Health service cutbacks are preventing children with juvenile arthritis (JA) and their families from accessing vital ancillary health services, according to Arthritis Ireland.

The campaign group says these services include rheumatology nurses, dietitians, pain management specialists, psychologists and podiatrists.

Arthritis Ireland says between 150 and 200 children with JA are on a waiting list from 15-16 months to see a specialist.

In addition, around 30 children regarded as urgent cases face a three-to-four month wait to see a specialist.

Arthritis Ireland also claims Crumlin Hospital's inpatient rehabilitation programme, which offered the full range of services necessary to treat JA properly, has now collapsed.

It says a second paediatric rheumatologist position for Crumlin has been approved but the appointment has been delayed indefinitely due to the recruitment moratorium in the health service.

Arthritis Ireland is organising a 'Joint Adventure' workshop at Dublin Zoo on Saturday, July 2. This is an information and networking day designed for families affected by JA and aims to fill the gap left by what Arthritis Ireland describes as the collapse in services for children suffering from this chronic condition.

For further details about the event, Tel 01 647 0204 or email ja@arthritisireland.ie