Johnny Guirke (Meath West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I wish to raise an urgent issue in respect of children's diabetes services at Mullingar regional hospital. Parents have been notified in writing that, due to ongoing unsafe staffing levels, all paediatric diabetes clinic appointments have been cancelled with immediate effect. This affects people in five counties. Many of the parents of the 130 children and adolescents attending this much-needed service have contacted me. They are panicking at the thought of having to travel to Tallaght, Temple Street or Crumlin hospitals, which are already at capacity.

The clinic needs urgent supports now or it will be permanently cancelled and the consultant paediatrician will seek employment elsewhere. The parents stressed the importance of keeping Professor O'Grady on board. Time and time again, he has gone above and beyond for these children.

I ask the Tánaiste or the Minister for Health to intervene immediately and put the resources in place to save these vital services at Mullingar regional hospital.

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