Mental health has become one of the most prominent topics of conversation in the Republic of Ireland in recent times, and for good reason; a recent study revealed that one in seven teens in counties Cork and Kerry alone are showing signs of depression.
This is why the latest news regarding mental health services in emergency facilities in Cork City is so troubling.
According to a report by the Irish Examiner, the out-of-hours on-call Child and Adolescent Mental Health Emergency Department service has been suspended indefinitely. The concerning move reportedly came about as a result of ‘chronic staffing shortages’.
Article author Catherine Shanahan also revealed that the Health Service Executive (HSE) has written to GPs in the city, advising that the service will be suspended ‘until staffing levels improve’.
In the wake of the cancellation of this potentially life-saving service, it has emerged that resources will have to be re-deployed from the community, in a bid to help tackle the crisis.
The Irish Examiner first reported on the cancellation of the service last Monday, and there is growing concern for vulnerable children and young people ever since today’s update.
Speaking to the publication, local GP and Fianna Fáil City Councillor Dr John Sheehan admitted: “This is a very worrying development, and I will be raising it at the next regional health forum.”
This is a huge blow for the local community, particularly in light of the alarming statistics that have emerged in recent times, regarding mental health.
Only last year, the HSE Performance Report revealed that one in 10 children admitted to an adult mental health unit the previous year were aged 16 or even younger.
At the time, Director of Mental Health Reform Dr Shari McDaid said: “These new figures serve to underline why mental health services need the urgent attention of government.”
Let’s hope that the HSE and the Government work together to reinstate this service as soon as possible. We will keep you updated as more information emerges.
