Children waiting up to 13 years for primary care assessment
Previously, the HSE had bracketed all children who had been waiting for longer than one or two years into one overall cohort when detailing the length of time that they were waiting.
The new figures, delivered to Social Democrats TD for East Cork Liam Quaide in response to parliamentary questions, show that close to 19,000 children aged up to 17 have been waiting for longer than two years for an initial psychology, occupational therapy (OT), or physiotherapy assessment.
For the first time clarity is given as to just how long waiting lists in some parts of the country have extended to, including:
A child waiting 13.6 years for a psychology appointment in Dublin North West
A patient waiting 9.7 years for an occupational therapy assessment in Dublin North
A wait of 8.7 years for an OT assessment in Meath
The figures show that of the four disciplines in question psychology is the worst affected.
Mr Quaide, a clinical psychologist, said that the crisis in primary care services has 'flown almost entirely under the radar', in contrast with the scrutiny applied to similar issues seen with the HSE's network of Children's Disability Network Teams (CDNTs).
'The core of this crisis is a failure by successive governments to invest in staff over many years. It stems from a political ideology that views the staffing of our essential services purely as a cost, not as an investment,' he said.
The HSE said it "recognises the need to address waiting lists, and this is reflected in our commitment to developing the provision of community services through the newly established Health Regions, in line with Sláintecare".
A spokesperson said: "This involves a significant restructuring in how services are delivered to ensure that integrated care is provided equitably and efficiently for those who need it.
"In 2023, the rate of referral for therapy services grew by 7% nationally, and increased by a further 1% in 2024. The increased referral rate is particularly notable in physiotherapy, psychology and audiology.
"Numbers seen in 2024 are comparable with 2023, however, the rate of referral, remains a challenge Children's services by their nature are more complex in presentation and require more attendance compared to services for adults.
"It should be noted that when children transfer from specialist disability services to primary care, waiting time is calculated from the date of the original referral.
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