Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

82. To ask the Minister for Health the measures he will undertake to expedite the implementation of the National Asthma Programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22575/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The national asthma programme, which commenced in 2011, is one of a number of chronic disease programmes established in the HSE's clinical care directorate aimed at bringing a systematic approach to changes in how services for patients are delivered. The overarching aim of the programme is to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with asthma and to improve clinical outcomes and quality of life for all patients with asthma. A key component is improved management of people with asthma in primary care, thereby avoiding emergency attendance at general practitioner, GP, out-of-hours services, hospital emergency departments and inpatient admission services.

The initial focus of the work of the programme has been primarily on the development and implementation of national asthma guidelines based on international best practice for acute and ongoing asthma management and national asthma education initiatives for patients and health care professionals; and the organisation and better integration of national asthma services at primary and secondary care levels through the development of a national model of care. Acute adult and paediatric asthma guidelines and associated care pathways, treatment protocols and care bundles have been developed for use in primary and secondary care settings. The acute adult asthma guidelines, which are available online at www.hse.ie, are being revised.

The programme is working on developing a national model of care for asthma. The proposed implementation plan will detail how physicians, nurses and other health care professionals will work with engaged patients to make the clinical decisions most appropriate to the patients' circumstances while collaborating with specialist colleagues in providing a safe, seamless patient experience within the health system. This is a key deliverable of the national asthma programme for 2013.

As 85% of asthma is managed in primary care without the requirement for hospital specialist services, the programme is undertaking work to consider providing a yearly programme of assessment for asthma in primary care called Chronic Disease Watch - Asthma, also referred to as Asthma Check. The development of Asthma Check is being done in conjunction with the Irish College of General Practitioners, ICGP.

Additional information not given on the floor of the House

Asthma Check outlines the step-by-step process for implementation of guideline-based asthma management in primary care to deliver optimal outcomes for patients, the aim being to facilitate the implementation of best practice asthma guidelines in primary care in order to improve asthma control. This will reduce acute exacerbations and, thus, their associated overall costs, with fewer hospital bed days and less time off school or work for patients. It will also ensure that patients with asthma maximise their quality of life. I am satisfied that good progress can be made in the ongoing development of the programme.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

With the details of free GP care yet to expose themselves, is consideration being given to rolling out access to the long-term illness scheme for people suffering from chronic asthma, of whom I have known a few in my lifetime? Thirteen percent of respondents to a survey by the Asthma Society of Ireland reported that they suffered asthma. I am unsure of the national statistics, but asthma is more prevalent than people realise.

While I am not making the case for asthma across the board, would the Minister of State give consideration to the inclusion of chronic asthma on the list of illnesses under the long-term illness scheme? Will he advise of what other measures he is considering in respect of this very serious condition?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I can provide the House with the asthma statistics now or at another time. I take the Deputy's points about the importance of addressing this issue. However, the question was on the national asthma programme, which was the basis for my reply. In a previous debate, we discussed the GP card and the emerging difficulties associated with their allocation on the basis of medical illnesses. The plan for rolling out the GP card will be ready before the summer.

In terms of the national asthma programme, I have set out the policy for asthma care. The programme is the basis of the HSE's approach to clinical care and forms the basis on which I would like us to address this undoubtedly troubling condition.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I note that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government proposes to roll out a ban on smoky coal across the State, a measure that was implemented in the city of Dublin many years ago. That is something to be welcomed. However, we are all aware of the health circumstances relating to fuel poverty. Many of those who are chronic asthma sufferers are in circumstances where they are dependent on solid fuel for heating. Is there any contact between the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government on the matter, and will consideration be given to any downside of the introduction of a further ban?

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Deputy is correct that the curtailment of smoky coal is a progressive move. However, at the risk of irritating the Deputy any further than has already occurred, I say with respect to him that I am not sure there is any evidence to support a connection between the use of coal and other solid fuels in the home and the contraction of asthma. I accept his point. We are all in general agreement on the need for this condition to be addressed. It is important to note that the condition is a recurring one. Its diagnosis and care are not as straightforward as perhaps with other conditions.