No specialist bed capacity for CAMHS in Mayo revealed

Specialist bed capacity is not provided at Mayo University Hospital for child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS), it has been revealed.

Dr. Amanda Burke, child and adolescent consultant psychiatrist and executive clinical director for Galway Roscommon mental health services, confirmed the situation to Mayo TD Alan Dillon.

She explained the bed capacity for CAMHS for Mayo is in Galway.

"We have beds available in Galway and frequently admit 24 hours in Galway for Mayo. We cover the Mayo area.

"It is important to note that there is a 24-hour emergency service in the emergency department in Mayo so that there is a psychiatrist with a consultant adult psychiatrist and a consultant CAMHS psychiatrist on call to the emergency department."

Deputy Dillon: "There is no service for the community of Mayo. If live in Belmullet, you have to go to Galway."

Dr. Burke: "For a specialist CAMHS bed, you do have to travel to Galway which is why I referenced that sometimes young people may stay overnight in an adult unit before they are transferred so that they do not have to travel in the middle of the night.

"It is not only more appropriate to have a dedicated CAMHS unit, but we must admit to a dedicated CAMHS unit. The CAMHS unit for that area is in Galway."