Fifteen local children waiting for over a year to see clinical psychologist

Over 100 children in Cavan and Monaghan are on the waiting list to see a clinical psychologist according to latest figures from the HSE.

In total 105 children are on the list from the constituency with 15 children waiting for more than a year to see a clinical psychologist. The figures were obtained by Deputy Niamh Smyth through a parliamentary question. The Fianna Fáil TD observed that the delays being experienced by children and young adults in seeing a HSE psychologist is having a negative impact on their well-being and learning development.
“Worryingly, there are 15 children waiting longer than one year for an appointment,” said Deputy Smyth. “This is wholly unacceptable to me and to their families.

“While a number of additional clinical staff have come on stream over the past 18 months, it’s clear that the demand is not being met even with these additional staff members.

“The HSE must actively target the 15 long waiters, in additional to those waiting longer than six months, to ensure that they receive an appointment in the next month.

“While many children get their appointments within three months, too many are slipping through the cracks and are being left high and dry.

“Delays in seeing a psychologist can have a very negative impact on a child’s well-being and learning development. The HSE owes it to them to get their act together and end these waiting lists,” concluded Smyth.