Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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17. To ask the Minister for Health for the urgent reinstatement of podiatry services for a town in County Cork (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25737/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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I recognise that the provision of podiatry services is very important. Podiatry specialises in the management and treatment of disorders affecting the lower limb and can significantly improve a person’s quality of life by promoting and maintaining mobility.

Currently, podiatry services provided by the HSE are offered on a priority basis to medical card holders aged 65 and over, people with certain illnesses (such as diabetes or arthritis), and people with disabilities.

I have allocated significant resources under the Enhanced Community Care (ECC) Programme to establish Specialist Diabetes teams within community hubs to better support GPs to manage people with complicated diabetes.

Where necessary, GPs can refer these patients into ECC Chronic Disease teams, where further specialist services are provided, including podiatry, along with dietary advice, and if necessary, access to consultant-level care in the community.

I have been advised by the HSE that community podiatry services remain available across the Cork area, including North Cork.

However, I recognise that the podiatry services in County Cork are experiencing staffing challenges especially in the context of the current recruitment pause.

This has impacted their ability to deliver the full range of services. They have implemented a robust clinical prioritisation system, which allows them to focus on patients with the highest clinical needs, ensuring they receive timely and effective care.

I welcome this focus on those with the greatest need. I fully acknowledge that there is a growing need for the provision of podiatry services in every local community, especially with an ageing population.