The findings of the audit in North Kerry CAMHS
A random audit of the North Kerry CAMHS (50 files) service was carried out, and of those 50 files examined, potential concerns were raised in 16 cases. These included matters relating to prescribing practices and in relation to the professional practice of a clinician. The HSE has advised that the clinician is not working at this time. They also suggested that 11 of the 16 young people whose files raised concerns have been offered a clinical review. The other five had yet to be contacted. Based on the findings of this limited audit, the HSE advised that they are beginning the process of setting up a Look Back Review. A clinical lead for the proposed review has yet to be identified. This review must be carried out under external and independent oversight.
The review is proposed to begin by examining the files of young people currently under the care of North Kerry CAMHS. The HSE advised that the outcome of that review will inform the next phase of the look-track review. Coleman Legal LLP strongly believes that the cases of young people discharged by North Kerry CAMHS must be included in the Review.
Coleman Legal working for many families in North Kerry
Coleman legal LLP has been contacted by up to 100 North Kerry families since the publication of the Maskey report in January 2022. We are aware that several North Kerry families have received an apology from the HSE in relation to the deficits in care that arose in the treatment that North Kerry CAMHS patients received while attending the service. From our instructions to date, a distinct and similar pattern has emerged in the treatment received by patients in both South and North Kerry.
Speaking to reporter Barry Lenihan on RTE’s Drivetime, Solicitor and Partner at Coleman Legal LLP Keith Rolls called for the extension of the review:
“Unfortunately, there are many people left outside that scope, people that have recently finished with the North Kerry CAMHS services, people that finished with the North Kerry CAMHS services two years ago. Our firm has received a lot of instructions from adults, young adults, and people in their twenties, and from what they’ve informed us, it is our opinion that they have been subject to deficits of care.â€
He called for the review to be extended to closed and historic cases and emphasised the need for the full review to proceed without further delays. He added that Coleman Legal LLP has been contacted by over 300 families throughout the country over grave concerns that they have regarding treatment received in North Kerry CAMHS.
