Written answers

Tuesday, 12 November 2013

Department of Health

Health Services Staff Issues

Photo of Michael Healy-RaeMichael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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503. To ask the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the replacement of a dietician at a diabetic clinic. [48376/13]

Photo of James ReillyJames Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply. However, the Deputy may be interested to note that a National Integrated Care Diabetes Programme has been developed and 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.

On the broader issue, the Deputy will be aware that the Government decided that public service numbers must be reduced to assist in meeting budgetary targets. The health sector is making its contribution to that reduction; nonetheless, the HSE can appoint staff once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the resources to do so. The Croke Park Agreement and the Haddington Road Agreement have enabled services to be sustained despite a reduction in staffing of over 11,000 or 10% wholetime equivalents since the end of 2007.

I should also draw attention to the fact that public hospitals are being reorganised into more accountable hospital groups. I am confident that the group structure will allow for more efficient deployment of human resources, facilitating effective and flexible use of staff, thus allowing a better response to service needs, including for diabetes.

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