Written answers

Wednesday, 15 May 2019

Department of Health

Nursing Staff Provision

Photo of Mary ButlerMary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail)
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18. To ask the Minister for Health if he will address the issue of the lack of dedicated Parkinson’s disease nurses provided by the HSE for the 12,000 patients with this disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20801/19]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The HSE Model of Care for Neurology provides a framework for neurology services, including for Parkinson's Disease patients, using international best practice and describes care provision using an integrated service approach. The model is fully aligned with the objectives of Sláintecare and proposes a hub and spoke model, with services provided as close to home as possible but with access to specialist services where required.

The roles performed by Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists include identifying the patient’s needs and coordinating their care; monitoring symptoms; helping with drug management; and providing emotional and lifestyle support.

The HSE has advised that there are currently 2 Advanced Nurse Practitioners in Neurology and 5 Parkinson’s Disease Nurse Specialists employed by the public health service.

Investment in treatment for Parkinson’s Disease is ongoing. In 2018, funding was allocated to the Mater Hospital to commence the service to care for Deep Brain Stimulation which is a surgical procedure aimed at providing relief of motor function symptoms that are no longer controlled by drug therapy. The funded posts include two Clinical Nurse Specialists.

The HSE has further advised that, under the model of care for neurology, it is intended that multidisciplinary services will be provided to Parkinson's Disease patients using an outreach model. Specialist nurses will be centrally involved in integrating these services.

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