Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will make four brief points. I can confirm to the Deputy that the process in regard to the consultant paediatrician post which is vacant will be expedited through what is known as the CAAC, the consultant applications advisory committee, and the Public Appointments Service. Saolta has confirmed that to me. Saolta has also advised that a plan is being put in place to ensure that all existing paediatric patients on pump therapy will continue to be managed locally in Sligo and Letterkenny with existing paediatric consultant staff and continuation of existing clinics. The locum paediatrician in place in Sligo and the existing consultant paediatrician in Letterkenny have undertaken additional training in order to continue provision of that service. Further development of clinical staff will be scheduled in coming months in order to continue the delivery of this therapy. All options both internal and external to the group are being explored to make sure that patients under the age of five years will have access to pump therapy. The Saolta group advises that it is currently engaging with a consultant in another hospital in the group with a view to putting governance arrangements in place for the oversight and review of patients and the management of new patients. This consultant has experience in the delivery of paediatric diabetic pump services. Sligo is further developing its centre for diabetes care. It is included in the capital plan for this year and this will ensure the facilitation of paediatric insulin pump services for people in the north west.

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