Holly Cairns
Question:136. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps that he is taking to provide public chiropody services in Cork south west. [37592/22]
View answerTuesday, 12 July 2022
Questions (136)
Written answers
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive, in its National Service Plan 2022, has committed to providing podiatry services to 85,866 patients in 2022.
That is almost double the number of patients seen in 2021 (44,522).
I am aware that there is currently no Podiatrist working in West Cork, despite a national campaign to fill the post. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is redirecting a Podiatrist from another area to see patients.
Those who are most urgent on the waiting list are being seen first. When all high-risk patients are seen and space in the schedule becomes available, moderate risk patients will be offered scheduled appointments.
As an interim measure Clonakilty Primary Care Centre are providing services to Community Healthcare Network 11. When all high-risk patients are seen, all remaining patients will be offered appointments in chronological order.
There is currently a National Senior Podiatrist campaign underway to fill a number of vacancies across Cork and Kerry. Positions are now being offered to successful candidates.
In addition Cork Kerry Community Healthcare intend to run a local recruitment campaign to attract eligible candidates.
It is anticipated that these campaigns should fill any posts remaining unfilled.