John Ellis
Question:149 Mr. Ellis asked the Minister for Health the plans, if any, he has for the improvement of services available to diabetic sufferers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19220/95]
Written Answers. - Diabetes Services.
Limerick East): A range of health services and treatments are available and provided for persons with diabetes in General Hospitals and in a community setting.
In the general hospital sector services such as special day care services for diabetic patients are provided and in this connection an additional allocation of £50,000 has been made available this year to further enhance the diabetic day service at the Mater Misericordiae Hospital in Dublin.
The Department's Health Promotion Unit works closely with the Irish Diabetic Society and the Irish Endocrine Society and has provided funding for the development and running of Diabetes Awareness campaigns aimed at the general public.
In the community setting, provision is made under the Long Term Illness Scheme for persons suffering from diabetes. Such patients can obtain without charge all necessary drugs, medicines and monitoring devices prescribed for the treatment of diabetes.
Ireland is a signatory to the St. Vincent Declaration, an initiative of the World Health Organisation, which has set targets for the prevention and treatment of diabetes. In response to this declaration a Diabetic Action Group, with representation from professional group and voluntary organisations which deal with the condition, has been established. The Department of Health has observer status on the group. A preliminary workshop was held by the group in December 1995 to investigate the current services which are available. Another workshop is planned for March 1996. It is expected that the reports of these workshops will be valuable in assisting with more effective service provision.