Written answers

Thursday, 9 July 2015

Department of Health

Medical Conditions

Photo of Paul MurphyPaul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
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66. To ask the Minister for Health his views on increasing awareness of fibromyalgia among medical professionals; the measures his Department is taking to provides supports to fibromyalgia sufferers and research into the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27664/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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Fibromyalgia is a medical disorder which causes chronic pain in addition to other symptoms such as fatigue and reduced physical function. The medical management of fibromyalgia relates to careful management of the symptoms including pain control. Patients with fibromyalgia can avail of a variety of treatments and support in the primary care and hospital settings. These can include patient education, exercise, cognitive – behavioural therapy as well as medication.

The issue of increasing awareness of the condition among medical professionals has been brought to the attention of the National Clinical Programme for Rheumatology. The programme advised that it is estimated that in region of 30% of the referrals to rheumatology services in the hospital setting are related to fibromyalgia.

The National Clinical Programme has no specific fibromyalgia study planned however, healthcare professionals can apply to the Health Research Board for research funding into fibromyalgia.

Photo of Caoimhghín Ó CaoláinCaoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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67. To ask the Minister for Health in view of his positive reasoned response to the report prepared by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children on the benefits of an all-island approach to deep brain stimulation, his plans regarding the appointment of a deep brain stimulation specialist nurse to co-ordinate and manage patient support before and after the procedure, and a similar appointment required north of the Border; his plans to provide for and instruct the Health Service Executive to proceed with such an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27596/15]

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael)
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In responding to the Report on Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) which was compiled earlier this year by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children, I indicated my support for an all-island approach to the provision of this treatment and committed to progressing this matter in talks with my counterpart in Northern Ireland. The North/South Ministerial Council deals with a variety of cross border health initiatives and the provision of DBS on an all-island basis will be considered in that forum.

At an operational and clinical level the HSE is willing to recommend and facilitate referral of suitable patients to the Belfast centre, given the stated advantages identified in the Oireachtas Joint Committee report, as well as keeping further DBS-related service developments under review. Specific recommendations by the Committee in respect of specialist nursing posts to coordinate and manage patient support before and after treatment have been noted by the HSE for consideration. As these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

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