Families whose children were affected by serious failings in audiology services in the west of Ireland are to meet today to launch a campaign calling for increased vital supports for their children.
The Parents Audiology Support Group Roscommon/Mayo was set up in recent weeks by affected families who say their children cannot wait any longer for access to services they need as a result of their misdiagnosis.
"It is not good enough that the HSE has apologised and is now struggling to qualify that apology," said Martin Corcoran, spokesperson for the group and whose young daughter’s profound hearing loss went undiagnosed for several years.
Today’s meeting follows recent revelations by RTÉ Investigates concerning a review of paediatric audiology services provided by one audiologist who worked in counties Mayo and Roscommon for over a ten-year period from the early 2000s.
The report identified serious concerns around the quality of services provided to 49 families, leaving some young children with lifelong consequences.
The audiologist in question no longer works in the Republic of Ireland.
"Many of the children have lost valuable developmental years. Children now need additional support from various departments such as Department of Education and the Department of Social Protection. Sadly the HSE has no real care plan that would reflect cross departmental communication.
"These children cannot wait any longer, they and their families have suffered enough. The HSE has already acknowledged that hurt has been caused, surely they should work with us now to address the fallout that hurt has caused," Mr Corcoran added.
The support group has requested a meeting with HSE officials to discuss what they describe as "barriers" they continue to face in terms of the provision of vital services and to work out a timeline for the speedy delivery of such services.
The group has also called for a wider HSE investigation into all audiology services provided by the audiologist in question.
