Staff numbers in children's disability grow by 26% but recruitment challenges remain

Children’s disability network teams have been the focus of much public frustration as children face waiting times of months or even years to be treated.

Children’s disability network teams (CDNT) have an 18% staff vacancy rate now compared to almost 30% in 2023, but challenges remain for recruitment, the Oireachtas committee on disability matters has heard.

These CDNTs have been the focus of much public frustration as children face waiting times of months or even years to be treated. 

Minister of state for disability Hildegarde Naughton said a HSE workforce review done in April was nearing completion and shared its early findings.

"There has been a nationwide increase of 26% in staffing in the CDNTs so it is moving in the right direction,” she said.

As of the April 9, the national vacancy rate within CDNTs stands at 18%, and that reflects a decrease from 29% reported in October 2023.

The equivalent of 414 roles have been filled, with 296.5 roles filled by health and social care professionals.

She told Senator Laura Harmon the vacancy rate across the Cork teams stands at about 10%.

Ms Naughton described national and international recruitment campaigns being run by the HSE. 

She also wants to see therapy training courses, include placements in CDNTs. 

"If I'm quite honest, some of the feedback I'm getting back is that this is a very difficult space to work in, and it is. It takes a particular type of person with that experience," she said. 

"But if you have never worked in a CDNT in the community, there may be a fear around it." 

She accepted gaps remained in other areas also. 

“There are too many people waiting for an assessment of need,” she said.

We don’t have enough therapists in the system, meaning people are not getting the help they need in a timely manner. Not enough respite is being provided. We need more homes to allow people live full and independent lives.

She predicted progress linked to new entities including the Cabinet committee on disability and promised a cross-departmental focus on problems raised by committee members.

The committee and Ms Naughton also paid tribute to thalidomide survivor and advocate Jacqui Browne, who died last month.