John Perry (Sligo-North Leitrim, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 44: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the reason the national referral centre for paediatric immunology has no full-time consultant immunologist; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [34767/10]

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

The HSE has advised my Department that it has provided funding to support two consultant immunology posts structured as follows: (a) Consultant Paediatric Immunologist with a special interest in Paediatric Allergy. The post will be deployed with 24 hours assigned to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours assigned to AMNCH and 3 assigned to St James's Hospital. (b) Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Primary Immune Deficiency. The post will be deployed with 24 hours assigned to Our Lady's Children's Hospital, 10 hours assigned to the Children's University Hospital, Temple Street and 3 assigned to St James's Hospital.

The establishment of the two consultant posts, based mainly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, will support the integrated management of such disorders and thus provide for improved outcomes. For example approximately 25-45% of Irish children suffer from asthma. Allergy focussed care of asthma decreases hospital emergency department attendances by 55%. The Health Service Executive is currently working with the relevant hospitals and at national level to recruit the required specialists within the context of its overall ceiling and the consultant guidelines laid down.