Adults in Cork and Kerry who may have ADHD cannot get HSE mental health appointments
Along Cork On West Further Data Shows Lists 413 Istock In Adults With Kerry In And 217 North City Picture: Cork Adhd Cork, A And Hse Waiting
Adults with suspected ADHD can no longer be referred by GPs to HSE mental health services in Cork and Kerry, with over 600 people on the waiting list, the HSE has confirmed.
The head of the service had warned that patients faced waiting “years for intervention” unless something was done.
Reducing the number of new patients is one way to ease pressures and it is understood this is not the only adult ADHD service having to take this approach.
GPs are extremely worried due to the rising number of queries they receive about the debilitating condition.
ADHD Ireland has also raised concerns.
HSE data shows 413 adults on lists for Cork City — comprising the north Lee and south Lee areas — and for north Cork.
A further 217 adults are on the ADHD waiting list for Kerry and West Cork.
A key issue is that while these adult ADHD teams should have the equivalent of six full-time clinicians, they have the equivalent of 4.5 clinicians instead.
They see patients from 18 adult community mental health teams and support young people transferring into adult services from 10 adolescent teams (Camhs).
On September 27, Julie O’Neill, the head of mental health services in the region, wrote to HSE regional executive officer Andy Phillips with these stark details.
Her letter concluded: “Therefore the service can no longer accept referrals from general practitioners to adult community mental health teams for ADHD assessment and treatment.”
Ms O’Neill said this decision will affect “a significant number” of patients who potentially have ADHD.
One GP who spoke to the said they were taken aback at advice that patients should consult an app instead of getting therapy for now.
Ms O’Neill advised that GPs can rely on recommended psychosocial interventions including the ADHD Ireland app.
ADHD Ireland chief executive Ken Kilbride said it is aware of this decision. He warned:
He said not treating people now is “inefficient” as their problems will not go away. Shortages of psychiatrists are a growing problem nationally, he warned.
Minister of state for mental health Mary Butler announced funding for four new adult teams in Budget 2025.
However, Mr Kilbride said: “Obviously we need to see that funding coming through.”
A HSE spokeswoman said there has been “a very steep increase” in referrals locally.
“The service is designed for people with moderate to severe ADHD, and we need to make sure that the service remains available for those most in need,” said the spokeswoman.
They will focus on assessment and treatment for “people with a comorbid other mental health illness and who are receiving care from an adult mental health team and young people leaving Camhs”, she said.
The service “cannot, at this time, accept direct referrals from GPs”.
However, she added: “GPs can however, provide supports with regards to mild ADHD.
“We understand and sincerely regret the impact on people who are not under the care of an adult mental health team but who still wish to access the service.”