Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour)
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993. To ask the Minister for Health his views that there is an equitable treatment of diabetes patients in rural areas outside Dublin; and if there is a satisfactory level of services such as the equitable provision of insulin pumps in such areas. [27496/13]

Alex White (Dublin South, Labour)
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The National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme is being implemented on a phased basis. The programme will improve patient access and manage patient care in an integrated manner across service settings, resulting in better outcomes, enhanced clinical decision making and the most effective use of resources.

The Government has approved funding for the appointment of 17 Integrated Care Diabetes Nurse Specialists (one per HSE Integrated Service Area) to support the phased roll out of the programme. These Diabetes Nurse Specialists will work 1 day per week in a hospital setting and 4 days per week in primary care. They will play a key role in the development of clinically sound collaborative links between primary care and secondary care providers and will also be an essential resource in empowering patients to achieve optimum diabetes control. It is anticipated that all 17 positions will be filled soon.

Funding has also been secured to appoint 16 podiatrists and a number of these posts have been filled. Recruitment for the remaining posts is underway and the aim is to have them filled as soon as possible in 2013.

The National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme, when implemented, will facilitate an equitable approach to Diabetes care across all HSE Integrated Service Areas.