All files in the North Kerry CAMHS Look Back Review have been assessed, and the Halpin Report is being drafted.
This update was provided by HSE South West to the Regional Health Forum on health and social care services in Kerry.
Sinn Féin councillor in the Tralee Municipal District, Deirdre Ferris, raised the matter at the forum.
In 2023, the HSE commissioned the North Kerry Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service Look Back Review, following the South Kerry CAMHS Look Back Review and the publication of the Maskey Report.
An audit of random open cases in North Kerry CAMHS in 2022 revealed the need for a comprehensive review.
As a result, the Senior Management Team within Mental Health Services commissioned a review of all open cases within North Kerry CAMHS as of 21st November 2022.
Although it was hoped that the review would be completed quickly, Dr Colette Halpin and her team of consultants determined that a thorough review would take more time.
Kerry County councillors have called the delays unacceptable.
HSE South West has emphasised that its priority was to ensure every file was reviewed systematically and in detail.
The executive confirmed the reviews are now complete and that all individuals concerned, along with their families, have been directly contacted about their review.
HSE South West added that any young person whose file showed deficits in care was invited to an individual open disclosure meeting, during which the HSE outlined the review's findings and apologised to both the young person and their family.
The HSE Clinical Liaison Support Team is providing ongoing assistance to these individuals and their families.
Dr Halpin is currently drafting her report based on the findings of all reviewed cases.
Once the draft report is received by HSE South West, it says additional work will be needed before it can be completed and published.
However, HSE South West assured the forum that every effort is being made to expedite this process.
