Waiting lists for Children's Disability Network Team appointments across Longford-Westmeath are 'a disgrace'

Currently there are 118 children across Longford-Westmeath that are waiting for their first time appointment with a Children's Disability Network Team (CDNT).

Local Sinn Féin TD Sorca Clarke has descroibed the waiting lists for CDNTs across Longford-Westmeath and the entire country as 'a national disgrace'.

Deputy Clarke stated, "Waiting lists for CDNTs are a national disgrace. There are currently 118 children waiting on a first time appointment across Longford-Westmeath."

PICTURES | Goodies and treats galore on offer at Longford ICA Christmas Craft Fair

She continued, “55 of these children have been waiting over a year for a first time appointment. They have been waiting over a year to receive the much needed assessments, therapies and support that are vital to their development and wellbeing.  This is simply not good enough."

Deputy Clarke suggested that these waiting lists 'represent a failure of our healthcare system to adequately serve the most vulnerable members of our society'.

Also read: Longford Olympian receives warm welcome at Scoil Mhuire

"They are letting these children fall through the cracks. These waiting list figures are not just numbers but real children who these delays are going to have real, long lasting consequences on if not dealt with immediately."

Calling on government to take immediate, decisive action to address this crisis, Deputy Clarke warned, “This situation is not only harmful for our children, but it also places unnecessary pressure and stress on parents. Children and their families are being left to fight for services, when what they really need is timely, efficient and compassionate care."

Also read: Longford author and illustrator launch new book

She concluded, “To improve access to services and deliver on our commitment to strengthen rights for disabled people, Sinn Féin would, over a five-year government term, commit €829 million in additional current expenditure and €659 million in additional capital expenditure to improve disability services."