Chronic shortage of paediatric OTs

THE chronic shortage of paediatric occupational therapists in Louth has been raised with the Taoiseach in the Dáil.

There is currently only one part time occupational therapist in the primary care centre.

Louth TD Imelda Munster called on Taoiseach Leo Varadkar to outline what efforts are currently being made to recruit Paediatric Occupational Therapists for Co Louth. ‘In order to clear the sheer backlog, eight occupational therapists would be required, and just to run a normal service would require four full time occupational therapists, yet the service only has a single part time occupational therapist.’

The TD also brought a letter received from the HSE by parents to the attention of the Taoiseach. The letter stated that the waiting time is twenty four months before a child can be seen. Speaking to the Drogheda Independent this week, Deputy Munster said: ‘ The government’s record on this matter is shameful. How can they stand over children having to wait over 2 years for much-needed occupational therapy? This is happening health centres across the state. It is not just a problem in Louth.’ She said the Taoiseach’s response was that he understood the concerns of parents.

‘ Tea and sympathy is no good in this case. He needs to outline what active steps his government is taking to ensure that no child has to languish on a waiting list for over two years in order to access basic therapy. ‘I have contacted the Department of Health to find out exactly what, if anything, they are doing to rectify this, and to ensure that every child has access to early intervention therapy without having to endure years on a waiting list.’