Psychologist for Portrane

Madam, – There has been some progress made in St Joseph’s intellectual disability service in St Ita’s Hospital, Portrane in …

Madam, – There has been some progress made in St Joseph’s intellectual disability service in St Ita’s Hospital, Portrane in the past year or so. A major step forward has been the success in the appointment of a full multi-disciplinary team, apart from the key post of psychologist, which the service has been lacking for years.

What is most difficult to understand is why, despite its efforts, the HSE hasn’t been able to fill the post of senior clinical psychologist to complete the team. This post has been advertised for St Joseph’s Service along with the same post in other areas. The position has been offered to applicants and yet no one seems interested in taking up the post in Portrane.

This is extremely disappointing. It is vital that this position be filled now for the residents in Portrane to progress. They have been without a psychologist for years, which in itself is a disgrace. In the present economic climate the question remains. Why will no one take up this position in Portrane? We believe the HSE are still committed to filling the position. – Yours, etc,

EAMONN TIERNEY,

Chairman, St Joseph’s

Association for the

Intellectually Disabled

(Portrane),

Ard na Greine,

Dublin 13.