Wexford town Local Election Fianna Fáil candidate Colin Murphy has expressed his shock at learning the alarming rise in the number of children attending Wexford A&E that require psychiatric assistance.

COLIN MURPHY

In the space of five years, the yearly number of children requiring psychiatric assistance following their visit to Wexford General Hospital’s A&E department has risen from 94 to 264 – a rise of 170.
“This spike in the number of children needing psychiatric assistance following attendance at Wexford General Hospital is shocking. Vulnerable children and teenagers are brought to A&E when they require emergency mental health treatment”, commented Murphy.
“I believe this reflects the lack of access to mental healthcare for these children in the county. There is no child psychiatrist in Wexford town. Currently there is a three year waiting list of children awaiting an appointment with a psychologist”.
“Growing up in Wexford today can pose enormous mental challenges for young people. Early intervention is critical. Wexford needs its fair share of mental health services for children and adults. Clearly, our town and county’s health service are strained owing to the lack of sufficient services”, Murphy concluded.