Further Review of North Kerry CAMHS cases underway
Following publication of the Dr Colette Halpin North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review on 18 February 2026, HSE South West announced a further clinically led file review extending beyond the original 374 active cases reviewed by Dr Halpin.
The original findings and background to the review are set out in our detailed North Kerry CAMHS audit and Lookback Review page.
A separate North Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme is also now in place for eligible young people and families.
How many further cases are being reviewed?
The HSE has confirmed that Phase 2 of the North Kerry CAMHS review covers people treated and discharged by the service between 29 June 2014 and 18 November 2022, covering the period during which the HSE had governance of CAMHS Area B.
While the HSE has not published a definitive total number of files, reporting around the further review indicated:
- the wider population could involve approximately 1,500 children and young people
- an initial group of higher-risk files would be prioritised
- RTÉ reported indications that approximately 300 additional patients could potentially be identified as having been exposed to harm
These remain reported estimates and should not be treated as the final outcome of the HSE review.
The HSE has said the further review will initially prioritise files where the potential risk of harm is considered greatest, including children and young people with intellectual disability, those prescribed antipsychotic medication, those receiving high-dose psychotropic medication and cases involving polypharmacy.
A Serious Incident Management Team, which includes patient representation, is overseeing the review.
When will the further review report be published?
As of September 2026, no final publication date for the outcome of the further North Kerry CAMHS review has been publicly announced by the HSE.
The HSE has stated that the outcome of the further file review will inform any future actions.
The original North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review examined 374 files belonging to children and young people who were active service users on 21 November 2022.
A potential risk of harm was identified in 209 cases, including 195 potential moderate-risk cases, 12 potential minor-risk cases and 2 potential major-risk cases.
What if your file was not included in the original review?
The further review is important for former North Kerry CAMHS patients whose files were not among the original 374 cases.
The HSE has confirmed that individuals outside the prioritised group who have concerns about the care they received can request that their healthcare record be reviewed.
Coleman Legal LLP has engaged with the HSE on behalf of up to 50 clients whose files were not included in the original review, with requests being made for their care to be considered as part of the wider review process.
Where a young person is subsequently identified as having suffered harm through the further review, the Government has confirmed that they can apply to the compensation scheme.
You can read more about eligibility and the application process on our North Kerry CAMHS compensation schemepage.
If you or your child received care from North Kerry CAMHS and were not included in the original Lookback Review, you can speak with our team about requesting a review of the file and understanding the options available to you.
All enquiries are treated as private and confidential.
