The lack of services for children with arthritis was highlighted today as Arthritis Ireland began a campaign to improve paediatric rheumatology services.
There is only one consultant paediatric rheumatologist in the State and children are waiting up to 13 months to see consultant Dr Orla Killeen.
Dr Killeen said early intervention with aggressive treatment was essential to prevent juvenile arthritis extending to multiple joints.
"If left untreated, it can lead to permanent muscle wastage, joint damage and deformity, not to mention the trauma that a child and its family experiences coping with such a new diagnosis," she said. An estimated 1,000 children in Ireland have arthritis, with some as some as six months old.
Dr Killeen said Ireland had the second lowest ratio of paediatric rheumatologist per head of population in the whole of Europe.
"Children deserve better. We are failing these children every day that we delay their treatment."
Arthritis Ireland is encouraging people to sign a petition demanding the immediate appointment of a second paediatric rheumatologist.
Dubliner Danny De Vaal (11) who has lived with arthritis for five years said he was one of the lucky ones as he had medicine to help him.
"I can't imagine how bad it must be for children who have arthritis but can't get to see a doctor or get the medicine. It's just not fair that they have to go through that. Please visit www.arthritisireland.ie to sign our petition," he said.
John Church, chief executive of Arthritis Ireland encouraged parents who were concerned about their children to contact the organisation at LoCall 1890 252 846 for support and information.
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