Calls to increase Cork CAMHS funding as 950 children waiting

Close to 1,000 children in Cork are on the waiting list for CAMHS services, with an average overall waiting time of at least eight and half months.

This is according to an update provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on a range of issues relating to the delivery of health and social care services in Cork to local authority of the Regional Heath Forum.

In response to a query raised by Social Democrats councillor for Bandon-Kinsale, Ann Bambury, a representative for the HSE South West service revealed that there are currently 950 children on the waiting list for CAMHS community services across the eight Cork-based community sector teams.

Speaking to The Echo, Ms Bambury said that while she was not surprised to see such a “stark” number of children on waiting lists, she believes that the HSE should now look at increasing funding for it's Cork based CAMHS services.

“I feel very strongly about this – every delay in [the provision of] mental health services has a profound impact on children and families across Cork,” said Ms Bambury.

“This needs to be treated as an emergency – there doesn’t seem to be an end to the HSE’s recruitment issue, which is causing this lengthy wait list, which [in turn] isn't improving.

“I would be calling for the HSE to increase funding for CAMHS in Cork – children deserve the chance to thrive and it’s the responsibility of the HSE and the Department of Health to provide the that they need.

“Average waiting times ranging from seven to 15 months is unacceptable – I wasn’t surprised by the stark number, but it’s very significant," she added.

“I think our most vulnerable children are not even being considered by the Government, and they have a big act to play here – the HSE has huge responsibility, but the Department of Health have to stand up.”

Of the 950 children on waiting lists, there are 249 waiting for services in North Cork, which has an average waiting time of 10.98 months; 101 waiting in North Lee North, with an average waiting time of 8.24 months; 57 waiting in North Lee East, with an average waiting time of 9.24 months; 73 waiting in North Lee West, with an average waiting time of 7.05 months; 129 waiting in South Lee 1, with an average waiting time of 13.01 months; 37 waiting in South Lee 2, with an average waiting time of 12.12 months; 197 waiting in South Lee 3, with an average waiting time of 15.49 months; 91 waiting in West Cork, with an average waiting time of 5.85 months; and 16 waiting for Child and Adolescent Regional Eating Disorder Services (CAREDS), with an average waiting time of 1.88 months.

The figures additionally showed that at the end of April 2025, there were a total of 1,451 open cases in Cork across all nine community areas.

Of those 1,451 open cases, 235 are in North Cork; 246 are in North Lee North; 140 are in North Lee East; 161 are in North Lee West; 172 are in South Lee 1; 74 are in South Lee 2; 145 are in South Lee 3; 216 are in West Cork; and 62 are with CAREDS.

 A spokesperson for HSE South West said that while the body is aware of the “high demand” for CAMHS services, there are underlying factors which are contributing to the extensive waiting times.

“We acknowledge that the high demand for CAMHS services leads to long wait times for initial assessments and treatment from the multi-disciplinary team,” the spokesperson said.

“Unfortunately, this is compounded by recruitment difficulties and a shortage of CAMHS mental health professionals, particularly in rural areas.”