Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 27 November 2012
671. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when posts sanctioned in April 2012 in the area of footcare/podiatry will be filled at the following hospitals, Sligo General Hospital, Cavan General Hospital, Our Lady's Drogheda, Mullingar Regional Hospital, St. Luke's Kilkenny, Kerry General Hospital, Wexford General Hospital, Waterford Regional Hospital, Beaumont and The Mater; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52703/12]
View answerThe purpose of the HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes is to define the way diabetic Clinical Services should be delivered, resourced and measured. A clinician has been appointed to lead on the development of the programme. The targets include reducing foot ulcers, reducing lower limb amputations and reducing hospital costs in patients with diabetes. In this context, the National Diabetes Programme submitted a business case for the 2011 HSE service plan and was successful in recruiting 16 extra podiatrists across the country to manage diabetic foot care. In relation to the particular matter raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
