Developmental checks missed by nearly 8,000 babies last year

Serious staffing shortages revealed

A report into the shortfall disclosed across the public health nursing service.

INMO says it wants the HSE and the Department of Health to fast-track recruitment.

Why Ireland's developmental checks are being missed

The checks include the postnatal home visit, due within 72 hours of a birth, and the newborn exam and heel prick.

Checks are due again at three months, between nine and 11 months old, from 18 months to two years old, and from three to three and a half years old.

INMO director of professional services and industrial relations, Tony Fitzpatrick, as he spoke on Newstalk Breakfast, described the role as a family's earliest contact with the health service.

He added: "The public health nurse is like a specialist working in the community and they play a vital role in that regard."

"It's really, really important. It's universally available," Fitzpatrick said.

"But unfortunately, it's been impacted by the lack of resources."

How many babies missed their developmental check?

After a report found serious staffing shortages in the public health nursing service, it revealed that last year, almost 8,000 babies missed their 12-month developmental check.

What checks do public health nurses carry out?

Public health nurses carry out the postnatal home visit within 72 hours of birth, the newborn exam and heel prick, and growth checks at three months, nine to 11 months, 18 to 24 months, and three to three and a half years.