June 27, 2023
Just 72% of CAMHS beds are operational – Mark Ward TD

Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has expressed disappointment with government over reduced Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) bed capacity.

Teachta Ward was speaking after receiving a response to a Parliamentary Question, which stated that operational inpatient bed capacity in CAMHS was just 72%.

The Dublin Mid-West TD said:

“I am really disappointed with the current capacity figures for CAMHS beds.

“The response that I received from a parliamentary question this week confirmed that operational capacity for CAMHS beds is currently at 72%.

“There are 72 beds in four inpatient CAMHS facilities but only 51 of these beds are open at present.

“Staffing reasons, including having appropriately trained staff, has been cited as a main contributor in many of the national facilities.

“The panel system of recruitment operated by the HSE is not working and needs an urgent review.

“This is simply not good enough during a children’s mental health emergency. With waiting lists for CAMHS exceeding 4500 children waiting for psychology appointments.

“Over 15,000 children are waiting on primary care psychology, with almost 6,000 children waiting over a year for an appointment.

“72% CAMHS bed capacity is unacceptable and is another failure by government in children’s mental health.

“The government is not treating this emergency with the urgency that is required. Children and their families are being left behind.”

The response to Deputy Ward’s Parliamentary Question can be read here. 

Follow us online

Latest Tweets

I was honoured to attend the opening of a new parkway in Lower Shankill.

This bright new space will be a key asset to the local community, providing families and young people with a place to play, socialise and enjoy. 1/3

Government and Regulator must get to grips with Ireland’s soaring network costs that put upward pressure on electricity bills from October 1st - Darren O’Rourke TD and Senator Lynn Boylan

https://vote.sinnfein.ie/government-and-regulator-must-get-to-grips-with-irelands-soaring-network-costs-darren-orourke-td-and-senator-lynn-boylan/

@orourke_darren @LNBDublin

Archibald calls on Department of Health to continue Women’s Aid funding https://vote.sinnfein.ie/archibald-calls-on-department-of-health-to-continue-womens-aid-funding/ @CArchibald_SF

The longer Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael are in government the worse the housing crisis gets – record child homelessness, record high rents, rising house prices and families under increasing pressure from rising mortgage interest rates. @EOBroin

#HousingCrisis

Load More