Gino Kenny
Ceist:13. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to increase the number of operational inpatient CAMHS beds from 52 currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9505/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 29 February 2024
Ceisteanna (13)
Freagraí scríofa
I thank the Deputy for his question. Ensuring that children have access to inpatient mental health beds is a priority for me and this Government.
There are four inpatient CAMHS units in Ireland, namely Eist Linn, Linn Dara, Merlin Park and St Vincent’s. These Units, also known as Approved Centres, are registered, regulated and inspected by the Mental Health Commission. While CAMHS in-patient bed capacity is 72 beds nationally, currently, due to a range of issues including staffing and necessary renovations, there are 51 beds in operation. The HSE is making every effort to address service challenges and bring the number of beds in operation back to 72.
It is important to note that access to these inpatient beds is being carefully and actively managed by the HSE. As of 13 February 2024, the waiting list nationally to access units was 0. At present, approximately 35 (68%) of available beds are currently occupied, therefore even with the reduced operational beds, there remains capacity to admit to CAMHS inpatient units. All four CAMHS units are working collaboratively to maximise national CAMHS bed capacity and to minimise the impact of this temporary reduction.
The CAMHS waiting list for inpatient beds fluctuates each week and is monitored and discussed at a weekly CAMHS inpatient bed meeting between the four CAMHS inpatient units and HSE National Mental Health Operations. There is also a weekly call with both the Children's Health Ireland (CHI) and Southern Hospitals Groups to identify any delayed discharges which is working well.
The Department of Health is provided with an update from HSE National Mental Health Operations on CAMHS Bed Status on a weekly basis, and this is actively monitored and reviewed by officials in my Department.
The HSE will continue to utilise all available options to care for urgent cases, including the use of private providers if needed.