Children with ear problems are unable to access audiograms in Kilkenny as public patients, as there is no audiologist available.
The position was vacated some months ago and has as of yet not been filled. In the meantime young children could potentially suffer partial deafness or serious ear problems if they are not diagnosed for treatment in time.
Callan doctor, and recently elected Independent Councillor Pat Crowley is angry at the lack of service for Kilkenny children which he says could have long-running consequences.
“Audiograms are a vital part of diagnosing serious ear problems in children, which if left untreated could lead to permanent ear damage or deafness,” he said.
“There is no public audiologist on duty in Kilkenny at present and although there is a private service in Aut Even Hospital this service can cost €120 or €90 if the patient has a medical card.
“If children are suffering ear infections, they may get a build up of fluid in the middle ear which causes an inflammation and infection. This very delicate area conducts sound into the inner ear and if this gets damaged then there will be problem with progressive deafness,” he said.
It is at this point that children need to have an audiogram in order to assess the damage that the infection may have caused however, these tests are not being carried out. Neglecting to follow through with the examination will almost certainly lead to future problems and possible deafness according to Dr Crowley.
The HSE in a statement to the Kilkenny Advertiser said, “It is the case that a delay is currently being experienced in the provision of an audiological service for children on the waiting lists for hearing aids in the south-east, including the Carlow/Kilkenny local health area. The HSE is working to address this issue within its resources. However, it is endeavouring to provide a service for urgent/emergency referrals for assessments through the provision of some sessional audiological services for children.
”The HSE has undertaken a recruitment campaign to fill a vacant clinical audiological scientist post but the successful candidate did not take up post. The HSE is now proceeding with a further recruitment competition to fill this important vacant post which provides essential audiological assessments for children. In the interim the HSE is making alternative arrangements for emergency assessments to be undertaken to respond to urgent referrals.”
However, Dr Crowley is adamant that the Irish two-tier health system is the main problem with the country’s health system and is leading to the deficit in services available in this country.
He compares Ireland to the Dutch and French health systems where everyone receives the same treatment regardless of money.
“We need the two-tiered system to go - our business model isn’t working. We simply need a revolution. These waiting lists are criminal stuff. We seem to have created a monster with the HSE in its current form. The system is simply creaking. We have great doctors and nurses. We have enough beds to treat all but our business model for our healthcare system is all wrong,” he warned.
