'Alarming' vacancy rate at CDNT

There is an extremely heavy burden on the staff as they try to cope with additional workloads.

The staff vacancy rate of 58% in Cavan Children’s Disability Network Team (CDNT) is very alarming.

That’s according to Sinn Féin TD for Cavan Monaghan, Deputy Pauline Tully who also pointed to how the figure represents an increase of 17% since the release of the CDNT staff census and workforce review for 2022.

“This is placing an extremely heavy burden on the staff as they try to cope with the additional workload placed on them,” she continued before adding the situation was also “undoubtedly” contributing to the extremely high waiting lists for assessments and services for children.

“While additional funding has been allocated to fill posts there are simply not enough qualified therapists to fill these vacant roles.The Government and the HSE needs to develop a strategic workforce plan that involves increasing the number of third level therapy places to aid in the recruitment and retention of therapists for these posts.”