Browne: 700 Wexford children need orthodontic treatment
WAITING time targets in place for children needing orthodontic treatment in County Wexford and the south-east was raised in the Dáil by Wexford Deputy James Browne.
‘At this stage, the waiting list for orthodontic treatment is simply out of control,’ he said. ‘Nationally, there are over 18,000 children on the waiting list, of which 7,500 have been waiting over two years. In the south-east, 3,000 children are waiting for treatment with 1,500 waiting over two years and over 150 waiting over four years for orthodontic treatment. In my county of Wexford, 700 children are in need of orthodontic treatment.
‘Over two thirds of these children have been waiting in excess of two years. My office is inundated with phone calls, texts, emails and people calling to the office. Parents are dismayed by these waiting lists.’
Waiting has an impact on mental health, he said. ‘Unfortunately, we live in a society where perfection is increasingly becoming an issue. Having to wait longer during their teenage years is having an impact on the mental health of children who desperately need orthodontic treatment.’
In response, Health Minister Simon Harris said he was aware that there are particular challenges at present in the south-east as waiting times have been affected by difficulties in filling the orthodontist post for County Wexford.
The vacancy had been re-advertised with a closing date of 14 November 2018. Subject to the outcome of this process, the HSE is hopeful that the post can be filled early in 2019.
‘In the meantime, there is currently a one-day-a week assessment and review service in Enniscorthy with a treatment service being offered in Waterford and Kilkenny locations,’ he said.
‘I appreciate that it is far from ideal but it ensures that patients from County Wexford are able to access services pending the filling of the vacant position. In order to help address long waiting times, in 2016, the HSE procured orthodontic services in primary care from a number of private service providers. I understand that 225 patients from the south-east are being treated under this programme.’