THERE have been no ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) assessments undertaken in West Cork and Kerry in over a year, while only one of four-anda-half full time consultancy posts have been filled by the HSE, a meeting heard this week.

The situation is so bad that even Ukrainian patients residing here can access healthcare ‘quicker and better’ in their war- torn country than they can here, according to Cllr Isobel Towse (SD) who described the situation as ‘shocking.’

She raised the issue at a meeting of the local authority pointing out that according to the latest available HSE figures no assessments in West Cork or Kerry have taken place since September 2024.

‘Without diagnosis and treatment, a lot of people are going around in a constant mental struggle of distractedness, disorganisation and forgetfulness that can seriously impact their daily lives. If untreated it can lead to things like substance misuse and depression,’ said Cllr Towse.

‘Nobody in West Cork or Kerry has been assessed for ADHD in over a year and the HSE Adult ADHD National Clinical Programme closed in CHO4 (West Cork and Kerry) in September 2023 and they have been closed to referrals from GPs since.’

Cllr Towse added that the full time posts are sanctioned for CHO4 but that only one post has now been filled and there is no start date yet.

She said a local GP told her the system is ‘beyond cracking’ and they have told many foreign patients of theirs to seek healthcare in their home countries. ‘Interestingly, Ukrainian patients can access healthcare quicker and better in their war-torn country of origin than here in rich and peaceful Ireland.’

Cllr Towse said the route of going for private assessment is not viable for many people so they are ‘left waiting, wondering and suffering.

‘With the year -long back-log in CH04 before a consultant even starts, how long are people going to wait now?’ she asked.

Cllr Ger Curley (Ind Ire) seconded the motion and said the cost of going for private assessments is enormous and not affordable for most people.

His colleague, Cllr Daniel Sexton said it was ‘quite alarming’ that no assessments have taken place across such a wide geographical area in a year

Cllr William O’Leary (Ind) said it’s across the board and that the retention of staff within the HSE is ‘just shocking’ and said there should be attempts to retain newly qualified graduates into the system.

‘It’s almost becoming a black market too with scammers online and there are ads on Facebook offering people ADHD assessments. This is a huge issue and some people are drawn in to this,’ said Cllr O’Leary.

Cllr Ann Bambury (SD) said she wasn’t surprised by the startling statistic and said living without an ADHD diagnosis can be really limiting for a person, while Cllr Patrick O’Donovan (FF) pointed out that the waiting lists to go through the private route are as bad as the public waiting lists.

Councillors agreed to write to the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill and the HSE calling for the service to be properly resourced.