Fianna Fáil TD for Kerry John Brassil says 12 month delays for basic equipment for children with specific medical needs are cruel and unnecessary.
He was responding to figures provided to Fianna Fáil which reveal that more than 200 children across Cork and Kerry are waiting between six and 12 months for basic equipment to be provided to them.
Deputy Brassil said, “The figures contained in these waiting lists are particularly worrying as the equipment needed by these children and their families are basic, yet essential. Things like walkers, toilet equipment, buggies and mattresses should not take up to 12 months to acquire.
“There are 35 children in Cork and Kerry who are waiting up to a year for a wheelchair. Added to that are another 23 who have been on the list for up to six months. This is a desperate situation for these children and their families.
“Over the past eight years we have seen our health service disintegrate under Fine Gael. They have presided over some of the biggest health budgets in the history of the State but have failed to improve services. They are actually getting worse day by day.
These figures, while shocking, are not surprising. Waiting lists have now become the norm in our health service. This isn’t right, and it isn’t fair, and children are suffering. I am calling on the Health Minister to examine this situation and ensure that children are not left waiting for months for what basic equipment”, concluded Deputy Brassil.
