Tipperary Sinn Fein TD Martin Browne has called for clarity on the HSE’s recruitment campaign for Occupational Therapists and Speech and Language Therapists after Tipperary parents were told that SLT appointments have been cancelled due to the reassignment of therapists.
Deputy Browne has sought details from the HSE as to the number of occupational therapists and speech and language therapists that have been taken on by the HSE during recent and current recruitment campaigns.
The lack of staff is hindering assessments of needs as well as support services.
Deputy Browne cited the case of a family where the services for a child was withdrawn as the therapist was reassigned elsewhere and the family had also been told that the child who has ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) would have to wait approximately two years for Occupational Therapy.
The Cashel based TD says parents either face delays or the expense of trying to pay for services while the development needs of their child remain unmet by HSE led services.
