Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 October 2013
197. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason no paediatrics urologist has been appointed to Temple Street University Hospital despite the Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalous Ireland organisation being told in February 2012 that the post was ready to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43921/13]
View answer198. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views that the appointment of a paediatric urologist at Temple Street University Hospital will in view of the ongoing debate on organ donation prove to be a proactive measure in trying to prevent the need for future kidney transplants amongst patients such as spina bifida sufferers [43927/13]
View answer223. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that renal failure is one of the top causes of death for children with spina bifida, the reason since 2009, when spina bifida care was transferred to Temple Street University Hospital, there has not been a paediatric urologist established in the hospital to carry out routine monitoring tests such as blood test for kidneys, renal ultrasound, DMSA scan, bladder function assessment, video urodynamic study and spinal MRI which may prevent fatal kidney failure; the reason the recent vacancy for a paediatric urologist by the HSE has not been filled yet and when the appointment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44041/13]
View answer231. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will justify the fact that there has been no paediatric urologist at Temple Street Hospital despite the absolute requirement for such a position to be available for treating children with spina bifida who could die from kidney failure and that they will commit to the provision of a urology monitoring system at the hospital [44081/13]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 197, 198, 223 and 231 together.
The Children's University Hospital, Temple Street is the national tertiary care centre for spina bifida and hydrocephalus. All infants born in Ireland with Spina Bifida are transferred to Temple Street after birth for ongoing neonatal management. Children with spina bifida are seen by a multidisciplinary team at Temple Street which includes a Consultant Paediatrician with a special interest in Spina Bifida, a Spina Bifida Nurse Specialist and Neurosurgery input. It is intended to recruit a consultant urologist in order to ensure dedicated urology input. A recruitment process took place in 2009/2010 and again in 2012/2013. As neither was successful, a new recruitment process is now in train and I am advised that the HSE is hopeful that this new recruitment process will result in a suitable candidate taking up the post.
In the interim, spina bifida patients are being reviewed by a consultant surgeon who has been granted honorary status at the hospital. The hospital has also completed negotiations to establish a regular clinic with a UK paediatric urologist. Dates have now been scheduled in October and December for visits from this urologist and an appropriate Service Level Agreement is in place. As an interim arrangement, those children requiring urgent urological input are prioritised clinically and seen in the UK under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. All patients are being kept under regular review and are referred on a case by case basis to the UK for treatment, pending the appointment of a permanent urologist.
