Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 July 2013
1139. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the supports he plans to put in place for persons suffering from narcolepsy and other medical complications following vaccination with Pandemrix; if he has met the support group, SOUND, or has plans to meet it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35436/13]
View answerI am pleased to inform the Deputy that there are a number of supports in place for persons diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. My priority is to ensure that those affected by narcolepsy, with symptom onset post pandemic vaccination are provided with a range of services and supports to meet their health needs. Both officials from my Department, the Health Service Executive and the Department of Education and Skills and I have met with the relevant advocacy group on a number of occasions to address their concerns and to outline the services available.
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for health service delivery and at my request, the HSE developed a range of appropriate services and supports to address the needs of this group. Together, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills provide a very comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected.
These supports and services include access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. This includes expenses for counselling services for individuals and also for families of children affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination, in cases where such services are not already available through the HSE. Multi-disciplinary assessments which allow for appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place are ongoing. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is also engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected.
The HSE's advocacy unit is in regular contact with the support group SOUND and last met representatives of the group on 17 May 2013. Through regional co-ordinators the HSE also has frequent contact with individual members of SOUND to assist them in service access and reimbursement of expenses. The HSE recently held an information day for staff, also attended by SOUND, to ensure awareness of all the relevant services available. My Department is considering all possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.
