Nurses' Association to Urge HSE to Halt Closure of Dublin CAMHS Unit

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) is sounding the alarm over the proposed closure of a vital 10-bed Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) unit in Dublin. This move, which the PNA rightly calls "inconceivable," comes at a time when the service is already stretched to its breaking point. With only 50 CAMHS beds currently operational nationwide, and a government strategy calling for 100, the closure of any bed capacity is a step in the wrong direction.

This isn't just about numbers; it's about the real-world impact on vulnerable young people. The PNA's annual delegate conference will rightly focus on the growing pressures within CAMHS, including the critical issue of staff recruitment and retention. We've already seen the consequences of these shortages, with units like the one in Linn Dara having to close. The concern that these same staffing issues could jeopardize the opening of new beds in the National Children's Hospital is a stark warning.

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inconceivable

Furthermore, the conference will address the mounting burden on community mental health nurses, who are increasingly struggling with the rising cost of fuel. The PNA's call for the highest mileage band reimbursement is not a luxury, but a necessity to ensure these essential services can continue to reach those in need. We are awaiting a decision from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and we hope common sense prevails. The PNA is prepared to escalate this matter if urgent solutions are not put in place, as this situation demands immediate attention and action.

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not be forced to escalate the matter