Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 May 2018
297. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the issue raised in correspondence (details supplied) regarding paediatric rheumatology; his views on whether there is a need to have children with Down's syndrome screened for arthritis; and if the HSE will offer another doctor a contract in which they can continue to screen children for arthritis and hold follow-up clinics for rheumatology appointments and so on. [18996/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra300. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding for an additional rheumatology consultant at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, to support the existing team and help alleviate the long waiting lists; and when a rheumatology consultant will be appointed. [19004/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 297 and 300 together.
I am aware that there are challenges in meeting the growing demand for paediatric rheumatology services, and that the Health Service Executive is working towards improving access to such services. Any consideration of further funding to support rheumatology service developments has to be considered in the context of service prioritisation and with regard to competing priorities for resources available as part of the 2019 Estimates process.
In relation to current paediatric rheumatology service provision, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
