Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This motion relates to the appointment of a paediatric urologist. My understanding is that for children who have spina bifida and hydrocephalus there is a severe difficulty in accessing vital urology services. My understanding is that the post of paediatric urologist was advertised but not filled and that while one person was interested in the post the position was not taken up, although it was offered. My understanding is that in the long term because it is a specialist area the likelihood of the post being filled is remote. My understanding is that the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London has offered to provide backup support and that there is a need for a more co-ordinated approach between the HSE and Great Ormond Street. I am highlighting the issue because of parents of children in the Cork region. At one stage they believed the problem was going to be resolved and that there would be a centre in Dublin to deal specifically with the matter.

It appears that the necessary backup support that the parents require is not in place and there is a need for a proper structure. The set up is rather disjointed at the moment and they are concerned about this, especially for the long term. Urology is a specialist area and it needs particular attention. If treatment is provided to children at a younger age then the problems that arise can be dealt with far more effectively later on. This is the reason the parents are particularly keen for a more co-ordinated approach between the HSE and Great Ormond Street to deal with the matter for the entire country.

I realise several additional paediatric consultants have been appointed in the past 18 months but none of them has this particular speciality. At a meeting of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children I asked whether some of the existing paediatricians could train or acquire the necessary skills. I understand there is a reluctance to proceed in this way. This is a particularly significant problem for the parents concerned. Can we arrange for a more co-ordinated approach?