Experts Warn Pediatric Admissions for Mental Health Crises in Ireland Are Under-Reported and Under-Resourced
Experts Warn Pediatric Admissions for Mental Health Crises in Ireland Are Under-Reported and Under-Resourced
Dublin, Ireland — January 25, 2026
A recent paper published in the Irish Medical Journal highlights serious concerns regarding the treatment and documentation of children and adolescents admitted to pediatric wards for acute mental health crises across Ireland.
According to the authors—comprising consultant and senior registrar child psychiatrists from Children’s Health Ireland, CAMHS, and senior pediatricians across 11 counties, alongside university medical academics in Dublin, Galway, Cork, and Limerick—these admissions are not regulated by the Mental Health Commission.
“Ultimately, this lack of documentation and regulation contributes to the systematic overlooking and undercounting of what is arguably the most unwell children and young people with acute mental illness within Ireland’s mental health framework,” the paper states.
The research cites figures from the National Pediatric Mortality Register, which reported in 2025 that suicide continues to be suspected as the cause of death in approximately half of all deaths in 15–18-year-olds in Ireland.
The study also raises concerns about limited specialist support within pediatric units. Currently, only 3 of Ireland’s 18 public pediatric units have access to dedicated pediatric liaison psychiatry services, with 2 further units relying on locum cover.
While the paper acknowledges that some admissions to pediatric wards are appropriate—particularly in cases of eating disorders, attempted suicide, and self-harm—it warns that many wards lack the infrastructure, resources, and specialist input necessary to safely manage mental health crises in children and adolescents.
Experts warn that without adequate regulation, dedicated services, and consistent data collection, the most vulnerable young people in Ireland may continue to fall through the cracks of the healthcare system, potentially exacerbating mental health outcomes.
L.T.T Media will continue to monitor developments and provide updates on pediatric mental health services in Ireland.
Aaron Joyce
Newswire, L.T.T Media; Newsdesk;
January 25, 2026
Image Credit - Irish Medical Organisation - Irish Medical Journal