Ballina based Fine Gael TD, Dep Michelle Mulherin this week has welcomed the news that a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist has been recruited to work out of the Ballina Primary Care Centre and will be starting on Monday, December 3.
Deputy Mulherin said: “This a great boost to HSE child and adolescent mental health services for the county. What it means is that the newly appointed consultant psychiatrist will head up a multidisciplinary team which includes one clerical and five other healthcare professionals based in Ballina from the December 3 next. This is the second such team for the county with the other based in Castlebar.
“This is an issue I have pursued with HSE management and the Minister for Health and a commitment was given earlier this year to put a second team in place. I am delighted the commitment has been honoured. The operation of a second team in Mayo will be welcomed by parents and children who are experiencing mental health difficulties and in the recent past have had to cope with the added stress of being on a waiting list.
“This team will provide a vital service to children and young adults particularly in the area of early diagnosis and intervention which is vital in treating any form of illness.
“I again want to compliment all involved. It is so important that we have adequate professional supports through our public health service for vulnerable young people when they experience emotional and psychological distress with which they are unable to cope.”
