John Brassil (Kerry, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The programme for Government commits to improving health services in the primary and community setting, with the aim of averting unnecessary admissions to acute hospitals. In that context, I raise the issue of oral nutritional supplements. I understand that the medicines management programme has developed an online reimbursement application system for oral nutritional supplements for patients living in the community. This will result in patients finding it more difficult to access the right medical nutrition interventions for their conditions. I have heard concerning reports that the professional group representing dieticians has formally withdrawn its support for this scheme in the absence of sufficient consultation. I understand that the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute and an expert multidisciplinary group have written to the Department of Health and the HSE highlighting the increased clinical risk which the application system will have for patients.

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