Children face year wait for arthritis care

CHILDREN with a potentially lifelong, crippling condition are waiting more than a year to see a specialist because of a shortage of resources.

Dr Orla Killeen, consultant paediatric rheumatologist at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, said between 150 and 200 children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) are on a waiting list for 15-16 months awaiting a new appointment.

In addition, approximately 30 children regarded as urgent cases face a three to four-month wait.