Written Answers. - Meningitis Research.
Desmond J. O'Malley
Question:
19
Mr. O'Malley
asked the
Minister for Health
if he has satisfied himself that there is full reporting of the incidences of meningitis in each health board area; the research, if any, that has been carried out into the causes of meningitis by his Department; if he has further satisfied himself that the public are aware of the symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2735/96]
Máire Geoghegan-Quinn
Question:
27
Mrs. Geoghegan-Quinn
asked the
Minister for Health
the current level of investment in research and publicity on meningitis by his Department; the funds, if any, he will provide for the investigation of the filter method of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
[2704/96]
Limerick East): I propose to take Questions Nos. 19 and 27 together.
The Department of Health's funding for clinical research is channelled through the Health Research Board. I understand, however, that none of the projects currently being supported relate to meningitis. International research is monitored on an on-going basis, and I am aware that a major study being conducted by the Meningitis Research Foundation will include Irish cases in its coverage.
The haemofiltration treatment, to which Deputy Geoghegan-Quinn refers, has been used on a trial basis in a British hospital in a small number of cases of meningococcal septicaemia. Further reports on this mode of treatment will undoubtedly issue in the near future. The Department of Health and the medical profession in general will continue to monitor this development and if it proves a safe and effective treatment for this condition, its introduction will be seriously considered.
As regards reporting, the system of notification has improved considerably. A comprehensive system for monitoring the incidence of bacterial meningitis and meningococcal infection is now in operation. In addition an expert medical group has been established to examine ways to further strengthen the diagnostic, surveillance and preventive aspects of our approach to this disease.
As regards publicity, in December 1995 the Department of Health reminded the health boards to maintain the high level of awareness of meningitis and meningococcal disease which had been established in the winter of 1994-95.
Actions which health boards took in this regard included: circulation of the Department's Health Promotion Unit's leaflet on meningitis to general practitioners, pharmacies, libraries, health centres, pre-school nurseries and other locations as considered appropriate participation in local, regional and national radio programmes to discuss the signs and symptoms, and the giving of information to the print media; and contact with hospitals and general practitioners to raise awareness.
In addition, the Department circulated, to the national media, press facts on meningitis. Health boards were also asked to make these press facts available to the provincial papers and I gave an interview to the media on meningitis which was widely reported. I should also point out that the Department of Health regularly supply information to the media in response to their queries. In addition, the Department met with Meningitis Action Aid which comprises a group of Irish parents who are working to raise awareness among the public. They are organising a meningitis information day on 15 February 1996 which is being supported by the Department of Health and the Eastern Health Board. I am satisfied that every effort is being made to make the public aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and meningococcal septicaemia.
Since informing the public and raising awareness of the symptoms of this disease is an integral part of the work of the Department of Health and the health boards it is not possible to isolate the costs involved.
