Alan M. Dukes
Question:20 Mr. Dukes asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the care requirements for treating HIV and AIDS patients indicated in a report by Comhairle na nOspidéal.
Written Answers. - HIV/AIDS Patients.
Seán Ryan
Question:58 Mr. Ryan asked the Minister for Health when he proposes to confirm the appointment of a second consultant dealing with HIV/AIDS based on the northside of the city; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Jim Higgins
Question:84 Mr. J. Higgins asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the care requirements for treating HIV and AIDS patients indicated in a report by Comhairle na nOspidéal.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 20, 58 and 84 together.
My policy is to ensure that all persons with HIV/AIDS should receive the care and management appropriate to their needs. In view of the nature of the HIV infection, care and management of individuals is required:—
—at primary care level
—at community care level,
—at secondary care level, and
—through hospice, palliative and respite care.
In individual cases, this will involve a continuum which will involve the patient moving in and out of care at different levels. Consequently, it is essential that an integrated framework is available to ensure that each person infected with the virus receives the highest level of care and attention. The evolving epidemiology of the disease in Ireland shows that an increasing number of persons will now be requiring treatment, and towards ensuring that the appropriate framework of services is available, I have allocated additional moneys to the health agencies within the past two months to implement the recommendations of the AIDS Strategy Committee. These recommendations, inter alia support the conclusions and recommendations of Comhairle na nOspidéal on the management of AIDS at Consultant level and in particular:—
—the creation and appointment of an Infectious Diseases Consultant in North Dublin and a similar post in South Dublin and
—the appointment of a Consultant in Genito-Urinary Medicine to North Dublin.
The process of appointing an Infectious Diseases Consultant for the North Side of Dublin has begun and I hope that the service will become fully operational in the short term.
Overall, I welcome the analysis conducted by Comhairle on the Consultant needs for the country in the light of the AIDS problem and I propose to keep this under review in the context of:—
—evolving epidemiology of HIV in Ireland and
—the impact of the Primary Care element of the AIDS Strategy.