A Sligo/Leitrim TD has called for the recruitment of more rheumatologists to deal with children suffering from ongoing conditions such as arthritis.
Fianna Fail Deputy Marc MacSharry told the Dail yesterday that children in pain are waiting for up to two years be seen by a rheumatologist.
Six such consultants are needed, according to best practice guidelines, but there are only two in Ireland, and they all work in Dublin hospitals.
However, Deputy MacSharry pointed out it’s important not only that children with such conditions are seen but are also regularly monitored.
He outlined the situation as it stands at present:
