Complaint

A complaint was received from a mother about her child. A HSE Assessment of Need report recommended that a child be provided Occupational Therapy (OT) within the speciality of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). However, there was no Occupational Therapist as part of the CAMHS’ team in the child’s geographical area. While the family sought to provide this support to the child privately, this was not financially viable to sustain. A Complaints Officer upheld a complaint on behalf of this child in relation to the delay in providing OT to the child. Notwithstanding this decision by the Complaints Officer, no service was provided to the child.

Examination

As part of the examination of the complaint the Office included a focus on the communication with the family about the delay in providing OT to the child, as well as seeking a resolution for both the child and other children requiring this service in the same geographical area.

Outcome

Following the examination process, the HSE committed to having two Occupational Therapist posts as part of the CAMHS’ team in the specific geographical area. Having regard to the alleged adverse effect on the child as a result of not being provided OT services, the HSE agreed to providing interim therapeutic supports to the child while the recruitment process took place. In addition, the Office encouraged the HSE to actively liaise with parents in relation to alternative supports where the service(s) recommended by the HSE for their child as part of the Assessment of Need process is not available in their area.

Posted in: Investigations Health