Sir, – The report that over a quarter of children undergoing the Assessment of Need process are found not to have a disability highlights a fundamental flaw in the naming of the process (“Quarter of children found not to have disability after assessment of need, HSE figures show,” July 28th.)
These applications reflect real needs for support by our health, social and education system, as evidenced by families’ willingness to pursue this process, even if the children do not meet the legal criteria for disability.
As a GP, I regularly see children wait years for vital services often resulting in further distress and worsening of their condition.
Furthermore, that families must resort to a legal process instead of a health process to access diagnosis for the 75 per cent who are diagnosed with a disability is a stark indictment of our current system. – Yours, etc
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DR JOE GALLAGHER,
Gorey,
Co Wexford.
