JUST one in two babies in some areas of the country is getting crucial health checks on time – increasing the risk of delayed diagnosis of developmental problems or even cerebral palsy. Children should have this free screening in HSE clinics before the age of 10 months but thousands are facing delays due to a lack of public health staff. New figures show that one in 10 nationally misses out on screening within the recommended time but in some blackspots, such as Roscommon, the number being checked on time is as low as 52pc.
Dr Joanne Balfe, a paediatrician in Tallaght Hospital Dublin, told the Irish Independent that at seven to nine months “developmental screening assesses motor skills and social skills. (Independent) >
Filed under: Public health, Services Tagged: Paediatrics, Screening
