Leitrim area gains psychiatrists as steps taken to address ‘total absence’ of local CAMHS services

Two consultant psychiatrist posts have been allocated to Leitrim, Sligo and West Cavan for Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

This announcement comes in response to a motion proposed by Cllr James Gilmartin at a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District in March of this year. 

At that time, he requested that the MD contact the Minister of State with responsibility for Mental Health, Mary Butler, to outline the serious concerns regarding the “total absence” of CAMHS services within the region.

Before this development, the absence of a clinical lead within CAMHS in the area had been a significant barrier, as it prevented a large number of children from being placed on the waiting list and subsequently from accessing much-needed care.

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Speaking at the most recent meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District, held on Monday, September 15, Cllr Gilmartin welcomed the confirmation that two consultant psychiatrist posts have now been provided for the region under CAMHS.

“It’s very positive in relation to the lack of services that were there for a period of time,” he said.

Cllr Mary Bohan also commented on the development, noting that the issue was one the councillors had been raising for quite some time. She stated that it had been a “serious concern” that the area had been neglected to such an extent, and added that she was “glad to see some action.”

CAMHS provides free mental health services for children and young people from early childhood through to the age of 18. These services can be accessed through referrals from GPs, Tusla, and HSE services.

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