Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 824: To ask the Minister for Health if he is satisfied regarding the adequacy of services and funding to meet the requirements of those suffering from diabetes, with particular reference to potential savings arising from early diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40850/11]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

It is widely recognised that secondary or acute care alone cannot cope with the current and increasing burden of disease. This is true for many chronic diseases but diabetes in particular presents an opportunity for a more integrated disease management approach. Indeed Irish health policy recognises this, and more recently the policy framework for the management of chronic diseases in Ireland. Ultimately, the greatest benefit to patient well-being and the health service lies in the prevention, early detection and the management of complications of diabetes related complications; and in line with the Deputy's question it is recognised that reorganising systems into more integrated models presents opportunities for a more efficient and effective approach to the management of diabetes care.

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes - which includes the care of children and adolescents with diabetes - was established within the Clinical Strategy and Programmes Directorate. The purpose of the Programme is to define the way diabetic clinical services should be delivered, resourced and measured; and a clinician has been appointed to lead on the development of the programme, which has as its central aim to save lives, eyes and limbs of patients with diabetes.

The objectives of the National Diabetes Programme are to:

Develop a National Retinopathy Screening Programme for Diabetes to prevent blindness and visual loss from diabetes;

develop a footcare screening and treatment service to prevent foot ulceration and subsequent lower limb amputation;

develop an Integrated Care Programme for patients with Type II Diabetes;

improve Diabetes control (including paediatrics);

develop a National Diabetes Register.

The national clinical leads for diabetes and paediatrics have met to discuss the issues involved in the care of children and adolescents with diabetes. They set up a working group to assess current services across the country, to agree a model of care, and to standardise these across the country. Their work includes the development of criteria for the use of Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion (CSII) therapy (insulin pumps) in children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes as the benefits of CSII therapy are well established - particularly in children less than 5 years of age. They will also work on policy to prevent and aid the early detection of diabetes in young children and adolescents. This Group's work is continuing.

Finally, at national level a priority of the National Diabetes is to progress an Integrated Care model. Work is continuing in this regard in order to improve services available for this chronic disease across the health system.

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 825: To ask the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the excessive waiting times faced by patients for speech and language therapy assessment, and their subsequent treatment, at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40853/11]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.