Claims young people prescribed inappropriate medication subject of report

A report into allegations that young people who attended mental health services in South Kerry were prescribed inappropriate medication is to be published by the Health Service Executive on Wednesday.

The review has examined the treatment of more than 1,300 young people who attended the South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) over a four-year period.

The HSE has already apologised to about 250 families for substandard care identified in the review.

The review was prompted by concerns expressed by a whistleblower in the health service who alleged substandard treatment of clients of South Kerry Camhs.

The HSE initially looked at the files of about 50 young people who attended the service, after which it was decided to carry out a “look-back” review of all files between July 2016 and April 2021.

Diagnosis and notes

The review, which was conducted by a team led by Dr Seán Maskey, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist based in London, examined allegations of inappropriate prescribing of medication as well as issues around the diagnosis of patients and missing notes. It is also expected to deal with resource issues at the service.

The report was being posted to affected families on Tuesday, and a copy has been sent to Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly.

“We ask for the time and space to communicate directly with the young people affected, as we have done on an ongoing basis since last April when the review process began,” Cork Kerry Community Healthcare said in a statement.

Apology repeated

“We will not be making any further comment until young people and families receive the report, other than to say that supports are in place for those affected, and that we are committed to acting on all recommendations in the report.

“Where the review identified deficits in the care of any young person, we have apologised directly and sincerely to that young person and, where appropriate, their family. We are repeating that apology in writing as part of the publication process.”

“We sincerely thank the young people and families who took part in the review process, and we do not underestimate how difficult this has been for them.”

The HSE is operating an information line for those affected – 1800 742 800 – which is open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.