Liz McManus (Wicklow, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 234: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the position regarding the inadequate staffing levels for the treatment of cystic fibrosis as highlighted by the Pollock report and outlined in Question No. 52 of 21 June 2005; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [6535/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As part of the overall funding for health services in 2006, additional revenue funding of €4.78 million has been allocated specifically for the development of cystic fibrosis services.

I wish to see significant improvement this year in the level of services available to persons with cystic fibrosis. The current service deficits in this area are widely acknowledged and have been identified, most notably in the Pollock report, and by the Health Service Executive working group which is examining this issue. My Department is advised that the working group is due to report shortly and will make specific recommendations regarding a range of service improvements required for persons with cystic fibrosis, in particular the need to increase the level of clinical, nursing and allied health professional staffing in cystic fibrosis units throughout the country. As part of the implementation process I have asked the HSE to address in particular the identified deficits at the national adult referral centre at St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin.