Any child identified as having been harmed by mental health services in north Kerry through a forthcoming review will be eligible for compensation, under changes made to the scheme.
Earlier this year, an independent review into the north Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Camhs) found 209 children had been at risk of potential harm.
The report highlighted a number of concerns, including high rates of prescribing medicines, low rates of talk therapy and inadequate health checks. It particularly highlighted concerns around the treatment received by children with intellectual disabilities.
Following publication of the report, the Health Service Executive (HSE) announced a further review, focusing on those most at risk of harm, such as those with a disability, on high-dose medication or on multiple medications.
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In a statement on Thursday, the HSE confirmed the clinically-led further file review would cover the period during which it had governance of Camhs in north Kerry – extending to all cases open to the service up to November 21st, 2022.
The HSE took over governance of the service in 2014.
Minister of State for Mental Health Mary Butler on Thursday approved a scheme to provide compensation to children and young people who were identified as having suffered harm in February’s review.
The non-adversarial compensation scheme was established after another review, known as the Maskey report, identified risks to children in south Kerry Camhs.
“I am pleased to confirm I have approved the extension of the existing non-adversarial scheme to provide for young people and families impacted by deficits in care in north Kerry,” said Butler.
However, she added that this would also be extended to any young people who “may become eligible as the HSE undertakes its further file review”.
“I wanted to guarantee that if a young person is identified as having suffered harm through the review of their file, they can apply to the scheme immediately,” she said.
The Minister said she would visit Kerry again “in the coming weeks” to meet families who have been in contact with her since the publication of the review.
HSE South West, the region overseeing the additional review, said the outcome of the further file review will “inform any future actions on behalf of the HSE”.
“A serious incident management team, which will include patient voice representation, will oversee the further file review and the independent clinicians who will undertake the process,” a statement said.
“Young people and their families whose files have been prioritised for review will be contacted by HSE South West. Individuals who fall outside the scope of the process and have concerns about their care can request for their file to be reviewed.”
