A 17-WEEK wait to access youth mental health services in Limerick is unacceptable and deeply worrying for the parents of children who are suffering.
That’s the view of Limerick Sinn Féin TD Maurice Quinlivan who has described the current service as a postcode lottery, with significant variations in waiting times between different counties.
“If one was to access youth mental health services in Wicklow, the wait time would be significantly less at four weeks,” Deputy Quinlivan explained.
“Figures released by the HSE have shown significant wait times for counselling appointments with Jigsaw, a mental health service that provides vital support to young people. Although these figures are disturbing, they come as no surprise to me, as I am contacted regularly by parents trying to access Jigsaw services.
“Every expert in child and adolescent mental health will tell you that early intervention is vital in avoiding enduring and worsening problems in the future.
“The HSE figures show that if young person seeks out care they are in all likelihood going to be faced with extended waiting periods which puts them and their mental health at a very serious risk.
“Their mental health has already been adversely affected during the pandemic. Loss of schooling, sports, peer support and even their ability to socialise with friends have impacted on their mental health.
“Jigsaw provides a very good service to young people who are experiencing mental health difficulties, so it is vital that young people can access treatment at the earliest opportunity.
The Minister needs to intervene and ensure that the wait time is reduced and is universal across the State. It is not good enough for children and adolescents in Limerick to be waiting this long,” he added.
