Parents all over Galway breathed a sigh of relief this week as the HSE reversed its decision to close orthotic services in the city.

Sonya Torpey and her son Che.

Following an emotional appeal from families affected by the move, the HSE has recommenced funding for clinics and specialised equipment for children suffering from diseases including spina bifida and cerebral palsy.

Due to funding restrictions in the health executive, the money usually given to fund clinics in Newcastle was cut, leaving many families in doubt as to the future of their children's welfare.

Speaking to the Galway Independent, Sonja Torpey, whose son regularly attends the clinic, said she was relieved that the decision had been reversed as she and many other parents were not in a position to avail of the orthotic services privately.

"I am a single mother and I simply cannot afford to pay for these services privately. My son is five and a half and only started to walk two months ago. It was such fantastic progress and it is due to the service and equipment provided by these clinics. If the HSE cut the funds for this equipment, I would have to take out a loan that I can't afford, to buy him new prescription shoes."

Ms Torpey continued to say that she was angry that this was the latest "crisis" imposed on people with disabilities by the HSE.

"Children with disabilities need this medical equipment to support limbs affected by disability. My own son has cerebral palsy and can only walk in his prescription shoes. Many others would be immobile or in a lot of discomfort without orthotics. The HSE were trying to take away disabled kids' mobility!" she said.

"This is the latest disgusting development in the disintegration of services for the most vulnerable in our society since the HSE got involved with the Brothers of Charity. The services for severely disabled children are chronically under funded, understaffed and are getting worse. Why are our children being treated this way?"

Louise O'Driscoll, Physiotherapy Manager of Early Childhood Services, who facilitate the orthotic clinics in Newcastle, said that a large number of patients in Galway had been affected by the cessation in services.

"We have been having funding issues with the HSE since August so we are delighted that they have decided to start the services again. A lot of appointments have been cancelled in the last number of months so now we have a backlog of patients to get through. It will probably be the beginning of next year before we get back to normal."

"Disabled children shouldn't be affected by these funding measures by the HSE. Our hands have been tied for the last couple of months and we have had to charge patients privately because of the lack of money allocated. Hopefully, the situation is resolved now and we won't have to face these issues again," said Ms O Driscoll.

A spokesperson for the HSE confirmed that clinics would operate as usual in the future.

Comments (0) »

Show/Hide comment form

Name

Email

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment