Charlie McConalogue (Donegal, Fianna Fail)
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130. To ask the Minister for Health the number of podiatrists working in the diabetes department in Letterkenny University Hospital; if funding will be made available for an additional podiatrist in view of the fact that County Donegal had one of the largest year on year increases in the number of persons with diabetes requiring a lower limb amputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43289/17]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Letterkenny and Sligo University Hospitals provide essential high-quality hospital care to patients in the North West. I can assure the Deputy of the continued commitment to develop services in both Hospitals, including those for patients with diabetes.

I met with the Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland, the HSE and the Saolta Healthcare Group on June 28^thto discuss the current challenges and future development of diabetes services in the North West and remain committed to progressing the development of diabetes care in the region.

Currently Letterkenny University Hospital has one full working time equivalent podiatrist working with both diabetes patients and other general high risk patients. At present, there has been no funding allocated for the provision of additional podiatry staff. However, it should be noted that sizable funding has been allocated for other priority recruitment, staff development and capital investment to support diabetes care provision in the region.