Near 3-year wait for occupational therapists in Clondalkin

People in Clondalkin are waiting 2 years and 10 months on average for occupational therapists to determine what adaptations are needed to their homes, a stat that Sinn Féin TD Mark Ward called “unacceptable.”

The Dublin Mid-West TD said “husing adaptation grants are an important way for people with mobility or other health issues to alter their home so that it safe and that it meets their needs.”

“The fact that people in Clondalkin are waiting on  average 2 years and 10 months for occupational therapists to determine what adaptations are needed to their homes is unacceptable,” he said.

There is a requirement for house owners and social housing tenants to produce an Occupational Therapist report to apply for the disable grants scheme.

“If you need to alter your shower because you cannot enter it, if you need to install a stairlift because you struggle to climb the stairs or if you need to install ramps at your door because you use a mobility scooter or walking frame, then you should not have to wait for 34 months for an Occupational Therapist,” Ward stated.

“In Lucan the wait is 13 months but this is still far too long a wait. One nearby area has a wait of only 12 weeks which shows that it is possible to have a quicker turn around.

“The long waiting lists we are seeing are a direct result of the mismanagement of our health services over the last two decade by Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. Things are going from bad to worse.

“Getting the Occupational Therapist report is just one part of the process and there are further delays for householder and tenants with disabilities.

“There is a shortage of occupational therapists in the Dublin Mid-West area and I have written to the Minister for Health to address this,” Ward said.