Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

205. To ask the Minister for Health if he will support the inclusion of the Health Service Executive national asthma programme in the 2014 plan [28455/13]

Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

222. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the implementation plan for the national neurorehabilitation policy; the availability of specialist neurorehabilitation services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28560/13]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 205 and 223 together.

The National Clinical Programme for Asthma, which commenced in 2011, is one of a number of chronic disease programmes established in the HSE's Clinical Care Directorate aimed at bringing a systematic approach to changes in how services for patients are delivered. The HSE's 2013 National Service Plan is a high level document which is underpinned by a detailed operational plan and four regional plans. Whereas the National Clinical Programme for Asthma is not mentioned in the National Service Plan, it is included in the Operational Plan. Implementation of the programme is ongoing and will continue in 2014. To date, different work streams of the National Clinical Programme for Asthma have resulted in the following initiatives:

- The preparation of a Model of Care - this is currently in development.

- The establishment of Asthma Check (Chronic Disease Watch Asthma - structured review) - this has been submitted to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) for review.

- The preparation of Acute Emergency Asthma Guidelines for Adults - this has been submitted to the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) for review and feedback.

- The preparation of Acute Emergency Asthma Guidelines for Paediatrics - these have been completed.

- Asthma Control in General Practice - these guidelines have been signed off by ICGP and are being implemented.

- Asthma Educational Programme - this is available online at www. hseland.ie.

- Practical workshops have been delivered locally by Clinical Nurse Specialists to nurses in Primary and Secondary Care.

Nurses and other health professionals have been enrolled in an asthma education module. This education module is based on the National Asthma guidelines. This supports healthcare staff in the delivery of evidenced based care and education for patients. In partnership with the Asthma Society, patient information documents have been developed to support this initiative.