Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAHMS) South Kerry | Medical Negligence

In Brief:

The Health Service Executive (“HSE”) has conducted a review of in excess of 1,300 young patients who attended South Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (“CAMHS”) between July 2016 and April 2021. The findings are contained in the Report on the look-back review into child & adolesent mental health services county MHS area A (“the Report”) and raise siginificant allegations that children were prescribed inappropriate medication.


Significant harm caused to 46 children

We at HOMS Assist share the shock expressed by the Taoiseach that the Report confirmed hundreds of children received “risky treatment” from a doctor working in mental health services in South Kerry and significant harm was caused to 46 children.  The Irish Times reported that the review analysed the treatment of more than 1,300 children who attended South Kerry CAMHS over a period of 4 years.

It is entirely inappropraite for any patient to suffer harm at the hands of their medical practitioner but the sense of outrage is hightened when one considers the particularly vunerable group of young people “harmed” in the the circumstances outlined in the report.


Concerns about the prescribing of medicine

The Report noted that risks to the children concerned included distress, dulled feelings, slowed thinking, weight gain and sleepiness. In addition, the review confirmed that the diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for secondary school children was habitually made “without the right amount of information from teachers on how the children were at school”.  The report also highlights that assessments for unwanted effects from prescribed medication were not carried out.  These include assessments related to blood pressure, pulse, height and weight.

Concerns about the prescribing of the medication were apparently clear since 2019.


The HSE expresses remorse

The HSE has apologised to approximately 250 families for substandard care which has been revealed. It is reported that the doctor believed that they were helping  and did not intend to harm the patients they treated. The review has made 35 recommendations and these have been welcomed.

Nevertheless, where the HSE has failed in its duty of care to children, their parents are urged to obtain independent legal advice from an experienced medical negligence solicitor.* There is a time limit to initiate a claim for medical negligence in Ireland.


If your loved one has been affected by the findings of this report, it is important to get legal advice from specialist solicitors who understand the unique nature of medical negligence claims.*

Please contact our team to discuss your personal circumstances confidentially. We are here to provide expert advice when you need it most.

Call us today on 1800 207 207 or contact us online.

Get in touch

Nationwide services with dedicated offices in

Dublin

2-4 Ely Place, Dublin 2, D02 FR58

Limerick

Bishopsgate, Henry Street, Limerick, V94 K5R6

Cork

1A South Mall, Cork, T12 PV44

Share this page

OTHER SERVICES

service

Estate Planning Solicitor: Wills, Probate and Trusts

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and a personalised service. Contact us for all private wealth cases such as Wills and Powers of Attorney.

service

Property Law Solicitors

HOMS Assist provide swift case resolution and personalised service in Dublin and Limerick. Contact us today to discuss property law matters.

service

Medical Negligence Claims

HOMS Assist have 50+ years’ experience in offering medical negligence solicitor services in Ireland. Contact us today for expert advice and prompt case settlement.

RELATED ARTICLES

Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: AB Ruling Clarifies Rights-Based Principles

News Article

Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015: AB Ruling Clarifies Rights-Based Principles

How Lower Interest Rates and Government Support are Opening Doors for First-Time Buyers

News Article

How Lower Interest Rates and Government Support are Opening Doors for First-Time Buyers

Child Injury Claims: Comprehensive Legal Support and Guidance - child injury claims, legal support for children, personal injury solicitor

News Article

Keeping Children Safe and Seeking Justice When Accidents Happen

Expert Legal Support for Holiday Injury Claims - Holiday injury claims, Package holiday compensation, Irish travel accident solicitor

News Article

Handling Holiday Accidents and Personal Injury Claims with Confidence

Tax Implications of Selling an Inherited Property - inheritance tax Ireland, Budget 2025 tax strategies, Irish property tax planning

News Article

Tax Implications of Selling an Inherited Property

Product Safety: Your Ultimate Guide to CE Marking and Safe Gifting - Product Safety, CE Marking, Christmas Gifting Hazards

News Article

Product Safety: How to Buy Safe Gifts This Christmas

What we offer

We are an award winning, client-oriented law firm in Dublin, Limerick and Cork. Our solicitors provide comprehensive legal advice in an approachable and caring manner. Most of us will require a solicitor at some time in our lives. When the time comes that you do require legal support you will want to be sure that you are dealing with professionals who will work quickly and efficiently to help you. So whether you need help writing a Will, you have been in an accident, suffered an injury or illness that was not your fault, or you are looking at divorce options, we can offer clear guidance and representation to assist you in obtaining the optimum result.

Request a callback

Fill out the form below, and we will contact you shortly. Required fields are marked *

Sign up to our newsletter today

Scroll to Top