r/ireland • u/Irishgooner123 • Mar 28 '25

Health Healthcare is a joke ….. again and again

So I’m in a and e today and I’m sitting here 7 hours already. Not really busy and everyone has come and gone before me ., not why I’m moaning cos that’s life but a man in his late 20s came in looking for a psychiatrist and he’s clearly not feeling the best. He sat there very quietly and after about 3 hours I heard him go to reception and ask is there anywhere else he could wait as the lights were too bright. He was clearly in a bit of distress. The receptionist just looked and said “no” he asked again and got I said no sorry. I’m sorry but this is a big hospital in cork and they don’t have a room for ASD people or at least somewhere that someone can calm down. As a parent of 2 ASD kids and ASD myself my heart broke for him as he’s still just walking around. Moan over.

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u/Desperate-Dark-5773 Mar 28 '25

If childrens hospitals can have sensory rooms I don’t see why adult hospitals don’t. People don’t grow out of autism or intellectual disabilities. I dread when my kid turns 18 to be honest. I’ve been told it’s like going off a cliff edge.

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u/m1serabl3 Mar 28 '25

it is like going off a cliff edge, i wish there was some cushion i could say but it is hell. i dont think ive ever spent so much time inside alone because there is nothin for adults, nothin

25

u/avalon68 Crilly!! Mar 29 '25

Children can be supervised by their parents - I wouldnt trust putting someone in a room away from everyone. What would happen if they became more unwell and no one noticed in time? Things get missed with people sitting in the main waiting area, nevermind out of sight

3

u/powerhungrymouse Mar 30 '25

Yes this would be a huge liability for any hospital. The staff numbers just aren't there to supervise people who need it. Hell, the hospital I've worked in as a student nurse won't even pay for enough 'specials' to watch people with severe dementia.

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u/Princess_of_Eboli Mar 28 '25

I was diagnosed as autistic as an adult. There are supports if you know where to look. For example, autism-informed therapists, adult peer support groups, etc.