Shocking new figures have revealed that there are currently 3,899 people in Kerry awaiting physiotherapy, with 729 waiting over a year.
For occupational therapy, 1,509 are waiting, with 201 waiting over a year and there are 97 waiting for speech and language therapy, with patients waiting over 12 months.
Highlighting the figures, Kerry Sinn Fin TD, Pa Daly, said these are all areas vital for the development of children and the quality of life of older people.
“Every day and month can count and it is not good enough so many are waiting so long,” he remarked.
Deputy Daly said he is more convinced than ever that change is needed in the Department of Health and measures such as occupational therapists being directly employed by the Department of of Education must be examined.
“These latest figures show how bad the situation is and they confirm what I have been told by distressed parents and therapists working under severe pressure. Across the county, for occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapies, the picture is just as dire,” he said.
ELECTION 24: Reaching several thousand of readers every day. To advertise call 087-2229761 or email news@killarneytoday.com
