Breeda Moynihan-Cronin (Kerry South, Labour)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the number of nurses with special needs training to deal specifically with Parkinson's disease; the location of those nurses; the proposals he has to provide a specially trained Parkinson's nurse for the Kerry area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16493/04]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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Parkinson's disease is a neurological disorder. The care and nursing management of the condition is included on the curriculum of the undergraduate general nursing degree and diploma. Regarding specialist training, Parkinson's disease fits into the broader area of neurology. There are eight clinical nurse specialist, or CNS, posts in neurology with one post specific to Parkinson's disease and Aspen. That post is based in the Mid-Western Health Board. Gerontological nursing also embraces the holistic approach to care for persons with Parkinson's disease. The National Council for the Professional Development of Nursing and Midwifery has approved 13 CNS posts specific to care of the older person. I understand that the Southern Health Board has no immediate plans to develop a specialist nursing post in the area of Parkinson's disease in County Kerry.