Billy Timmins (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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To ask the Minister for Health the position regarding the epilepsy monitoring units in Cork and Dublin; if they will be opened as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6219/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Cork and Beaumont are two of six regional centres which have been identified for the provision of specialist epilepsy services under the HSE's National Clinical Care Programme for Epilepsy. It is intended that services will be provided by a team of nurses and consultant neurologists working as a virtual national network supporting all acute and primary care locations. Rapid Access Clinics (separate to the Epilepsy Monitoring Units) have been developed at four of centres so far, and 10.5 (WTE) Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) have been recruited to lead these clinics, so that a total of 12 ANPs are now in place across the four centres.

Regarding the Epilepsy Monitoring Units in CUH and Beaumont, these when open will increase pre-surgical evaluation capacity. Monitoring is required for the most vulnerable patients with the worst effects of epilepsy and their development is therefore a priority for the Programme. Patients at these units will require 24/7 care and the staffing requirements to enable the units to be safely opened have been identified.

With regard to Beaumont, the HSE has advised that Beaumont Hospital and the HSE are working jointly to fill the posts necessary to support the service development. I am advised that the staffing required for the unit includes five staff nurses, one consultant neurophysiologist and three technicians. Of these, three staff nurse posts and one technician post remain to be recruited and I am informed that this is being prioritised. The recruitment of nursing personnel is a key element to facilitate phased opening of the unit as nursing staff come into post.

With regard to Cork, the HSE has advised that the Service Plan for 2013 for CUH is being drawn up currently and will be finalised in the coming weeks, and that the provision of additional staff for the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is being considered as part of that process.