Seán Barrett
Ceist:116 Mr. Barrett asked the Minister for Health and Children the plans, if any, he has to fund a nurse in Our Lady's Hospital in Crumlin who cares for people with epidermylosis bullosa (details supplied). [25692/99]
Written Answers. - Hospital Services.
The paediatric dermatology service at Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, includes the provision of care for children affected by epidermolysis bullosa – EB. The hospital has identified a need for the further development of its dermatology service which includes the provision of continued support services for children affected by epidermolysis bullosa with particular emphasis on the role of the EB nurse specialist. It has submitted a proposal to my Department in this regard.
This proposal, which is linked to a proposal from St. James's Hospital for the development of its dermatology service in terms of joint consultant appointments, is under consideration by my Department.
I am providing Our Lady's Hospital for Sick Children with funding for the development of its dermatology services in 2000. The Deputy will appreciate however, that it is a matter for the agency concerned to determine its staffing requirements in terms of its service priorities.