting lists that are resulting in children having to access emergency departments for mental health treatment directly with the Taoiseach recently during questions on promised legislation
Teachta Ward said “I was astounded that during the debate recently on the Government having confidence in itself that An Taoiseach claimed that his government have been “extraordinary diligent and dedicated” in the area of mental health “I got the chance to challenge An Taoisech directly on his claim and gave him a few facts.
“There has been a staggering 40% increase in children presenting to emergency department for mental health care. “In response to a parliamentary question the HSE informed me that in 2018 there was 872 children who presented to emergency departments with mental health problems. “These figures have increased year on year to 1220 children in 2021.
“Emergency Departments are not the place for anyone suffering from mental ill health especially a child. “Early intervention is key and children are simply not getting this early intervention “There are currently over 4000 children waiting on an appointment for CAMHS. 560 of these children waiting over 6 months “Over 2000 young people are waiting for an appointment with Jigsaw with some areas having a 20 week waiting list
“115 children who presented to the HSE for eating disorders were referred to non-eating disorder specialist inpatient facilities “There are 10,500 children waiting on primary care psychology with 4000 children waiting over a year for an appointment
“With facts like this it is no wonder there is a huge increase in Children presenting to Emergency Departments for Mental Health treatment “This Government have failed Children in mental health care provision and if An Taoiseach feels that his Government have been extraordinary diligent and dedicated, Im afraid he is deluded “There is an emergency in children’s mental health care and urgent action is needed.
