Meath East TD says children's disability services 'chronically understaffed'
He said: 'In Meath, in CDNT 2 covering the Kells area, and CDNT 5 covering the Navan and Slane area, one in four therapist posts is vacant. Figures released to me by the HSE, confirm that to be the case. In CDNT 4, covering the Ashbourne and Dunshaughlin area, it is worse, one in three posts is vacant. In CDNT 6, covering the Trim area, it is worse again - almost two in three posts are vacant, or 62pc.'
A children's disability network team provides specialised support and services for children who have a disability and complex health needs associated with their disability. The CDNT supports a child's development, wellbeing and participation in family and community life.
'There is a complete lack of capacity in the system, and it isn't a new development. It is a chronic situation, and it means children with disabilities cannot access the essential assessments and therapies that they need.'
"It is simply not good enough. There needs to be an urgency from the government to fill these posts - not just in Meath but right across the state.'
Mr O'Rourke added that the staffing gaps also hit primary care services. He revealed that since April 2022, 1.5 whole-time equivalent paediatric occupational therapist posts based in Ashbourne and Dunshaughlin are vacant, meaning there is no occupational therapist in that primary care service.
'It is a natural instinct for a parent to want to get every help necessary for their child to reach their full potential but the services simply aren't there,' the Sinn Féin TD said.
"On Assessments of Needs (AONs), the government must stop breaking the law. Instead of proposing to change the law itself, they should invest in children's disability services, ensure we train and employ sufficient therapists to meet the obligations provided for in the DIsability Act. Children need assessments and they need therapies. Government are failing on both counts."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
Parents frustrated as child cannot access assessment of need service
The parents of a six-year-old boy have expressed frustration and concern after they received a letter from the HSE stating that the Assessment of Need (AON) service in their area was closed in March due to no psychologists being in post. The Health Service Executive has since confirmed to RTÉ News that AON services in the HSE Dublin and Midlands region "remain active" and is "accepting applications". The mother, who wishes to remain anonymous for the sake of her son, said she was "perplexed" by the letter, seen by RTÉ News, which states that the Parent Social Communication Group was identified as "the most appropriate intervention" and that she had been added to that waitlist. The parent-directed group - which children do not attend - focuses on developing children's social communication and emotion regulation skills. "The idea of been turned away for assessment of need is shocking because we cannot provide what he needs in school, and the school cannot provide it without diagnosis. Also, the Occupational Therapist (OT) requires a diagnosis report, so they know what he needs support with," she said. Demand for AONs has increased significantly in recent years. The Minister for Children has said this is a reflection of both the increase in population and of families "exploring all options" for accessing services for their child. By the end of June, there were 16,593 applications overdue for completion. 13,998 (84%) of those were overdue for longer than three months. The family is based in Dublin 22 (HSE Dublin & Midlands region), which has the longest AON wait time, with 6,243 applications outstanding. A HSE spokesperson said meeting the increasing demand for Assessment of Need (in the Dublin and Midlands Region and nationally) within the required timeframes continues to prove challenging, as the demand outstrips capacity. "Recruitment to fill vacant Assessment Officer posts is currently taking place. The HSE is working with all HSE and HSE funded services in the area and a number of private providers to increase capacity of assessments and decrease wait times," he added. The letter also stated that based on the referral information, the child may also benefit from a referral to the Primary Care Occupational Sensory Service in relation to his sensory needs. Regarding the Primary Care Psychology Service in the Dublin South City and West Integrated Health Area, the HSE confirmed that the service "is limited at present" due to a number of staff vacancies. The spokesperson said resources were being focused on service users waiting over 18 months and as per clinical prioritisation, following receipt of additional wait list initiative funding by Primary Care psychology service. He added that the region is "actively recruiting" to fill vacant psychologist and assistant psychologist posts - both permanent staff and agency staff.
Irish Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
March organised to highlight Harvey Morrison Sherratt's death and surgery crisis
A demonstration march is to be held in Dublin city in memory of Harvey Morrison Sherratt (9), who died from a sudden illness last month, after he had waited several years for spinal surgery. The protest, which will also highlight scandalous persistent prolonged children's spinal surgery waiting lists, is due to start at 2pm, August 23, at the Garden of Remembrance, and finish at Customs House Quay. Harvey Sherratt's parents, Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison, who both tirelessly sought Harvey's surgery to correct scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, are to attend the demonstration which is expected to be one of the biggest ever in the capital city. "We would appreciate if you all could join us as we march in protest for #JusticeForHarvey," Ms Sherratt posted on X. In an interview with this reporter, Gillian Sherratt said she and her husband "will not stop" campaigning for adequate healthcare for children, particularly for those who urgently require it. "We're not going to go away," said Ms Sherratt. Asked what she wanted Harvey's legacy to be, Ms Sherratt replied: "It literally should be for these children to get the care that they are entitled to, and that they bloody deserve." Disability rights campaigner, Bernard Mulvany, opened a GoFundMe account to raise funds to stage the 'Justice For Harvey' demonstration on August 23. "Any outstanding funds (will be) given over to Harvey's family for them to administrate. Please help us to celebrate Harvey's life and to shine a light on how he and many other children in our society are being failed," Mr Mulvany said. Donations can be made here. Gillian Sherratt called on the Taoiseach Micheál Martin to "recall the Dáil" from its summer recess early to debate the ongoing crisis in children's spinal surgery. Ms Sherratt called on Mr Martin to support her and her husband's call for a public inquiry into governance of orthopaedic services at CHI. Taoiseach Micheal Martin Ms Sherratt and Mr Morrison called on Tanaiste and leader of the Fine Gael party, Simon Harris, to resign over the debacle. In 2017, when he was serving as Minister for Health, Mr Harris said he was "ashamed" of the prolonged waiting lists, and he pledged that "no child" would wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery. Harvey Sherratt waited seven years for his spinal surgery, including 33 months on and off an active waiting list. Despite Mr Harris's failed 2017 health pledge, as well as his predecessors, ex-Fianna Fáil TD Stephen Donnelly, and current health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, also pledging to tackle the scoliosis scandal, dozens of children continue to wait more than four months for spinal surgery. Near the end, wheelchair-bound Harvey, from Clondalkin, Dublin, could no longer sit for any long periods in his chair, as scoliosis twisted his ribcage, putting pressure on his heart and lungs. Harvey Sherratt's parents Stephen Morrison and Gillian Sherratt have taken to social media after their son Harvey was removed from the waiting list In February 2024, 17 months prior to Harvey's death, his father explained that the curvature on his son's spine had extended so much he was at increased risk of death unless he received a timely surgical intervention. Desperate to highlight his son's ordeal then, Mr Sherratt pleaded for his son's surgery and said: "Harvey will die. He absolutely needs the surgery." Six months later, in August 2024, Harvey's mother discovered that despite their public calls for Harvey's surgery, her deteriorating son was inexplicably no longer on CHI's active surgery waiting list. Then the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil party leader Micheál Martin, described Harvey's disappearance from the waiting list without his parents' consent or knowledge was "shocking" and "not good enough", and he said CHI should "apologise" to Harvey's family "and arrange a surgery". Harvey eventually had his spinal surgery in December 2024, eight years after his parents were first informed by a consultant surgeon that Harvey would require the operation to prevent his spine crushing his ribcage and killing him. Gillian Sherratt said that by the time Harvey actually had his surgery, his spinal curve was so extended it could not be fully corrected, nevertheless the surgery helped provide Harvey with an additional eight months of life. The boy's health suddenly deteriorated two and half weeks ago and he died on July 29. Harvey's death refocused the spotlight on the scoliosis waiting list scandal and concerns expressed by Harvey's parents, as well as scoliosis and spina bifida advocacy groups, around governance at CHI. Gillian Sherratt said that more children, like Harvey, who have "complex" health issues and require "timely access" to surgery are still not receiving adequate treatment at CHI. According to latest data published by CHI, 74 children were waiting longer than four months for spinal surgery, as of the end of July. A further 57 children were waiting up to three months. One child was waiting more than four years. Out of a total of 231 children waiting for spinal surgery nationally, 131 children were on CHI's "active" surgery waiting list, previously occupied by Harvey Sherratt before his name disappeared from the list without explanation. In response to calls to resign, the Tanaiste, Simon Harris, said he did previously make representations on Harvey Sherratt's behalf to the Department of Health and to CHI, but, he said, he had always maintained that any medical intervention would have to be clinician-led. A spokesperson for Mr Harris said the Fine Gael leader had spoken to Gillian Sherratt and they were planning on meeting soon. The Tánaiste's spokeswoman said Mr Harris had also sought, through Minister MacNeill, a full multidisciplinary report on the timeline of care provided to Harvey. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Sunday World
6 days ago
- Sunday World
Protest march highlighting death of Harvey Sherratt (9) and spinal surgery crisis to take place in Dublin
DEMONSTRATION | 'We're not going to go away,' said Ms Sherratt. Gillian Sheratt and Stephen Morrison with their son Harvey Sherratt when he was aged 3. Picture: Gerry Mooney The protest, which will also highlight scandalous persistent prolonged children's spinal surgery waiting lists, is due to start at 2pm, August 23, at the Garden of Remembrance, and finish at Customs House Quay. Harvey Sherratt's parents, Gillian Sherratt and Stephen Morrison, who both tirelessly sought Harvey's surgery to correct scoliosis, a curvature of the spine, are to attend the demonstration which is expected to be one of the biggest ever in the capital city. 'We would appreciate if you all could join us as we march in protest for #JusticeForHarvey ❤️,' Ms Sherratt posted on X. In an interview with this reporter, Gillian Sherratt said she and her husband 'will not stop' campaigning for adequate healthcare for children, particularly for those who urgently require it. 'We're not going to go away,' said Ms Sherratt. Asked what she wanted Harvey's legacy to be, Ms Sherratt replied: 'It literally should be, for these children to get the care that they are entitled to, and that they bloody deserve.' Disability rights campaigner, Bernard Mulvany, opened a GoFundMe account to raise funds to stage the 'Justice For Harvey' demonstration on August 23rd. Gillian Sheratt and Stephen Morrison with their son Harvey Sherratt when he was aged 3. Picture: Gerry Mooney News in 90 Seconds - August 15th 'Any outstanding funds (will be) given over to Harvey's family for them to administrate. Please help us to celebrate Harvey's life and to shine a light on how he and many other children in our society are being failed,' Mr Mulvany said. Donations can be made via utm_campaign=natman_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&attribution_id=sl:aecc7c47-22ef-4b60 ba6e-4abdcffb8a4f Gillian Sherratt called on the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin, to 'recall the Dáil' from its summer recess early, to debate the ongoing crisis in children's spinal surgery. Ms Sherratt called on Mr Martin to support her and her husband's call for a public inquiry into governance of orthopaedic services at CHI. Ms Sherratt and Mr Morrison called on Tanaiste and leader of the Fine Gael party, Simon Harris, to resign over the debacle. In 2017, when he was serving as Minister for Health, Mr Harris said he was 'ashamed' of the prolonged waiting lists, and he pledged that 'no child' would wait longer than four months for scoliosis surgery. Harvey Sherratt waited seven years for his spinal surgery, including 33 months on and off an active waiting list. Despite Mr Harris's failed 2017 health pledge, as well as his predecessors, ex-Fianna Fáil TD Stephen Donnelly, and current health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, also pledging to tackle the scoliosis scandal, dozens of children continue to wait more than four months for spinal surgery. Near the end, wheelchair-bound Harvey, from Clondalkin, Dublin, could no longer sit for any long periods in his chair, as scoliosis twisted his ribcage, putting pressure on his heart and lungs. Read more In February 2024, seventeen months prior to Harvey's death, his father explained that the curvature on his son's spine had extended so much he was at increased risk of death unless he received a timely surgical intervention. Desperate to highlight his son's ordeal then, Mr Sherratt pleaded for his son's surgery and said: 'Harvey will die. He absolutely needs the surgery.' Six months later, in August 2024, Harvey's mother discovered that despite their public calls for Harvey's surgery, her deteriorating son was inexplicably no longer on CHI's active surgery waiting list. Then the Taoiseach and Fianna Fáil party leader Micheál Martin, described Harvey's disappearance from the waiting list without his parents consent or knowledge was 'shocking' and 'not good enough', and he said CHI should 'apologise' to Harvey's family 'and arrange a surgery'. Harvey eventually had his spinal surgery in December 2024, eight years after his parents were first informed by a consultant surgeon that Harvey would require the operation to prevent his spine crushing his ribcage and killing him. Gillian Sherratt said that by the time Harvey actually had his surgery, his spinal curve was so extended it could not be fully corrected, nevertheless the surgery helped provide Harvey with an additional eight months of life. The boy's health suddenly deteriorated two and half weeks ago and he died on July 29th. Harvey's death refocused the spotlight on the scoliosis waiting list scandal and concerns expressed by Harvey's parents, as well as scoliosis and spina bifida advocacy groups, around governance at CHI. Gillian Sherratt said that more children, like Harvey, who have 'complex' health issues and require 'timely access' to surgery are still not receiving adequate treatment at CHI. According to latest data published by CHI, 74 children were waiting longer than four months for spinal surgery, as of the end of July. A further 57 children were waiting up to three months. One child was waiting more than four years. Out of a total of 231 children waiting for spinal surgery nationally, 131 children were on CHI's 'active' surgery waiting list, previously occupied by Harvey Sherratt before his name disappeared from the list without explanation. In response to calls to resign, the Tanaiste, Simon Harris, said he did previously make representations on Harvey Sherratt's behalf to the Department of Health and to CHI, but, he said, he had always maintained that any medical intervention would have to be clinician-led. A spokesperson for Mr Harris said the Fine Gael leader had spoken to Gillian Sherratt and they were planning on meeting soon. The Tánaiste's spokeswoman said Mr Harris had also sought, through Minister MacNeill, a full multidisciplinary report on the timeline of care provided to Harvey.
