Local Independent Republican TD Brian Stanley has slammed the fact that there is no occupational therapy for children and young people in Laois.
Occupational therapy helps kids play, improves their school performance, and aids their daily activities.
It also boosts their self-esteem and sense of accomplishment. With this, kids can develop fine motor skills so they can grasp and release toys and develop good handwriting or computer skills.
Speaking today, Deputy Stanley said: “I received a response to a Parliamentary Question which outlines the HSE’s current position on this, stating in the reply that, ‘unfortunately there are currently no children’s or young person’s primary care Occupational Therapy services in Co. Laois’, and they set out that it is not possible to give a time frame at this point when there will be one.
“Local management state that it is amongst the highest priority posts put forward for approval to the Department of Health.
“But the fact is that they state very clearly that the services are awaiting that approval for to fill the posts.
“Four posts are currently vacant in Primary Care. It is outrageous that these posts are not being filled.”
Deputy Stanley outlined the important work that people in these roles carry out.
He said: “It’s clear that you need for these services in the county and health professionals and members of the public are complaining about the gaps in primary care services.
“We know how important it is to have timely interventions and that people re receive proper healthcare.
“These basic services should be in place at primary care level, and the fact that they are not leaves a huge gap in health services.
“I am calling on the Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll McNeill and the senior management of HSE to address this and to give approval for the recruitment process to proceed without delay for occupational therapists.”
Replying to Deputy Aird, a HSE official said they could not provide a timeline for when an appointment would be made.
They said: “The Health Service Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in the context of the above Representation, which you submitted to the Minister for Health for response.
“I have examined the matter and outline the position as follows. Unfortunately, there are currently no Children’s and Young Persons Primary
Care Occupational Therapy services in Laois.
“It is not possible to give a timeframe at this point in time, however, recruitment of a Children’s and Young Persons Occupational Therapist is amongst the highest priority posts put forward for the Networks in Laois and Offaly.
“The service is awaiting approval for said post. Seeking approval to recruit Occupational Therapists for Laois – Offaly is one of
the main priorities in the Midlands Integrated Health Area.”
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