The High Court has approved a settlement of €60,000 in the case of a boy who sued the HSE over deficits in his care at the South Kerry Child and Adolescent and Mental Health Services, CAMHS.
The boy was referred to CAMHS in March 2020 when he was 4 years old. He was diagnosed as having attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
He was prescribed medication including an anti-psychotic drug and he continued to take them until November 2020.
His mother became concerned at the child's behaviour on the medication, and it was claimed she made many attempts to contact CAMHS for advice and support. The court heard the family were frustrated by the alleged lack of an adequate response from CAMHS.
In November 2020, the boy’s mother decided to take her son off the medication.
In a sworn statement to the court, the boy’s father said the findings of a Look Back review team in relation to his son’s case included inappropriate prescribing of the anti-psychotic drug. It also said appointments were not sent out and there was poor treatment quality due to inadequate monitoring.
The court was told the family received an apology in 2021 after the review into the service indicated deficits in his care.
It read: "I am so sorry this happened to you, and I would like to offer sincere apologies for this and for the upset this has, and may cause to you and your family."
Mr Justice Garrett Simons approved the settlement which he described as a proper settlement.
Last year a compensation scheme was set up after the controversy over the care provided by South Kerry CAMHS was revealed.
A look back review of the care of 1,300 young people who attended the HSE-run service also took place.
It found that the care received by 240 young people did not meet the standards which it should have, and it detailed significant harm to 46 children and young people.
