Children's waiting times are a 'disgrace' says Nolan

Vulnerable children in Offaly have to wait more than three years for a pyschological assessment from the HSE.

That's according to new figures obtained from the HSE by Deputy Carol Nolan, which revealed that local children in need have of psychological assessment have to wait 38 months for an appointment with the health body's school age team (SAT), while the waiting time for an appointment with the early intervention team (EIT) is 16 months.

Deputy Nolan says that the waiting times for the services are 'an absolute disgrace'.

“This clearly illustrates the impact of the ongoing lack of appropriate investment in our front line health services,' the Sinn Fein woman said.

“The fact that young children are waiting 16 months for so called early intervention is completely unacceptable and must be addressed immediately.

“Children with intellectual disabilities rely on prompt assessment in order to access the supports they need to achieve the best possible quality of life.

“The Disability Act 2005 legally requires the HSE to carry out an assessment of need for children who may have a disability within a six month time frame.
“This is clearly not happening and a local parents’ group, the Laois and Offaly Families For Autism has been campaigning tirelessly to highlight this issue.'