Vol. 521 No. 1
175 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will increase specialist care to care for the growing number of HIV infected people; and his views on whether every health board should have a specialist in viral and infectious diseases in addition to existing genito-urinary consultants. [16436/00]
The issue of HIV/AIDS continues to be of con cern. Even though new effective treatments are reducing the number of people who develop AIDS, new cases of HIV infection continue to be reported. At the end of December 1999 there were 2,195 reported cases of HIV, with 209 of these cases being reported in 1999.
As part of a comprehensive review of national AIDS strategy which was conducted by the national AIDS strategy committee, NASC, and which will be launched later this month, the provision of consultant services to address the treatment and management of people with HIV/AIDS was examined by Comhairle na nOspidéal, the body which approves the number of consultants required throughout the country. The recommendations of the Comhairle have been endorsed by the national AIDS strategy committee.
Comhairle has recommended the establishment of some additional consultant posts to cater for HIV/AIDS service needs. It has advised, however, that in the context of the broader area of sexually transmitted infections and other infectious diseases that the Department of Health and Children and the health boards should give early consideration to the matter. Further work is required on the nature and extent of such other infections and on how best health boards may enhance or develop health services to cater for patient needs. We must await the outcome of further examination of the situation and discussions with Comhairle na nOspidéal on the matter before decisions are made on the recruitment of additional viral or infectious diseases consultants.
