Almost 400 children in Mayo, who have qualified for paediatric physiotherapy services, are on a waiting list for the service due to staff shortages.

New figures from the HSE show that of the 662 children who have qualified for the service in Mayo, only 270 are currently receiving the service and the remaining 392 children are left waiting.

These children have been told they may have to wait up to 137 weeks for treatment – which is almost 3 years.

Mayo Fianna Fail TD Lisa Chambers says it’s shocking and incredible that almost two-thirds of children who have qualified for physiotherapy are not yet being treated due to staffing deficits.

Deputy Chambers says it’s no surprise that a further 97 children are currently awaiting assessment, and the HSE cannot say how long they will have to wait.