Carey says speech and language waiting lists in County Clare are scandalous
Services now at breaking point confirmed by HSE statistics
Clare Fine Gael TD Joe Carey has said today that speech and language therapy services in County Clare are at breaking point.
Many constituents had reported issues getting appointments in recent months for both initial assessment and follow up treatment.
Deputy Carey sought clarification from the HSE on how long clients are waiting for assessment and treatment in Clare.
The response, he says, highlights very clearly that services are not working and that there is now a major crisis within speech and language provision in County Clare.
Deputy Carey said:
“Several concerned parents have contacted me in recent months. In some cases, it had taken up to a year to get an appointment for speech and language assessment. Once that assessment was done, some clients were given an appointment for speech and language therapy, only to take place once a month.
I sought clarification on this matter from the HSE. The reply shows that for 78% of clients, it will take up to four months for initial assessment to take place. Only 34% of those will get a follow up appointment within another four months. So it is more than likely than assessment and first appointment will take almost a year for most patients.
This is a crazy situation and for any young child who needs speech and language therapy, a full year is a hell of a long time to be waiting for treatment.
It’s thanks to organisations locally like The Clare Crusaders who provide rehabilitation services, that children in Clare are provided for, because based on these figures, the HSE is not doing its job.
Deputy Carey said:
“Several concerned parents have contacted me in recent months. In some cases, it had taken up to a year to get an appointment for speech and language assessment. Once that assessment was done, some clients were given an appointment for speech and language therapy, only to take place once a month.
I sought clarification on this matter from the HSE. The reply shows that for 78% of clients, it will take up to four months for initial assessment to take place. Only 34% of those will get a follow up appointment within another four months. So it is more than likely than assessment and first appointment will take almost a year for most patients.
This is a crazy situation and for any young child who needs speech and language therapy, a full year is a hell of a long time to be waiting for treatment.
It’s thanks to organisations locally like The Clare Crusaders who provide rehabilitatio