Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

My Department has been informed by the HSE about this matter and I have been advised that discussions are ongoing between the hospital, the parents' support group for children with diabetes and the network manager about the services provided for children with diabetes.

A post of clinical nurse specialist filled on an acting basis has been advertised for permanent appointment. A further clinical nurse specialist has also been appointed and will take up duty on 12 November. This increase in support will improve response time to phone calls for advice and insulin dose changes, improve access to education sessions and provide greater continuity of service for children by avoiding long periods without cover.

I am confident the HSE will continue to monitor the delivery of paediatric diabetes services at Cork University Hospital to ensure that the needs of service users are prioritised.

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