Moral Panic - Child Sexual Abuse
	Professional Misconduct - Moira Woods
	Index 2003
	The Mirror March 26, 2003 Abused kids in 3-month wait to see Docs by Jenny McQuaile Sexually abused children have to wait up to three months to be assessed, a leading Irish doctor claimed yesterday. Dr Kieran Harkin, a top Dublin GP, said he was "aghast" about the length of time before kids are seen by a doctor. He added: "I just don't believe that a child in distress should be left waiting, but it appears this is the norm. I am ashamed to be part of this situation." But the three-month waiting time at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children in Crumlin, Dublin, is only for those who have been prioritised. Children who have not been put on top of the list face delays of up to seven months. Former chief executive Liam Woods, of the Eastern Regional Health Authority, said: "Special consideration is given to children of five and under, or when the alleged assault has taken place in the past 72 hours, or when they are extremely distressed. "These cases are placed on a priority waiting list which, due to the number of referrals that meet these criteria, is approximately three to four months. "After assessment children can wait as long as five months for therapy. These waiting times are unacceptable." Eileen Prendiville, national clinic director of Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI), said: "If the number of children who need assessment is causing delays, it follows the assessment service is being under-resourced." The Eastern Region Health Authority has promised waiting times will improve. A spokeswoman said: "We have initiated a detailed review of resources and other relevant services to determine what action is required to provide a more responsive service." But parents of children waiting to be assessed are facing a major problem in comforting the child without endangering the assessment. Ms Prendiville said: "While they are waiting for assessment any conversations they might have with the child could lead to evidence being disputed. They are in crisis." And since Dr Moira Woods, former Head of the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit at Rotunda Hospital, was found guilty of professional misconduct last year, doctors have become very cautious of making positive diagnoses. CARI has seven centres around the country and advises parents on how to comfort the child without asking leading questions or endangering the assessment. Information is also available at www.cari.ie or by calling the helpline on 1890-924567.