Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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1318. To ask the Minister for Health if he will deal with the lack of a real paediatric rheumatology service in our children's hospitals and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that consultants are overstretched. [37217/13]

James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Children’s University Hospital, Temple Street has a general paediatrician with a special interest in rheumatology, who is on maternity leave at present. The two rheumatologists at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin are covering the hospital’s outpatient department clinics in the spirit of cross hospital support. A patient visit includes review with the multidisciplinary team i.e. consultant, physiotherapist and clinical nurse specialist. Links are also made with the dietetic and social work service as required. If a child needs joint injections, they will be done in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin.

With regard to Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin, both rheumatology consultant posts at Crumlin are general paediatricians with a special interest in rheumatology. The Clinical Director, Director of Operations, Chair of Medical Board and the two consultants have recently met with a view to reducing waiting times for rheumatology patients through a number of potential initiatives including, for example, a pilot project to utilise additional specialised physiotherapy resources. In addition two new consultant appointments taking up positions at the end of the year will also help with this service.