The HSE has apologised to a Donegal family over ‘hurtful’ remarks about Down Syndrome children made by one of its staff members.
Last week we revealed the Donegal Down Syndrome association called on the health authority to apologise to one of its members after an official allegedly described children with the condition as ‘lazy.’
They said the comment was made recently when the family had a meeting with the HSE to discuss a care plan for their child. In their initial Facebook post, Donegal Down Syndrome said that one professional informed the parents no plan is required as ‘children with Down Syndrome can be quite lazy’ and ‘everyone will tell you that children with Down syndrome are lazy, they just are’.
“None of the colleagues around the table corrected this person in their inaccurate and completely hurtful remarks,” the post read.
This morning, a HSE spokesperson told Donegal Daily they apologise to the family and will launch an investigation into the matter.
“The concerns raised are taken very seriously and an investigation into same will take place,” they confirmed.
“The HSE apologises to the child and family in this case that the level of service received was not at the level the family would wish it to be.”
They added the HSE Children’s Disability Network Teams (CDNTs) Donegal andl A Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) provides specialised support and services for children with complex needs arising from their disability 0-18 years.
The CDNT supports a child’s development, wellbeing and participation in family and community life. The team members will work within an interdisciplinary team model. The teams consist of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Social Care Workers, Clinical Nurse Specialists, administrators and other supports such as Autism therapists, Community Facilitators and Family Support Workers depending on the team area.
The team is managed by the Children’s Disability Network Manager (CDNM).
“With regards to the comments posted on the official Down Syndrome page on Monday 30th October, 2023, Community Healthcare Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Sligo (CH CDLMS) wishes to reassure all parents attending the CDNT Services that it is never their intention to cause distress or worry to any family,” they concluded.
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