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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 9 Oct 2003

Vol. 572 No. 2

Written Answers. - Hospital Services.

Joe Sherlock

Ceist:

17 Mr. Sherlock asked the Minister for Health and Children further to the presentation on the lack of rheumatology services to the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, the plans he has to address this serious problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22542/03]

Rheumatology is predominantly an out-patient delivered service with a small number of beds being required for acute rheumatic diseases and for patients requiring intensive periods of rehabilitation. Most first time referrals to rheumatology out-patients services have conditions such as osteoarthritis, back pain or fibromyalgia. These conditions can usually be assessed, treated and discharged back to primary care following a single out-patient visit.

The Irish Society of Rheumatology, ISR, has prepared a report entitled Rheumatology Manpower Report 2002 examining the current state of rheumatology services and identifying the resource needs for the service. The report gives a clear picture of current rheumatology services. There is a strong case made for improvements to the existing level of service based on existing demand and future population changes. My Department is aware of the demand and the necessity to plan for future demographic changes.

Comhairle na nOspidéal, which is the statutory body with responsibility for regulating the number and type of appointments of consultant medical staff in hospitals providing services under the health Acts, carried out a review of rheumatology and rehabilitation services in 1995 and is currently examining the ISR report in that context.

The expansion of existing rheumatology services is initially a matter for the individual health boards or the Eastern Regional Health Authority based on the relative priority accorded to the service by the agencies and in the light of available funding.

I have met with the ISR in relation to its report. Separate meetings also took place with officials from my Department. I understand the service requirements as described in the ISR report but there are limitations on the capacity of the health care system to respond to demands for increased or additional services in the current economic climate. However, future planning requirements will be considered by myself and my Department in the context of the Comhairle na nOspidéal examination and the report of the national task force on medical staffing.

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