Just one specialist for 1,000 children with arthritis

THE health service has just one paediatric rheumatologist to treat a potentially crippling condition that affects up to 1,000 children, resulting in delayed appointments and poor outcomes for many.

Because of the shortage of specialists, children with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis wait up to 13 months to be seen even though international best practice recommends they be seen within six weeks of onset of symptoms.

The result is many endure chronic pain and long-term joint damage, according to Dr Orla Killeen, the country’s only paediatric rheumatologist, who also practises general paediatrics at Our Lady’s Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin.