Seanad debates
Wednesday, 23 October 2002
Health Services: Motion.
A dispute has been ongoing for years with the Department of Health and Children over the recognition of those eligible to be considered as chiropodists or podiatrists. That is to be resolved. I want to point out another area where the lack of these sorts of paramedical people makes such a dent in the finances. There is no foot clinic in St. James's Hospital but there is a huge diabetic clinic. The hospital has no chiropodist at present; someone comes in occasionally. Last year they had to admit 30 patients with foot ulcers. The average stay in hospital was 30 days. Eight lost their legs. They reckon it cost €1 million. Surely one could run a foot clinic for less than €1 million.
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