Sinn Féin spokesperson on Mental Health, Mark Ward TD, has expresses concerns over high waiting list for dietetics treatment.
Data received by Teachta Ward from the HSE have exposed that over 5,000 children are currently waiting for dietetics treatment.
Of these 1,335 age 5-17yrs are waiting for over a year, with 746 children up to the age of 4yrs waiting more than a year for treatment.
Teachta Ward said: “Early intervention is key to developing healthy eating habits in children. “It is crucial that dietitians work closely with family’s and other members of the disability team. “Children with disability may experience problems with nutrition and diet. Some conditions may result in a child been over or under weight.
“Data received by me from the HSE have exposed that over 5,000 children are currently waiting for dietetics treatment.
“Of these 1,335 are waiting for over a year, with 746 children up to the age of 4yrs waiting more than a year.
“Again we see an elements of post code treatment depending on where you live.
“1,457 children are waiting for treatment in CHO 5 which includes South Tipperary, Carlow, Waterford and Wexford, with 589 of these children waiting over a year. Whilst in CHO6 of Wicklow, Dun Laoghaire and Dublin South East have just 71 children waiting for treatment .
“In CHO 7 which includes my constituency of Dublin Mid-West, 797 children are waiting for treatment, with 498 of these children waiting over a year for treatment.
“The Government needs a plan to tackle the backlogs and improve access to services for children.
