Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator for the opportunity to address the House on this important matter, which I am taking on behalf of the Minister for Health, Deputy Donnelly. I assure the Senator that the Government remains fully committed to improving patient services and ensuring patient-centred care throughout the country. That commitment can be seen through the unprecedented level of funding that is being targeted right across the health service from budget 2022. This investment is benefiting many patients throughout the country and will ensure hospitals can continue to develop the services they provide, including diabetic services in the mid-west region. The University Limerick Hospitals Group has advised that it has made positive progress recently in recruiting staff for the adult diabetic services. Following successful recruitment campaigns a consultant endocrinologist commenced post in UHL in May 2022 and an additional consultant endocrinologist is due to take up post in October 2022. That is welcome, although it is little comfort for the person waiting eight years. It is a positive step in the right direction.

In December 2020, the University Limerick Hospitals Group received funding to recruit three additional dietetic posts for the treatment of adult diabetes. The funding was made available through the national clinical programme for diabetes and these posts include two senior dieticians and one staff grade dietician. These posts have now been filled. The adult diabetes service is also supported by a dedicated team of four clinical nurse specialists, CNS, and staff nurses. Four diabetic CNS posts have been approved for UHL and following recruitment campaigns, all four CNS are now in place. Three diabetic staff nurses are also in post in the hospital.

UHL recently became a dose adjustment for normal eating, DAFNE, accredited centre. Staff training is currently taking place and the University Limerick Hospitals Group anticipates that this programme will commence in quarter 4 2022. It is clear that significant work has been progressed in the hospital regarding the development of its diabetes service and some of that work is ongoing. The group informed the Department of Health that diabetes services continue to be a core focus for it and it remains committed to improving this service for patients in Limerick and across the mid-west.

Senator Byrne has asked clearly for the staffing of the service in a tabular format. Unfortunately, that was not available at such short notice but the Department has advised me to inform her that as soon as it comes to hand it will be forwarded directly to her.