Peter Burke (Longford-Westmeath, Fine Gael)
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396. To ask the Minister for Health the status of the model of care for lymphoedema and lipoedema services further to a representation (details supplied); when these recommendations will be considered and implemented; if he has met with an organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29359/19]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The working group report detailing the proposed model of care for lymphoedema and lipoedema treatment in Ireland was published on the HSE website in April 2019.

The HSE has advised that a 12-month 'proof of concept' programme will commence in September this year. The programme will consist of:

- an early detection service in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin;

- a community demonstration site in Community Healthcare Organisation 8 (Laois/Offaly);

- the introduction of lymphoedema education into undergraduate programmes; and,

- eLearning modules in lymphoedema awareness for health care practitioners.

The broader implementation of the Model of Care will be addressed by the HSE in the coming months in the context of the budget process for 2020.

Officials from my Department have met with Lymphoedema Ireland on a number of occasions to discuss progress regarding the development of the Model of Care and the plan for its implementation. The most recent meeting with the organisation took place in April this year.