Alex White (Dublin South, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I am very aware of the importance of our hospitals, including our regional and teaching hospitals, but I also urge the Deputy and House to agree that our hospital-centred model of care, particularly in respect of chronic illnesses, must change. We will not be able to manage and sustain our health service unless it changes. I have listened carefully to what the Deputy said and he makes some good points. The issue is not whether insulin pump therapy is a good thing or idea because it clearly is. The issue is how we configure those services and facilities around our hospital services across the country and, most important, how we ensure we manage these major threats to our health and, ultimately, the funding possibilities for the health service in the community and primary care. They are all issues we must address.

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