JJ’s family urges ombudsman ‘to get HSE to step up to responsibility’

THE family of a seriously ill child has contacted Ombudsman for Children Emily Logan over the repeated failures by the HSE and ministers to ensure he receives the care he needs.

Ms Logan was contacted by Jack and Jill Foundation chief executive Jonathan Irwin last week on behalf of four-year-old JJ Ryan and his family, after three months of letters to Health Minister James Reilly, HSE chief executive Cathal Magee and officials.

The step was taken after the HSE declined to provide what the family and charity believe is adequate home help care for JJ, who suffers from quadriplegic cerebral palsy, deafness and an inability to speak. He was also born with a hole in his heart.