HSE confirm no impact to developmental checks for babies in Cork

The HSE South West has confirmed that there have been no cancellations of developmental checks for babies in Cork thanks to cross-cover arrangements and staff working additional hours.

It comes following news last week that babies’ developmental checks have been suspended in many parts of the country due to nursing shortages.

A HSE spokesperson told The Echo: “We can confirm that no developmental checks by public health nurses for babies in Cork have been cancelled.

“We are ensuring that cross-cover arrangements are in place to support areas where there are vacancies, and our highly-skilled community registered nurses are also providing support.

“Other staff are also working additional hours. Thanks to these arrangements, no developmental clinics or checks have been cancelled due to staffing, and we thank our team for their efforts.” 

Where there are permanent vacancies, the spokesperson said these are being filled as quickly as possible, explaining that public health nurses undergo specialised training, and recruitment campaigns are conducted annually to maintain service provision.

“Eight posts were recently approved for Cork and we are working to progress recruitment of same.” 

The spokesperson added: “Again, we wish to reassure the public, and new parents in particular, that child health developmental checks in Cork are being completed within the appropriate clinical timeframes.

“We are doing this through cross-cover arrangements, ensuring that children and families continue to receive the care they need.

“If a parent is concerned at any time about their child’s development, they should contact their GP or local public health nursing service.”