Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD and Minister of State with responsibility for Disability Anne Rabbitte TD have today announced a new Sláintecare initiative clearing the backlog for children’s Assessment of Needs, and supporting the roll out of Children’s Disability Network Teams.
This measure is targeted to support children and families who are currently experiencing long waiting times for an Assessment of Need and it will also ensure that they are able to access follow up services quicker.
On taking office, both Ministers identified improved access to Assessment of Need as a joint priority.
Today there is approval for an €7.8m package of measures to address the backlog of children and families waiting for assessments of need, built up over the last number of years, before the introduction of the revised standard operating procedure for Assessment of Need in January 2020.
Minister Donnelly said
I have often highlighted the issue of unacceptable waiting times for children requiring assessments of need in the past. I have met many parents and guardians who have had to wait far too long for these services. This is something that I am extremely passionate about and I was determined to solve this problem as soon as possible. I hope that this package of measures will improve the lives of children with disabilities in Ireland. This is one of a number of actions that the government is taking as part of our commitment to universal healthcare. Ireland’s healthcare system must be world-class for all, from young to old.
I hope this announcement gives hope to families waiting for an assessment for their child
said Minister Rabbitte.
Once we clear these backlogs, I expect HSE to meet its statutory obligations for all new referrals.
The work to clear the backlog will commence immediately in accordance with plans set out by individual HSE Community Health Organisation areas.
The €7.8m package will support a multifaceted approach, including:
•Clinicians working overtime at weekends or evenings;
•Filling posts currently vacant due to maternity leave;
•Procurement of private assessments; and
•Recruitment of additional Clinical Staff for fixed term contracts where necessary
Progressing Children’s Disability Services aligns positively with the aims of Sláintecare and particularly in connection with the ambition to re-design care and enhance community care.
Removing the backlog will ensure that new structures for service delivery envisaged under the Network Team model of care will be a robust, effective and sustainable model of service for children with disabilities in the future.
The Programme for Government contains a range of commitments to improve services for children with additional needs and guarantee the best outcomes for all children by prioritising early diagnosis, interventions and access to services.
Government recognises that a number of key policy initiatives are required to deliver on these commitments. Progress is under way to:
- fully implement the new standard operating procedure for assessment of needs for all applications (commenced 15th January 2020). This new procedure provides a standardised approach to assessment across all areas. The aim is to ensure that children with disabilities and their families can access appropriate assessment and intervention as quickly as possible.
- complete the establishment of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0- 18 years) Network Teams (due to be completed in quarter 4, 2020).
Notes to the Editor
Children’s Disability Network Teams
HSE Disability Services is currently engaged in a major reconfiguration of its existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multi-disciplinary geographically based teams, as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years). This care re-design will ensure equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of the individual child’s difficulties.
Assessment of Need
A revised Standard Operating Procedure for Assessment of Need provides a standardised approach to assessment across all areas. The aim is to ensure that children with disabilities and their families can access appropriate assessment and intervention as quickly as possible.
The reforms outlined are important structural changes that will have a positive impact on services for all children with disabilities, including those with autism.
Budget 2020 provided for €2m in additional funding for an Autism Plan for the health services.
It is important to note that it is not necessary to have an Assessment of Need in order to access services.
Many children can have their needs met through Primary Care while those with complex needs will be looked after by Disability Network teams.
While the Assessment of Needs process is a statutory process, it is not a requirement and there are several other routes to accessing services.