Only one Laois Offaly Children's Disability Network Team has a GP lead

Three of Laois Offaly’s Children’s Disability Networks are without a GP lead, a Laois Offaly TD has said. 

The HSE confirmed to Carol Nolan TD, that while all Children’s Disability Networks in Laois and Offaly have a network manager in place and have gone live, there is no GP lead in the three Laois Offaly networks.

She said the only CDN with a GP Lead is the North Offaly West Westmeath CDN.

The Network Areas impacted by the lack of a GP Lead encompass South Laois (Graiguecullen; Abbeyleix; Portlaoise, Durrow, Rathdowney). North Laois East Offaly (Mountmellick, Portarlington, Edenderry) and Offaly (Tullamore, Birr, Banagher).

It was also confirmed to Deputy Nolan that there is a staff deficit of between 40% and 60% across the three CDN’s within the constituency:

“The local GP is very often the first point of contact for many parents and families when it comes to having their child or children referred to the new CDN’s,” said Deputy Nolan.

“So, the fact that there is not a single GP in place for three of the networks is a matter of deep concern to me and to the families I represent.”

“I have previously highlighted the fact that there are at least 2,553 children currently registered with the three Children’s Disability Network Teams that operate within the constituency,” she said. 

“Within that cohort are approximately 1,510 children with complex care needs that will require additional and urgent service supports,” Deputy Nolan said. 

“It is critical therefore that GP Leads are sourced and designated for the three networks who are currently operating without them. Without these Leads being put in place the service provided to the children and families of Laois Offaly will be at the very least, less than optimal, and at worst, a direct obstacle to receiving timely and appropriate care,” concluded Deputy Nolan.