A disability charity’s voiced concerns that a top children’s consultant could be about to quit.
Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland say they’ve been contacted by worried parents about the doctor who’s based at Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
Spina Bifida is a birth defect where a part of the membrane around the spinal cord and backbone hasn’t fully closed.
It usually affects the lower back and those born with a lesion have problems with their mobility, bowel and bladder control.
Earlier this year, parents of children who attend Temple Street Children’s Hospital were delighted that a consultant urologist was hired, 8 years after the post became vacant.
But their joy was short-lived over fears that this doctor is about to quit.
Tom Scott is Chief Executive of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Ireland, he says he became aware of the situation last week.
"The parents wrote a letter to Simon Harris, Minister for Health, and copied me into that letter. They requested a meeting in mid December."
Tom added parents believe it's all down to resources, "As we understand it, it's a lack of access to theatre time and radiological services and general support to the urology team within the hospital."
98FM News contacted Temple Street Children’s hospital for a comment. They say, "There are two Clinical Nurse Specialist assigned to the Spina Bifida service with administrative support.
"The hospital has included the case of a second Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Urology and an additional Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in it’s Estimates for 2017.
"Mr. Cascio is working closely with the senior management team to provide a service within the current resources. The hospital is very supportive of Mr. Cascio in this regard.
