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.

The HSE was meant to take up responsibility for JJ when he turned four on September 12, but to date has failed to provide the same level of care as that provided by the charity.

In the letter, Mr Irwin told Ms Logan she was JJ’s final chance “to get the HSE to step up to their responsibility”.

Mr Irwin said the meetings “have been a disaster with no one able to make a decision”.

The situation, the direct result of cutbacks, was outlined in letters provided to the Irish Examiner.

On June 23, JJ’s Jack and Jill Foundation liaison nurse wrote to a senior HSE disability public health nurse with direct responsibility for JJ.

The letter, also sent to HSE assistant national community care director Cate Hartigan, said the child needed home care support.

No action was taken.

On September 28, national children’s day, Mr Irwin wrote to Mr Magee to put forward three options.

These were to provide a carer, 8.5 hours of weekly home care costing less than €300, or fund the Jack and Jill Foundation to the same amount so it could provide the care.

These were rejected by the HSE due to costs and the regional services not being available for JJ’s age group.

On Monday, HSE South director of operations, Pat Healy, told Mr Irwin JJ should not receive 8.5 hours of home care.

He said the child was given two hours of home care a week in May 2009.

This increased to three hours in June 2011 and would not rise again. He suggested transferring JJ’s unused respite hours to home care, which would not cost the HSE.

Mr Irwin told the Irish Examiner: “JJ has been the HSE’s responsibility since September 12.

“He is a stand-out case. It is up to them to face up to their responsibilities.”

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