Figures show 'unacceptable' level of shortages in Tipperary childcare therapy services

Data contained within the National Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) Census and Workforce Review has revealed the extent of the shortage of therapy services for children with disabilities in Tipperary, according to Tipperary TD Martin Browne

Deputy Browne held a public meeting in April of last year on the difficulties experienced by Tipperary parents to access an assessment of need has drawn attention to level of vacancies in key areas of children’s therapies.

“The Children’s Disability Network Team Staff Census and Workforce Review made for worrying reading, and was stark in terms of the deficiencies within our own CDNTs.

“Only one health area (CHO) in Ireland reported an overall increase in therapy hours available. Tipperary, unfortunately, was not in that area. CHO3, which includes north Tipperary, witnessed a reduction of 10% in therapy hours available, while CHO5 which includes south Tipperary reported a reduction of 7%," said the Sinn Féin TD.

Deputy Browne pointed out that, nationally, the average staffing vacancy rate was 34%. However, while the vacancy rate for CDNTs in CHO3 was high at 19%, the vacancy rate for CHO5 (including south Tipperary) was 42% - higher than the national average, "and wholly unacceptable".

But when broken down further, the figures indicate the shortage of services even more locally, he said.

“The north Tipperary CDNT had a staffing vacancy rate of 23%; Clonmel CDNT had a vacancy rate of 37%, and Cashel’s CDNT fared particularly badly with a vacancy rate of 39%," said the Cashel TD

And when CDNT disciplines were examined, the extent of the crisis was blatant, he said.

For example, CHO5’s vacancy rates for occupational therapy positions was 50%, and for north Tipperary it was 25%. These are just some of the worrying figures contained within the report, but similar trends are apparent in the areas of physiotherapy, psychology and social worker posts in CDNTs, he said.

“However, what must be pointed out, given that we have just seen National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, is that the vacancy rate for dieticians in the CHO5 runs at 88%," said Deputy Browne.

This meant that of the eight posts that had been approved, only one had been filled.

“While this may not be surprising for the families of children with eating disorders who have experienced a shortage in services first-hand, it is still shocking none-the-less.

“In the course of my work as a TD I have experienced the indescribable stress this can cause a family, and the impact this can have on a child’s health.

“The Minister for Health and the HSE must act with urgency to develop a strategic workforce plan to train, recruit and retain therapists for these posts," said Deputy Browne.