Eoghan Murphy (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)
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521. To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the filling of the five sanctioned integrated diabetes nursing posts [28827/13]

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. To date 15 posts have been offered or accepted, subject to Garda clearance, etc. It is anticipated that all 17 positions will be filled soon.