Summary of the CAMHS report published on 18th February 2026

The CHMHS recall state report examined care provided to children and adolescents within Child and Adolescents mental health services (CAMHS) up to 21 November 2022. Although improvements have been introduced in the years since, the report identifies significant concerns about how the care was delivered during the period reviewed.

The report highlights several serious issues:

1. High Levels of Medication Prescribing without Therapy.
  Children were frequently prescribed psychotic Mental Health medications without access to appropriate ‘talk therapies’ such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Medication often appeared to be used in circumstances where psychological therapy should have also been provided.
2. Inadequate Physical Health Monitoring.
  There were significant deficits in physical health checks and ongoing monitoring for children wo were prescribed psychiatric medication. Proper physical assessments are vital to ensure that the medication is safe and suitable for that child/adolescent.
3. Limited Access to Psychological Therapies
  The report found low rates of access to therapies such as CBT, even when recommended by a consultant psychiatrist. In many cases, children experienced long delays before receiving appropriate psychological treatment.
4. Delays in Autism Assessments
  Children faced extended waiting times for autism assessments through primary care and children’s disability network teams (CDNT), potentially delaying diagnosis and access to supports.
5. Lack of Standard Procedures and Governance.
  There was little evidence that clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were in place and were consistently implemented during the period under review. Robust procedures are essential for safe and consistent care, particularly when dealing with children and adolescent mental health services.
6. Lack of Multidisciplinary Model in CAMHS ID.
  In CAMHS Intellectual Disability (ID) services, care was described as largely unidisciplinary (psychiatry-led), rather than involving a full multidisciplinary team approach which is considered best practice.

In summary, the report raises concerns about:

Over reliance on Medication.
Limited access to evidence-based psychological therapies.
Delayed in diagnosis and treatment.
Gaps in physical health safeguards.
Weak governance structures during the relevant period.

While service improvements are reported to be ongoing, the findings may be significant for families whose children received treatment during the timeframe reviewed.

How this might affect the families:

Whether their child received appropriate therapy options.
Whether medication was prescribed safely and appropriately monitored.
Whether delays in assessment or treatment caused harm.
Whether care met the expected standard at the time.

If you have concerns about the care your child received within CAMHS during the relevant period, it may be advisable to seek independent legal advice to understand your rights and available options.

CAMHS Compensation: Understanding the Path Forward for Families

A Thought Leadership Article from Gibson & Associates Solicitors

The failings identified within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) in South Kerry have had a profound impact on hundreds of children and their families.

Following the publication of the Maskey Report, which revealed that 46 children suffered significant harm and over 240 were exposed to risk through inappropriate diagnoses, prescriptions, and inadequate monitoring, the State established a dedicated nonadversarial compensation scheme.

This scheme—administered by the State Claims Agency (SCA)—was designed to offer families an alternative to litigation, providing full compensation in line with court awards, but without the stress, delay, or adversarial nature of formal legal proceedings. The scheme includes an initial payment on account of €5,000 for eligible applicants, intended to support immediate expenses, followed by a mediation-based process to determine fair compensation.

Government updates indicate strong engagement: by mid 2025, 230 applications had been received, with 89% of mediations concluding in settlement, demonstrating the scheme’s effectiveness in resolving many cases efficiently. Separately, reports confirm that 197 children had already received payments by May 2024.

However, the experience of families has not been uniform. Early concerns were raised by some about the clarity of communication from the HSE, and in some situations, families opted to consider legal proceedings instead of engaging with the scheme. Additionally, questions emerged regarding North Kerry CAMHS, where some children were initially not included under the State scheme, prompting calls for broader eligibility. Later Government statements confirmed that additional cases identified as appropriate may be considered, though core eligibility criteria remain tied to the Maskey review.

What matters most is that each family receives correct, complete information about the scheme, their options, and any supports available. The CAMHS situation underscores the importance of:

Clear communication
Consistent treatment across regions
Accessible processes for redress
A focus on children’s long-term wellbeing
Transparency in how harm is acknowledged and addressed

As a law firm working daily with families affected by medical care issues, we understand that the needs and circumstances of each case are different. The compensation scheme has proven to be effective for many, but it may not be the right fit for every family.

The decision about whether to engage with the scheme or consider alternative legal pathways is a personal one—and depends heavily on individual circumstances, medical history, and long-term needs.

CLIENT ADVISORY NOTE

What Families Should Know About the CAMHS Compensation Scheme

If you or your child were impacted by the issues outlined in the Maskey Report, here are key points to be aware of:

Eligibility: The compensation scheme applies to individuals who experienced harm or injury while attending Kerry CAMHS between 1 July 2016 and 19 April 2021, as identified in the Maskey Report and formally notified by CAMHS.
Application Process: Applications must be made through your solicitor, who writes to the HSE stating the intention to enter the scheme. The scheme is administered by the State Claims Agency (SCA).
Payment Structure: Eligible applicants may receive:
– An initial €5,000 payment on account
– Mediation, where compensation is agreed in a nonadversarial environment
– If mediation does not resolve the matter, an independent Senior Counsel determines the compensation amount, with a right to review by a retired Superior Court judge Liability is not an issue for the purposes of the scheme.
Documentation: Families should ensure they have access to:
– Full medical records
– Medication and treatment histories
– Independent assessments where appropriate Solicitors can assist in requesting, reviewing, and assembling this information. Note that some families earlier experienced communication challenges—highlighting the importance of having support when requesting records.
North Kerry and Other Areas: Some families linked to North Kerry CAMHS were not initially eligible under the scheme and may need to explore other routes. Government statements indicate that additional appropriate cases may be considered where recommended, but expanded eligibility is not automatic.

How We Can Help

Every situation is unique, and families often benefit from tailored support to understand their options clearly.

If you or your child has been impacted by CAMHS care, give our Client Care team a call:

We can assist with:

Requesting and reviewing medical records
Understanding eligibility and next steps
Guiding you through the compensation scheme process
Helping you understand alternative options if the scheme is not appropriate
Providing clear, compassionate advice grounded in your specific circumstances

No two cases are the same, and we do not offer blanket recommendations. Our role is to ensure you have the information you need to make the decision that is right for your family.

When Governance Fails in Healthcare, Patients Pay the Price

A Legal Perspective from Gibson & Associates Solicitors

The recent HIQA report into spinal surgeries at Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Temple Street marks a moment of national reckoning. It is a stark reminder of why robust governance, clinical oversight, and genuine patient centred practices are essential for the safety and trust of families across Ireland. As specialists in medical negligence, litigation, and personal injury, Gibson & Associates has supported countless families in the aftermath of medical failings. The findings published on 8 April 2025 highlight the profound human cost that occurs when healthcare systems break down.

At the heart of this incident lies a breach of trust. HIQA found that unapproved, non-CE-marked implants were inserted into children during spinal surgery—devices whose use was deemed “wrong” and not authorised by management. These implants were used as part of a well-intentioned but dangerously mismanaged attempt to simplify surgical interventions for vulnerable children with complex needs.

This was not an isolated mistake. HIQA identified deep-rooted governance weaknesses, including unclear reporting lines, inadequate safeguards, and a lack of proper approval processes for new or experimental medical devices. These failures enabled the inappropriate use of surgical springs—issues further compounded by longstanding communication and team dynamic challenges within Temple Street’s orthopaedic service.

For families, the impact has been devastating. Some children required removal of the devices; others experienced significant delays in receiving complete medical records—delays so serious that several parents had to seek High Court intervention simply to access basic information about their child’s care. The emotional toll is immense: unexpected surgical complications, delayed explanations, and a persistent sense of being left in the dark during some of the most critical moments in their children’s lives.

In the wake of these findings, Dr. Jim Browne, Chair of the CHI Board, resigned and apologised to the affected families—acknowledging both the unauthorised use of implants and the governance failures that allowed the situation to occur. Leadership accountability is vital, but for families who have endured harm, apologies alone cannot repair the damage.

Why Incidents Like This Matter for Patients—and for the Legal System

This case reinforces several critical themes in patient safety and healthcare accountability:

The Critical Importance of Informed Consent: Families were not properly informed that the surgeries involved experimental devices—an explicit breach of the National Consent Policy. Consent failures deeply undermine the trust essential to any clinical relationship.
Systemic Failures Lead to Preventable Harm: The HIQA report reflects a broad collapse in governance, oversight, and patient protection. When systems intended to safeguard patients are weak, preventable harm becomes almost inevitable.
Families Need Transparency and Support: Not ObstaclesThe fact that some families required court action to access medical records is unacceptable. Information should be accessible, not adversarial.
Patient-Centered Reform Is Essential: HIQA’s 19 recommendations call for organisationwide reforms—highlighting just how deeply these issues run. As Ireland prepares to transition to the new National Children’s Hospital, these lessons must shape the future.

A Path Forward

This incident must serve as a pivotal learning moment for Irish healthcare. HIQA’s findings make clear that stronger oversight, clearer communication, and unwavering patient-first governance are essential.

Our message is simple: patients must come first. And when systems fail them, the legal system—supported by firms like Gibson & Associates—must step forward to uphold their rights, secure accountability, and drive long-term change.

CLIENT ADVISORY NOTE

What Families Should Know After the Temple Street Findings

If your family has been affected by the issues identified in the HIQA report, here is what you should know:

You Have the Right to Full and Transparent Information: Families faced delays in obtaining medical files—some requiring High Court intervention. We can assist you in securing complete and timely medical documentation.
Lack of Informed Consent Is a Serious Breach: HIQA found that families were not fully informed about the experimental nature of the implants—potential grounds for a medical negligence claim.
You May Be Entitled to an Independent Medical Review: Children may require ongoing monitoring or corrective procedures. We can facilitate expert assessments to determine
– Whether harm occurred
– Whether complications were avoidable
– What future care is needed
Legal Options Are Available: Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to pursue:
– Medical negligence claims
– Personal injury claims Compensation for physical, emotional, or psychological harm
– Coverage for long-term care needs
We Are Here to Support You: We guide families through the legal process with clarity and compassion, helping them regain control during a deeply stressful time.

How Gibson & Associates Supports Families Affected by Medical Failings

At Gibson & Associates, our role extends far beyond seeking compensation. We see ourselves as partners in driving accountability, transparency, and safer healthcare practices. We help families:

Understand their legal rights following medical negligence.
Access independent medical reviews to clarify what went wrong.
Pursue justice with sensitivity, dignity, and strong evidence.
Promote transparency so future patients benefit from lessons learned.

Every family deserves clear information, respectful treatment, and the assurance that safeguards will prevent similar harm from occurring again.

Possible Unnecessary Hip Surgeries Performed on Hundreds of Children

Hundreds of Children May Have Undergone Unnecessary Hip Surgeries in Ireland

A preliminary report has uncovered that between 2021 and 2023, hundreds—potentially thousands—of children may have undergone unnecessary hip surgeries that were not medically necessary.

A recent clinical audit has raised serious concerns regarding the appropriateness of surgical interventions for hip dysplasia in children. The draft findings, which examined 561 pediatrics hip procedures, revealed that 79% of surgeries performed at Cappagh Hospital and 60% at Temple Street Hospital did not meet established surgical criteria.

These findings suggest that many children may have experienced unnecessary pain, physical trauma, and emotional distress, along with significant strain on their families. This raises critical questions about informed consent—specifically, what information was provided to families regarding the necessity and risks of the procedures—and about the potential long-term health impacts for affected children.

If your child has undergone hip surgery since 2021 and you have concerns, please reach out to our Medical Negligence Department for guidance.

Concerned About Your Child’s Hip Surgery? Contact Our Medical Negligence team & fill in the form.

Disability Assessment Backlog Set to Exceed 24,000: Legal Support Now More Vital Than Ever

Ireland’s Assessment of Need Backlog Could Reach 25,000 by End of 2025

The backlog in Assessments of Need (AON) for children with disabilities in Ireland continues to escalate, with projections suggesting that nearly 25,000 applications could remain outstanding by the end of 2025. This crisis affects thousands of children and families who are legally entitled to timely evaluations under the Disability Act.

An AON is a critical step in identifying whether a child has a disability and what supports they require. Under Irish law, the HSE is obligated to complete these assessments within six months of receiving an application. However, recent figures reveal that only 7% of assessments are being completed within this legal timeframe.

As of March 2025, over 15,000 applications were still overdue, marking an 8% increase from the end of the previous year. Despite the HSE’s efforts to increase capacity through private assessors and other measures, demand continues to outstrip resources. The situation is causing considerable stress for families, many of whom are left without access to the essential services their children need.

In light of this growing crisis, disability rights advocates and opposition parties have called for urgent action, including emergency funding and legislative reform. While the Government has pledged systemic changes, including additional staff and new laws, many families continue to face delays with no clear path forward.

At Gibson & Associates LLP, we understand the legal rights of families affected by these delays—and the frustration, anxiety, and hardship they can cause. When the State fails to meet its legal obligations under the Disability Act, families may be entitled to pursue legal remedies. This includes challenging delays, demanding timely assessments, or seeking redress for harm caused by the lack of support.

Our experienced judicial review team is here to offer clear, compassionate legal advice to help you understand your options and take appropriate action by helping you navigate the legal system and advocate for your child’s rights.

If you believe your child’s rights have been breached due to a delayed or denied assessment, please contact Gibson & Associates LLP today for a confidential consultation.