No ADHD assessments in West Cork since September 2024

There have been no assessments for ADHD in West Cork or Kerry since September 2024, a meeting of Cork County Council was told this week.

Social Democrats Councillor for West Cork Isobel Towse has now requested that the council writes to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and the HSE, requesting clarity on the current status of adult ADHD assessments in the county.

Social Democrats leader Holly Cairns, who was given the data, said that her office has heard from many people across Cork South West who have been struggling with the uncertainty that has resulted from this particular matter.

Ms Cairns said: "In 2024 a total of 41 adult ADHD assessments took place across the Kerry and West Cork Community Health Organisation, by far the lowest number for any of the Community Health Care Organisaions (CHOs) nationally.

“While no assessments took place in the last four months of 2024, doctors have continued to try and refer patients into the service.

“The staffing issue needs urgent action. We cannot simply allow a service to cease when the funding is in place and the need is clearly there."

Ms Towse said: “What is the Minister and the HSE going to do to address the staff shortage to keep pace with referrals once it opens again?"

"I'd ask that anyone who over the past year was referred by their GP but denied an appointment due to the closure of this service, would be informed when the service is open again, and asked if they want to go on the waiting list."

Ms Towse also insisted that the adult ADHD assessment service in West Cork be properly resourced to address waiting lists.

"ADHD is a disorder that affects people's cognitive functioning, their relationships, mental wellbeing and ability to perform at work.

"Without diagnosis and treatment, an awful lot of people are going around in a constant mental struggle of distractedness, disorganisation and forgetfulness that can seriously impact their daily lives.

“Untreated it can lead to things like substance misuse and depression, potentially leading to loss of employment and marital breakdown."