HSE Chief Bernard Gloster Issues Unreserved Apology Over Failings in North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has issued a heartfelt apology following a troubling report into the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

Published on Wednesday, the independent review revealed serious deficiencies in the care provided, placing over 200 children at potential risk.

HSE chief executive Bernard Gloster spoke on Thursday, acknowledging the failures and expressing deep regret.

“I apologise unequivocally to the children and families under our care who have been affected by the North Kerry CAMHS review.

I am truly sorry for the harm caused,” he said, highlighting the urgent need to restore trust in the service.

Reassuring Families and Children

Gloster stressed that the HSE is fully committed to reforming mental health services for young people in Kerry and across the country.

He assured families that future services would be safe, responsive, and built on lessons learned from the review.

“For families and children attending services, I want to offer reassurance that our services will respond to you and it is a safe service, unlike that which led to this review,” he added.

Building on Previous Reforms

The report into North Kerry CAMHS comes as part of a wider effort to improve child and adolescent mental health care nationwide.

In 2023, following the Maskey Report, Gloster received government backing to establish the National HSE Child and Youth Mental Health Office.

This office published the Child and Youth Mental Health Action Plan, which guides reforms across all services, addressing previous shortcomings in prescribing practices, adherence to operational guidelines, and the recommendations of the Mental Health Commission regarding CAMHS provision.

Commitment to Ongoing Improvement

Gloster emphasized that the HSE will continue investing in services and implementing reforms to ensure the recommendations from the North Kerry review are fully acted upon.

He acknowledged that public confidence, particularly in Kerry, had been shaken by the failings.

“While our improvements are welcome, there is no doubt our services in Kerry were far below acceptable standards, creating a risk of harm.

That is unacceptable, it is not good enough, and for that I am sincerely sorry,” he said.

He also confirmed that the HSE has referred aspects of the case to the Medical Council, ensuring an independent review of professional conduct and accountability.

What’s Next?

The HSE plans to continue rolling out reforms across all child and adolescent mental health services in Ireland.

The focus will be on enhancing therapeutic interventions, ensuring medication practices are safe and appropriate, and strengthening staffing and resources to prevent any future harm.

Families can expect ongoing updates as these improvements take effect.

Summary

The North Kerry CAMHS report exposed serious shortcomings in care for over 200 children, including excessive reliance on medication and limited therapeutic support.

HSE chief Bernard Gloster issued a full apology and pledged comprehensive reform.

Existing measures, including the National Child and Youth Mental Health Office’s action plan and oversight by the Medical Council, aim to restore trust and provide safer, higher-quality services for children in Kerry and across Ireland.