SIPTU has outlined that the Industrial Action has arisen due to the failure of the HSE to implement the outcome of an Independent Review of the Area Director of Nursing position as committed to by the employer. Efforts to prevent the action were made by SIPTU but they failed to resolve the dispute.
There are currently 6 nurses working in South Tipperary CAMHS Community Services across 2 teams including an Advanced Nurse Practitioner, 3 Clinical Nurse Specialists (including one on Maternity Leave) and 2 staff nurses.
All of these nurses in South Tipperary CAMHS have been redeployed as and from 3rd August 2021,
The impact of this has resulted in the cancellation of patient appointments for both new patients and current open cases involving nursing staff. At present the provision of services has been reduced by 43%.
This is leading to delays in assessment, treatment and intervention of all CAMHS patients. Such delays in accessing the services provided by CAMHS has and will ultimately add to the risk of harm to young people either referred to or currently attending CAMHS.
Many services in the Mid West Mental Health region are also being impacted, particularly the Crisis Liaison Services and Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services.
In a statement issued by the HSE in this region they say while ‘there may be a disruption to service provision our Mental Health Services remain Operational and Accessible’
The HSE adds ‘Nationally the HSE is working with parties to resolve this matter as soon as possible and will continue to put in place mitigating actions to minimise the impact on mental health services and to ensure patient safety. Locally the Mid West Mental Health Management Team and our Clinical Directors are meeting daily to review the impact on services and plan contingencies accordingly’
‘This matter must be resolved as a matter of urgency as the mental well-being of our young people is at stake. The past 18 months have been very difficult for our younger generation and they cannot be deprived of vital services as a result of a dispute’ says Deputy Lowry,
