Written answers
Wednesday, 15 May 2024
Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth
Health Services
Brian Stanley (Laois-Offaly, Sinn Fein)
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125. To ask the Minister for Health if eye specialist services currently centralised to Athlone will be reinstated in Portlaoise, and if funding is available to locate a service in County Laois. [21954/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, RISE)
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126. To ask the Minister for Health if he is aware of the positive reports in relation to the pathfinder service (details supplied); if there are plans to make this service available nationwide; and, if so, when. [21955/24]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware, Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service (NAS) and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need.
I am indeed aware of the case enclosed by the Deputy with his question and was pleased to read of this excellent example of the Pathfinder care pathway in action.
In regard to the wider availability of Pathfinder I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy with any further pertinent information it may have.
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