27% Increase In Under 18s Presenting To UHL For Deliberate Self-Harm

Clare FM

The number of young people presenting at University Hospital Limerick's Emergency Department with a complaint of deliberate self harm or overdose has increased by 27% in the last year. New figures obtained by Clare Independent TD Violet-Anne Wynne show the 173 under eighteens that presented at UHL's ED last year was the highest since records began in 2017. According to the Clare branch of Pieta House, 40% of all presentations to its services are now from under eighteens. Quin based Funding and Adovacy Manager at Pieta House Tom McEvoy has been telling Clare FM's Daragh Dolan that youth mental health issues are growing rapidly. Pieta House can be contacted by free phone to 1800 247 247 or by text at 51444.