Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 April 2018
14. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve the services and facilities for adolescent psychiatric patients in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17081/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI raise the issue of adolescent psychiatric care in County Tipperary. In recent months we have had three adolescents who have spent eight to nine weeks in a paediatric unit in Clonmel waiting for acute psychiatric care to become available in Cork.
It is intolerable that a teenager, whose parents had her admitted to the hospital system, has to wait such a length of time for specialised psychiatric care. Will the Minister give us an assurance that if a person is admitted to hospital, acute psychiatric care will be provided within a reasonable length of time?
I am aware of the issue the Deputy is talking about. Yesterday I spoke to a parent from Tipperary who was in that situation. I guess it is the same case. There are about 300 admissions a year to adolescent inpatient CAMHS units. Thankfully, the number is reducing. Last year there were about 380. I am aware of the pressures in the provision of beds. There are new beds. We have about 70 beds in the system. There will be new beds in Portrane and the new national children's hospital. I am working with management in the HSE on the issue at Eist Linn and the issue in Tipperary which the Deputy has raised. If he wants to speak to me afterwards, I am happy to do so.
The mother of one of the girls had to spend seven to eight weeks sleeping in the ward at night. The girl was on suicide watch 24/7. To have to wait eight to nine weeks to be admitted to a specialised psychiatric care unit is not acceptable.
I am uncomfortable speaking about the case, as I am familiar with it and have spoken to the family. I am aware of the issues involved. The Deputy may chat to me afterwards about it. I would prefer not to discuss it with him across the floor of the House.
