Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 77: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on proposals by a group (details supplied) to treat this illness more effectively; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42458/08]

Michael Noonan (Limerick East, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 88: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on recent media reporting of the findings of the COPD report, which state that medical care for people with chronic respiratory disease is haphazard, with inconsistent access to essential services in both the community and in hospitals; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [42542/08]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 77 and 88 together.

I met with the Asthma Society of Ireland recently to hear their proposals for the development of an asthma management programme in Ireland. The proposals included details of successful international initiatives and how they might be applied in this country. My Department has arranged a meeting to include the HSE and the Asthma Society of Ireland to develop the Society's proposals further.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently developing a strategy on Respiratory Disease, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma. Work is well advanced on developing a model of care which should reduce the impact of respiratory disease on individuals, their carers and the health system. Currently, there is variation across the country as to how respiratory disease services are provided. The proposed strategy will provide a framework for the delivery of services in line with best international practice to all with respiratory disease regardless of diagnosis or geographic location. The majority of patients with respiratory disease can be managed in primary care, especially if diagnosed early, and the HSE has indicated that the roll-out of Primary Care teams throughout the country will support early diagnosis within the community and primary care setting.

There are a number of examples of effective COPD programmes in Ireland that reflect the management of patients within primary care, hospital care and rehabilitation settings and that emphasise self care and responsibility. Examples of such programmes are to be found at St. James's and Beaumont Hospitals in Dublin, at Cork University Hospital and at Mullingar General Hospital where patients with COPD sustain a better quality of life while reducing hospital admissions. The proposed strategy will build on these initiatives.