Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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452. To ask the Minister for Health if the requirement for a doubling of the number of IBD and gastro nurses is reflected in his Department and the HSE's plans to recruit 120 specialist nurse practitioners as per a press statement on 21 November 2017; the number of new IBD nurse specialists included in this recruitment programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11931/18]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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In October 2017 120 candidate Advance Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) commenced an education programme to develop ANP services in the areas of chronic disease management (rheumatology and respiratory medicine), older persons care and unscheduled care. The service areas for ANP development reflect initial priority service challenges which were identified in respect of access, waiting lists, hospital avoidance, and improved patient flow. No nurses from IBD (Irritable Bowel Disease) or gastroenterology are currently included in this policy initiative.