National Review Needed into over prescription of Children in Kerry

Sinn Féin spokesperson for Mental Health Mark Ward TD has called Minister Mary Butler to establish an independent national review after to recent disclosures that young people may have been prescribed adult doses of medication at child and adolescent mental health services in South Kerry

Teachta Ward said :

“I have contacted Minister Mary Butler and asked that she establish an independent national review after to recent disclosures that young people may have been prescribed adult doses of medication at child and adolescent mental health services in South Kerry

“The gravity of the breaches of clinical guidelines in Kerry is such that a national review is mandated to examine and reveal why and how such a major clinical oversight could occur and how it could go undetected for four years.

“A national review is needed to determine if this is an isolated incident or if  it is an insight into more systemic failings in the mental health system.

“Clarity is also needed into  what safeguards exist nationally, regionally and locally  to ensure quality assurance standards are met in each case.

“Immense distress has already been caused to the children and families involved directly and it is also giving rise to concerns for children and families accessing mental health services across the country.

“A national review is needed urgently”

Ends