Vol. 510 No. 6
242 Mr. McGuinness asked the Minister for Health and Children if he is in receipt of an application for funding from the South Eastern Health Board to increase the capacity of the dialysis service at Waterford Regional Hospital from 42 places to 64 places; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients from the region have to travel to Dublin for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23298/99]
On the occasion of the publication of the spending Estimates for 2000 last week, I announced the allocation of £3 million revenue funding and £3 million capital funding next year for the commencement of a programme for the development of renal dialysis services. This programme, which I would hope to see completed over three years at an estimated total cost of £20 million, will be aimed at achieving a structured enhancement of the capacity of the system to meet existing and anticipated growth in demand for renal services over the coming years. It will ensure the equitable availability of treatment choices for dialysis patients though-out the country. Next year's investment will be primarily directed at addressing immediate requirements that are apparent from my Department's review of services in the area. In tandem with this, my Department will be engaging in further detailed consultations with all relevant interests and further examining the epi demiology of end-stage renal failure with a view to informing the most effective investment of further resources in subsequent years.
Any immediate requirements for the improvement of renal dialysis services in the South Eastern Health Board will be taken into account in this overall context.
243 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps, if any, he will take, in view of Ireland's ageing population, to deal with the latest report of the World Health Organisation Task Force on Global Strategy for Osteoporosis which has reported that osteoporosis is a rapidly growing health care problem and a major burden on health resources. [23358/99]
Economic and social progress and improved health services have combined to reduce premature mortality. This Government recognises the challenge to the health services of a rapid increase in the population of older people. The care of older people is clearly going to be one of the key issues to be addressed by the health services in the next decade. The challenge is to reorganise existing services and develop new services to ensure that older people get the most effective care available. In this connection, substantial additional development funding has been made available to provide the range of services for older people, including consultant led specialist assessment and rehabilitation services for the treatment of conditions affecting older people including osteoporosis.
I am aware of the factors influencing the development of osteoporosis in Irish women and in particular the risks for post menopausal women of developing the disease. In recognition of this, the health promotion unit of my Department provided support earlier this year to the Irish Osteoporosis Society for an awareness campaign for world osteoporosis day.
My Department will continue to work with the Irish Osteoporosis Society with a view to increasing public awareness on this important issue.
244 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to provide additional units specialising in adult brain injury rehabilitation in view of the fact that there is only one centre in Ireland which has 24 beds in the acute section, another 24 backup beds and at least a seven month waiting list. [23359/99]
My Department is currently considering proposals for the development of the national rehabilitation hospital and will be looking at the development needs for rehabilitation services generally in this context.
