Babies not able to get crucial check-ups

THOUSANDS of babies are missing out on vital developmental checks, normally conducted at nine months, because of a shortage of public health doctors, the Irish Medical Organisation (IMO) has claimed.

The IMO said its members have been told by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to prioritise vaccinations and private nursing home inspections and that children’s health is suffering as a result.

Chair of the IMO public health doctors’ committee, Dr Paula Gilvarry, said the “patchy nature” of the service meant potential problems are being diagnosed late or not at all. At present, there are 30,850 children who are due their nine-month child developmental checks and there are thousands more on a waiting list. Dr Gilvarry said it was vital the checks are carried out on time.