I was expecting the Deputy's colleague, Deputy Ward, who is seated beside her, to take this question on behalf of Deputy Daly.
Following the publication of the Maskey report, in order to gain assurance about the quality of the CAMHS service being provided in north Kerry, the HSE confirmed a planned sample file audit of 50 files in north Kerry CAMHS would take place. This was a random audit of files and represents approximately 10% of the caseload of the north Kerry CAMHS teams. I make that point to ensure there is no confusion and we all understand the situation that ensued in relation to south Kerry and the Maskey report. As a result of the Maskey report, concerns were raised that there may have been a crossover between north Kerry CAMHS and south Kerry CAMHS. That is why we are discussing this today. This audit was undertaken by a team of ten consultants from across the country, with oversight provided by the national clinical adviser and group lead for mental health.
On 21 January 2023, the local HSE received a final report from the team of CAMHS consultants who carried out this audit in north Kerry. The audit team raised potential concerns regarding the standard of care received by a small number of patients. The audit team recommended that a further review be carried out of all cases currently open to the service. Based on these concerns, HSE community healthcare organisation, CHO, 4 took immediate action by beginning the process of setting up a look-back review. I gave a commitment at the time that if any issues were raised in north Kerry, we would move to a look-back review. The HSE has advised the Department of Health that in preparation for the first phase of this north Kerry look-back review, the files of current cases are being profiled in order of urgency and risk.
Discussions with a proposed senior clinician to lead on the review are ongoing and the draft terms of reference have been developed. The review is separate from the audits arising from the Maskey report, more specifically the national prescribing audit, which focuses on prescription practices in CAMHS, and the national audit of compliance with the CAMHS operational guidelines.