The development of Regional Hubs to undertake AON Assessments is currently underway within the HSE, with National Units working with the local CHO Areas. The HSE has informed the Department that it remains committed to the development of six Regional Hubs and is working across the CHO Areas to have these in place by 1st August this year. While the CHOs are at various stages in the development process, there are a number of Hubs that have been established already.
These will accelerate the process of dealing with the waiting lists for assessment, and allow the Children’s Disability Network Teams to provide therapy services to children with disabilities and their families.
Approximately €11.5m has been allocated this year to address waiting lists for clinical assessments identified through the Assessment of Need process. There are some challenges with the outsourcing of these assessments due to a number of factors, including:
• The lack of availability of suitable Private Providers;
• The limited capacity of the Private Sector to deliver assessments due to recruitment issues;
• The location of the Private Provider - In some situations, it is not possible or advisable for a child to travel to certain locations;
The Department is keen to see the full development of the Assessment Hubs and their successful establishment should assist in our common objective; ensuring children, young people and their families have access to services in a timely manner.
It is proposed to allow the HSE to finalise this process with other options to be considered should the HSE not be in a position to complete its objectives in this regard.
