Five-year wait times for paediatric primary care services in Kildare
Cllr Peter Melrose (SD) says wait times 'nothing short of a scandal'
New figures from the HSE have revealed shocking wait times for paediatric primary care services in Kildare, with some children left waiting over five years for an initial appointment.
In response to a question from Social Democrats councillor Peter Melrose at the Regional Health Forum, the HSE has revealed that children can wait up to 265 weeks to see an occupational therapist, 128 weeks to see a psychologist, and 82 weeks to see a speech and language therapist.
Cllr Melrose described the figures as “nothing short of a scandal,” calling on the Minister for Health to intervene and act immediately to ensure access for vital paediatric services.
“How can any government claim to prioritise paediatric health when children are being forced to wait over five years for services? These are not just numbers, they are children falling through the cracks of a system that’s failing them”, he said.
“Early intervention has been well-proven to mitigate developmental delays, educational setbacks, and long-term health complications. These wait times amount to an abdication of the duty of care to our most vulnerable.
“We have parents at breaking point, children languishing without services, and a healthcare system seemingly in paralysis. The Minister for Health must sort out this mess — urgently and decisively.”