The College of Psychiatrists of Ireland has called for a major overhaul of the management and governance of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
In a policy document published today, the college said that CAMHS has been beset by chronic under-funding and under-resourcing.
It also said there have been failures to provide fit-for-purpose governance systems to develop CAMHS in line with the Government policy documents 'A Vision for Change' and 'Sharing the Vision'.
In its proposals, the college said that consultant child and adolescent psychiatrists must lead each CAMHS team.
It wants a new senior management role of Clinical Service Manager (CSM) at team and regional level.
This CSM would have a critical role in team co-ordination, service audit and performance review and in assisting service development at a local and regional level.
The college said that all staff working in CAMHS should receive specialist CAMHS-specific training to ensure optimal standards of care.
President of the college Dr Lorcan Martin said that the recommendations proposed outline radical new governance and management structures to develop a world-class mental health service people can be proud of.
It has called on the Government to act urgently on the proposals.
The college represents around 1,300 professional psychiatrists in Ireland.
