Kildare’s Failing Disability Services: Father In Desperation Told To ‘Take A Course'

Wednesday, 30 October 2024 16:47

By Martin Osborne

The local man said his home has effectively turned into a “care home” for his child with severe behavioural challenges.

The state of disability services for children in Kildare has been strongly criticised by a local TD.

Citing soaring vacancy rates and long delays that have left families without essential support, Kildare North TD Catherine Murphy has drawn attention to the "chronic issues" with the Child Development Network Teams (CDNTs), which she described as a “brass-plate service” – one that, in her words, “just does not exist” for many residents of Kildare.

Murphy outlined the extent of staffing shortfalls in Kildare, where vacancy rates in CDNTs have reached alarming levels: 35.2% in Kildare North, 16.7% in Kildare South, and 15.3% in Mid-Kildare.

She said the shortages have disrupted services across a county known for its large youth population, creating significant gaps in care for children with disabilities and their families.

Murphy recounted the story of a local father whose home has effectively turned into a “care home” for his child with severe behavioural challenges.

Facing an emergency, he sought support from CDNT services, only to be told he could take a course – an inadequate response, Murphy said, for families in crisis.

"There is just not a service for most people. It is the one area that is very out of control, from what I am hearing. It is repeatedly raised in the most tragic situations. We are talking about emergency situations, where you go with an emergency and are told to come back in 12 months," she said.

Her comments follow widespread concerns over CDNT staffing across the country, which the Health Service Executive (HSE) has struggled to address.

Additionally, absenteeism, including maternity and sick leave, runs between 5% and 6.5% – compounding the staffing crisis.

Dr. Andy Phillips, a senior official with the HSE, confirmed that staffing challenges in CDNTs remain a national problem, despite recent recruitment efforts.

“We need to make more progress,” Phillips noted, admitting that only a small number of children currently receive assessments and therapy within appropriate timeframes.