Statement from ADHD Ireland in response to the results of the North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Report (Maskey 2)

In light of the publication today of North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Report (Maskey 2) ADHD Ireland calls on both the HSE and the Department of Health to ensure barriers around funding, recruitment and Clinical Governance are resolved so that long term solutions are implemented to deliver world class outcomes for all our young people.

Speaking today following the launch of the report Ken Kilbride CEO of ADHD Ireland said, “Following on from the Maskey report (January 2022), the Mental Health Commission review (in 2023) and the Look Back Report today, we have seen a damming indictment of Children Mental Health Services. We know what has happened and we know what needs to be done. We now call upon all stakeholders to come together to deliver the services all children with mental health services need and in particular those with ADHD, which for far too long has been the Cinderella condition in the service.”

 

The North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Report (Maskey 2) has highlighted a lack of provision of services for young people with mental health conditions and in particular those with ADHD. Figures show that 62% of the cases examined, the named diagnosis was for ‘moderate to severe ADHD’. This again highlights the imbalance families, and their children receive when going through CAMHS, where it is estimated that 30% – 50% of all children going through CAMHS nationwide are there for ADHD assessment and/or treatment.

 

ADHD Ireland continues to work with the HSE as the patient representative organisation on their National Oversight Group for CAMHS, to ensure the delivery of the optimal outcome for impacted young people going forward.