Over 300 Mayo children are awaiting occupational therapy services for over a year

A TOTAL of 837 children are currently awaiting occupational therapy services in Mayo, according to the HSE West.

Of those, up to 302 are on the waiting list for over a year, a situation described as 'very disappointing and worrying'.

In response to a question tabled by Councillor Michael Kilcoyne, the authority said the average waiting time varies from month to month dependent on demand.

Councillor Kilcoyne said the waiting times were very disappointing and worrying and left many parents in despair.

He was further informed there are 37 full-time occupational therapists employed in Mayo.

Meanwhile, The HSE has declined to comment on ongoing legal matters and/or confidential settlement agreements.

This was in reply to a question by Councillor Kilcoyne which read: “Have many civil actions are currently ongoing in relation to Mayo University Hospital involving patients or former patients? How many have been settled/finalised in 2015 and 2016. What was the total costs of same including the awards and legal costs and how many cases were involved?”