Latest news with #healthservices
Irish Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Quarter of children found not to have disability after assessment of need, Health Service Executive figures show
More than one-quarter of children who received an assessment of need on the State's oversubscribed public system in the first quarter of 2025 were deemed not to have a disability . There was a 20 per cent increase in applications for an assessment of needs between January and March, as the number waiting well beyond their legal entitlement for an assessment swelled to more than 15,000. The Health Service Executive said this was an 8 per cent increase on the 14,221 children waiting longer than six months for an assessment at the end of last year. [ Third of referrals for assessment of need 'inappropriate', says HSE chief Opens in new window ] It said the increase was 'largely due' to a rise in applications, court judgments clarifying the rights of more children to access an assessment and the proportion of them receiving an assessment who did not have a disability. An assessment of need is a way to quantify the educational or health needs of a child. It is often sought by parents as a way to access crucial services such as speech and language or occupational therapy and can be required before a child's school enables access to supports such as a special needs assistant. The HSE said it received 3,131 new applications for an assessment of needs in the first quarter, a 20 per cent increase on the same period a year earlier. The number of assessments completed between January and March increased to 1,412, up from 849 in the same period last year. This was largely driven by an extra €4.5 million being given to the HSE in Budget 2025 to address the backlog. [ Fianna Fáil declares 'red line' over disability supports in schools Opens in new window ] Of the assessments completed by the HSE in the first quarter, some 26 per cent found the child had 'no disability'. The HSE said the percentage of assessments that showed 'no disability' in 2010 stood at 15.8 per cent. It also said that 'it is not possible to extrapolate information on each individual Assessment of Need completed which showed 'No Disability''. Under the Disability Act 2005, the State is legally required to carry out an assessment of need within six months of an application. The Health Service Executive again indicated that the number of children waiting longer than six months is estimated to reach almost 25,000 by the year's end. Will Fianna Fáil and Sinn Féin abstain from the presidential race? Listen | 40:42 The figures were released in response to a parliamentary question from Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald. She said it was 'unacceptable' that assessments of needs were taking so long and 'even more astonishing that the HSE expects the number of overdue assessments to increase this year to over 24,000, when it is already astronomical at 15,000'. 'In each one of these cases, the Government is breaking the law,' she said. 'In 2022, the government was caught cutting corners when the High Court struck down their illegal shortcut. Three years on, and they still do not have a plan to deliver on the legal rights of children with disabilities. Children's rights are being denied.' The Dublin Central TD said parents and families 'have had enough' and she called on the Government to 'take emergency action' and make funding available to clear the backlog. 'It must set a specific target date for complying with the Disability Act 2005, underpinned by a workforce plan to train, recruit, and retain enough staff to finally end this breach of children's rights.' The HSE said that despite millions in additional funding being made available, including funding for it to pay private providers to carry out 3,636 assessments from June 2024 to last March, 'the number of people overdue an assessment of need is growing as demand outstrips system capacity'.
Mail & Guardian
7 days ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
In the time of aid cuts, decentralise women's health funding
Young people understand social media dynamics, peer-to-peer communication and community mobilisation in ways that can be used improve health services. Photo: Bulungula Incubator As global health budgets tighten and The current funding crisis presents an opportunity to address a fundamental mismatch: while young people comprise up to two-thirds of the population in many regions of the Global South, they remain severely underrepresented in governance and decision-making processes. This reality, combined with resource constraints, makes a compelling case for decentralising funding and placing resources directly in the hands of young entrepreneurs and innovators in local communities. When it comes to health initiatives, young people bring distinct advantages: fresh perspectives, technological know-how and a commitment to social justice. They are less bound by established practices and more willing to challenge outdated paradigms; like those that have long overlooked the critical place for integrating psychosocial support and disability-inclusive approaches into their work. When it comes to women's health, this translates to innovative approaches to menstrual health education, combating child marriage and addressing adolescent pregnancy. Young leaders also understand social media dynamics, peer-to-peer communication, and community mobilisation in ways that can be leveraged for health promotion and advocacy. When we exclude them from leadership roles, we waste this potential. When I founded She Writes Woman to transform mental health stigma across West Africa, I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of locally-led initiatives. With no mental healthcare at primary healthcare centres across Nigeria, and taking into consideration the specific barriers women face in accessing care, we understood that our communities needed access to quality care irrespective of location and a safe online community for education and engagement. So, we launched Safe Place Nigeria, a 24/7 toll-free helpline, free and unlimited teletherapy, and a digital community for mental health support. This wasn't theoretical knowledge from reports — it was experience translated into action. In my own work I take inspiration from a host of women and young people across Africa, Asia and the Middle East making meaningful change in their communities — advocating for healthcare capacity building and leading innovative solutions to the persisting health problems they are facing. These leaders don't need foreign experts to tell them what their communities need; they need resources, support and the freedom to implement solutions they've developed from within. Consider the remarkable work of Jaha Dukureh, who in her twenties played an instrumental role in the banning of female genital mutilation in The Gambia. Her success was rooted in her deep understanding of cultural dynamics, her ability to mobilise communities and her courage to challenge entrenched practices. This is the kind of transformative leadership that emerges when we trust local actors to drive change. The most important shift required is recognising young people as essential leaders in women's health rather than just beneficiaries. This means acknowledging that lived experience — whether of gender-based violence, disability, reproductive health problems or mental health conditions — constitutes expertise that no amount of external training can replicate. It means directing funding to youth leaders, recognising their existing initiatives, and creating long-term support rather than one-off interventions. I've recently launched a scholarship to do just this. By providing grant funding up to $25,000 to ambitious young people working on women's health problems in Africa, Asia and the Middle East, we're putting resources directly into emerging leaders' hands. The scholarship includes participation in the One Young World Summit and lifelong membership in its Ambassador Community, recognising that sustainable change requires both financial support and ongoing collaboration networks. Decentralising women's health funding isn't just about efficiency or cost-effectiveness, though it delivers on both fronts. It's about sustainability and respect for local leaders who understand their communities' needs most intimately. It recognises that the people closest to problems are often closest to solutions, and that sustainable change must be owned and driven by those who will live with its consequences. In a world of constrained budgets and complex challenges, backing local leadership isn't just the right thing to do — it's the practical choice. The young women leading health initiatives in their communities today are already creating change. Our job is to ensure they have the resources and support to lead. Hauwa Ojeifo was selected by Melinda French Gates in 2024 as one of 12 global leaders to receive $20 million for her work on women's health. Ojeifo is investing this funding in young leaders tackling the most pressing problems facing women and girls with The Hauwa Ojeifo Scholarship in collaboration with One Young World.
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
HNL Lab Medicine Opens New Location at Tower Place in Bethlehem
HNL Lab Medicine - Tower Place Location ALLENTOWN, Pa., July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HNL Lab Medicine is pleased to announce the opening of its newest patient service center at Tower Place – LVHN Health Center, located at 1490 8th Avenue, Bethlehem, PA 18018. This modern, spacious facility offers high-quality diagnostic testing for both adults and children in a convenient, walk-in setting. Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., the new location features a welcoming environment with dedicated pediatric services to support patients of all ages. No appointment is necessary. Lab services are fully walk-in, making it easier than ever for the community to access the lab testing they need, when they need it. 'We're excited to expand our presence in Bethlehem with a location that puts patient convenience and comfort first,' said Leanne Anderson, Marketing Director at HNL Lab Medicine. 'It's important to us that children feel safe and parents feel supported. This new location is one more way we're helping families get the care they need, close to home.' In addition to traditional lab services, patients can also take advantage of HNL Lab Tests Direct, which allows individuals to purchase their own lab tests without a doctor's order or insurance. This self-pay option offers privacy, control, and flexibility for those managing their own health. The Tower Place location marks another step forward in HNL Lab Medicine's commitment to accessible, patient-centered care across the Lehigh Valley. For more information, visit HNL Patient Service Center – Tower Place - LVHN Health Center Address: 1490 8th Ave, Bethlehem, Pa. 18018 Phone: 484‐425‐5315 | Fax: 484‐425‐5345 Website: Hours of Operation: Monday‐Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. About HNL Lab Medicine HNL Lab Medicine is a leading multi‐regional, full‐service medical laboratory providing testing and related services to physician offices, hospitals, long‐term care facilities, employers and industrial accounts. With 50+ patient service centers in Pennsylvania and 16 acute care laboratories within partners' hospital sites, and over 40 board-certified pathologists and scientific directors, HNL Lab Medicine provides high-quality, advanced diagnostic testing. Learn more at A photo accompanying this announcement is available at CONTACT: Media Contact: Alexandra Ford 484-425-8007
Zawya
18-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
The World Health Organization (WHO) Strengthens Tanzania's Recovery from Marburg Outbreak with Critical Medical Equipment
The World Health Organization (WHO) has reinforced its support to Tanzania's post-Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) recovery by handing over essential medical equipment worth over TZS 112 million to health authorities in Biharamulo District, one of the areas most affected by the outbreak. The equipment package includes personal protective equipment (PPE), diagnostic tools, hospital beds, and emergency medical kits, critical to restoring routine health services and enhancing outbreak preparedness at the district level. Speaking during the official handover ceremony, Dr. Galbert Fedjo, acting WHO Representative in Tanzania, reaffirmed WHO's long-term support: 'This handover is part of a broader commitment to strengthen outbreak preparedness and response capacities in Tanzania. We are proud to stand with the Government and the people of Tanzania on the road from recovery to resilience.' The donation is part of a larger post-Marburg support package made possible through funding from the Government of the United Kingdom via the Foreign, Commonwealth&Development Office (FCDO). Beyond medical supplies, the support has also contributed to risk communication, psychosocial recovery, and training of health workers across affected regions. Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Government, The Director of Emergency at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Erasto Sylvanus, expressed appreciation to WHO and partners: 'This support comes at a critical time as we continue to strengthen our health systems and ensure our frontline workers are equipped to handle future health emergencies. We thank WHO and the UK Government for standing with us.' The Marburg Virus Disease outbreak was officially declared in March and successfully contained through rapid response efforts led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO and partners. Today's handover marks a significant step in the recovery phase and in enhancing Tanzania's long-term public health emergency preparedness. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization - United Republic of Tanzania.
Yahoo
17-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bexley GP surgery to get £360k to help reduce wait times
Nearly £360,000 will be given to a Bexley surgery in a bid to increase its clinical capacity and reduce waiting times for appointments. Bexley Council has confirmed it will give a grant of £359,196 to Crayford Town Surgery to implement work which will see the creation of two new clinic rooms. The money was gathered from unallocated Section 106 (S106) contributions from the redevelopment of the former Electrobase site in Crayford. S106 agreements between developers and local authorities are used to mitigate the negative impacts of a new development on the local community. A total of 559 new homes will be built as part of the redevelopment of the brownfield Electrobase site, likely resulting in increased pressure on local infrastructure and in particular health services. Bexley Council was approached by the NHS South East London ICB (integrated care board) with a request for the money to 'enable them to develop and implement a scheme to increase clinical capacity at Crayford Town Surgery in partnership with the practice' following confirmation that the residential development would be going ahead. The ICB considers that the S106 funds will cover the entire project which aims to increase patient capacity 'through reconfiguration' and through the constitution of two new clinic rooms. The ICB has welcomed the cash injection for the surgery. A Bexley spokesperson for the South East London ICB said: 'Investment received because of the Electrobase residential development Section 106 contributions, will allow Crayford Town Surgery to reconfigure and refurbish its current site. 'This will include two additional consulting rooms and a hot-desking room, for primary care colleagues from the wider neighbourhood team, to provide more joined-up care to patients. 'This investment will enable the surgery to increase its clinical capacity (GPs and multi-professional clinicians) and meet the health and care needs of the new population moving into the Electrobase residential development. 'NHS South East London Integrated Care Board has worked in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley and is supportive of this investment.'
