Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 209: To ask the Minister for Health the reason paediatric diabetes posts in the Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick (details supplied), have not been filled; the reasons for the delay in same; when he expects these posts to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23610/12]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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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 recognized that secondary or acute care alone cannot cope with the current and increasing burden of disease. Re-organizing 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, including in HSE Mid-West.

Approval has 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.