Autistic girl waiting in pain to have a tooth pulled

The father of a five-year-old autistic girl – who was initially told she would have to wait more than a year to have a tooth extracted – has now been told she will have surgery next month.

Columba Mailey told BBC News NI she was “incredibly happy” that her daughter Maisie’s tooth will be removed next month.

Maisie is unable to get her tooth extracted at a traditional dentist and has been attending the Community Dental Team at the Western Trust facility in Gransha Park.

The family, from Greysteel in County Londonderry, were initially told there would be a one-year wait for treatmentbut on Tuesday the Western Trust said the tooth would be removed on November 28.

“She’s been in severe pain, so this is great news, and I’m glad it’s been talked about in the media,” Mailey said.

“Her surgery is still a few weeks away, but there is so much relief that she won’t have to suffer after November 28th.”

He added: “This was also raised in the assembly by the MLAs, so it will be interesting to see what is done now for all the children who are waiting in pain.

“I hope the trusts get more funding and more facilities and staff to help alleviate waiting lists.”

Mr Mailey also tried to find treatment for his daughter in the private sector.

“We also had no joy in the private sector as many did not want to put Maisie under general anaesthetic.

“I tried private venues in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, but it wasn’t easy.

“Paying for the surgery wouldn’t have been a problem, but it’s a sticking plaster. That doesn’t solve the long-term problem.”

After first speaking to BBC News NI, Mailey said he was inundated with messages from hundreds of people across Northern Ireland.

The Department of Health (DoH) said waiting times for tooth extractions depend on a number of factors, including access to theater space, the number of referrals and staff availability.

A spokesperson for Western Health and Social Care Trust told BBC News NI: “The community dental team will do everything they can to offer an urgent appointment to children suffering from tooth pain.

“We apologize to our patients and families who have been waiting longer than they would like for treatment.”

BBC News NI asked the department about the number of children awaiting dental surgery in Northern Ireland.