Séamus Healy (Tipperary, Workers and Unemployed Action Group) | Oireachtas source

More than 1,000 children under the age of 16 years suffer with juvenile arthritis, which differs from adult arthritis in that it is caused by the immune system inflammably attacking the body's own joints. The cause of juvenile arthritis is multifactorial but includes genetic disposition and environmental factors. Severe pain is associated with the condition and, because children are growing, any extended period of inflammation can affect their joint formation. Therefore, early and aggressive treatment of the condition gives the best results for children.

Parenting of a child with juvenile arthritis can be a rollercoaster experience. The Irish Children's Arthritis Network, iCan, is a 100% volunteer-based, parent-led, grassroots charity. It provides a national support network for children with arthritis and their families through the provision of factual, emotional and practical support. iCan has funded the first ever dedicated rheumatology assessment suite at Crumlin children's hospital.

The charity cannot do it all on its own and current services for the children in question are deficient. The Government has a responsibility to provide a fully resourced, staffed and funded rheumatology service to ensure that these children, who are waiting in pain, are diagnosed early and treated quickly. A delay in diagnosis and treatment risks permanent damage to joints and skeletal deformities.

There are 793 children waiting for an outpatient appointment to see a consultant. Of these, 226 have been waiting for more than 18 months. There are 103 children who have been waiting for inpatient or day case treatment for more than six months. The standards set out in the model of care for paediatrics are not being adhered to and clinic appointments are regularly being cancelled. The three-monthly clinic monitoring of children on biological drugs is important but it is not being done.

There should be six paediatric rheumatologists in the country. We have but two. Crumlin children's hospital has submitted a business plan to provide adequate but basic services for these children. As an absolute minimum, a third paediatric rheumatologist, with a full multidisciplinary team, including doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and ophthalmologists, is required urgently.

Will the Government fund the development of the juvenile arthritis service at Crumlin children's hospital in line with the hospital's proposed business plan? Will it also approve the appointment of a third paediatric consultant with a multidisciplinary team?

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