Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 191: To ask the Minister for Health if he will report in the 2012 progress made in provision of a diabetes nurse specialist and dietician posts as per the accepted recommendations of the National Paediatrics Working Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23191/12]

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

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.

It is widely recognised that secondary or acute care alone cannot cope with the current and increasing burden of disease. Reorganising systems into more integrated models presents opportunities for a more efficient and effective approach to the management of diabetes care.

In this regard, Diabetes Service Implementation Groups were established country-wide, with the priority at national level to progress an Integrated Care model of care.

Approval has now been granted for the recruitment of diabetes nurse specialists and dieticians for the provision of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy for patients with type 1 diabetes who are under five years of age.

The model of care and the job descriptions for these roles are currently under review. I am advised by the HSE that recruitment will take place once the model of care and job descriptions have been finalised and implementation plans have been approved.