There are 9,332 children waiting for physiotherapy appointments with 1,827 of these children waiting over a year according to figures release by the HSE to Sinn Fein spokesperson for mental health Mark Ward TD
Teachta Ward said “Any delay in treatment for children will have a detrimental impact for them reaching their full potential and developmental milestones. “There are 9,332 children waiting for physiotherapy appointments with 1,827 of these children waiting over a year according to figures release to me by the HSE. “Physiotherapists for children can help children with disabilities to improve movement and function in the body caused by problems with muscles, bones or the nervous system. It is vitally important that children access this treatment in a timely manor.
“1,827 children waiting over a year is unacceptable. 606 of these children are under the age of 5. “There is also an element of postcode services. Depending where you live , you may get a different level of treatment. “CHO Area 8 which serves Laois/Offaly, Longford/Westmeath, Louth/Meath has a waiting list of 2,228 children while CHO Area 6 which serves Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire, Dublin South East has 316 children waiting on physiotherapy “In my own area of Dublin Mid West there are 744 children waiting on this vital treatment. “We need the Government to act on this and provide a unity of service across the state and that children can access the care they need , when they need it, where they need it.