Deputy Browne Highly Critical Of Lack Of Adult SLT

351
Martin Browne, TD (Sinn Fein)

Tipperary TD Martin Browne says the lack of adult Speech and Language Therapy in south Tipperary is unacceptable.

The HSE has responded to a Parliamentary Question on the matter and says it now hopes to have a person appointed by the end of March 2023.

The response issued to Deputy Browne revealed that the recruitment process for the post of HSE Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) for Adults with Intellectual Disability in South East Community Healthcare is progressing.

Interviews have been completed and panels formed.
There are two posts to be filled, one for the Carlow/Kilkenny/South Tipperary area and one for the Waterford/Wexford area.

“It is anticipated that the SLT’s for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities will be in place in the first quarter of 2023”.

Deputy Browne raised the issue when he learned that no referrals to the service were being accepted due to staff vacancies.

The Cashel based TD says “It is hard to understand how such a vital service was allowed to lapse in the first place creating serious challenges for families caring for people with intellectual disabilities who have missed out on months of treatment” and creating a backlog in the service.