Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 172: To ask the Minister for Health the services currently available for persons suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and the extent to which the recommendations set out in the National Respiratory (COPD) Framework, 2008 have been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16663/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) has a significant impact on people's health, on health services and on the Irish economy. Based on international figures, over 400,000 people in Ireland may have the condition. In view of the significant effects on health and on health services, the development and implementation of a COPD strategy has been a priority for the HSE.

In this regard, the National Clinical Programme for COPD was established under the HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate in 2010 to develop and implement solutions to improve quality of and access to COPD services and improve patient outcomes. The scope of the programme is vast and covers prevention, primary and secondary care and links with the ED, Acute Medicine and Palliative Care programmes. Aspects of the National Respiratory (COPD) Framework, 2008 are incorporated in the objectives of the programme.

The focus on the clinical programme for 2011 is to implement guidelines for the management of COPD including establishing 12 COPD outreach services nationally. The services will deliver early supported discharge to patients admitted with COPD exacerbations and prevent readmissions. In addition, development of solutions for primary care management of COPD patients and the expansion of the delivery of pulmonary rehabilitation services along with access to COPD outpatient clinics are under way.

Improving access will involve mandating Primary Care direct access to diagnostics rather than patients having to attend hospital out patient facilities. The diagnostics that are being targeted initially are spirometry (breath tests for diagnosis and management of COPD and Asthma), Ultrasound and Radiology. It is envisaged that most routine treatment of these chronic diseases will take place in Primary Care and the provision of diagnostics is seen as an essential part of this shift in care.

The HSE's roll out of Primary Care teams throughout the country will support the diagnosis of COPD within the community and primary care setting. The Programme for Government provides for a new GP contract with an increased emphasis on the management of chronic conditions, such as COPD, diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. My Department, in consultation with the HSE is finalising proposals for this new contract.