Thomas Pringle (Donegal South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

During the past year we have heard about hospitals in Dublin refusing treatment to patients nationwide because they are not from within the catchment area. At times the treatment sought is so specialised that it has not been available outside Dublin. We have also seen that services in hospitals are kept below a line running from Galway to Dublin. Citizens living to the north and north west are being forced to travel long distances to access treatment. I wish to raise an issue which does not concern the provision of highly specialised treatment. For a modest investment the Government could make the lives of more than 100 children easier and save the health service multiples of the cost in the future. In September Diabetes Ireland submitted a business case to the HSE for the provision of insulin pump services for children at Letterkenny General Hospital. At an estimated cost of €95,000, insulin pump services could be provided for the 138 children who access diabetes care services in Letterkenny.

Currently, 20 families must travel to Dublin, which journey takes five to six hours, to access care. For many, the decision in terms of the logistics and costs involved in travelling to access treatment is a difficult one. The priority of Government should be the provision of equal access to treatment for patients. Where one lives in the country should not be the deciding factor in whether one gets treatment. Some 50% of children with diabetes develop long-term complications. Properly controlling insulin levels in childhood can reduce the long-term effects of the condition. This investment will have long-term benefits for the health budget and will improve the quality of life of sufferers.

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