Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 22 May 2018
396. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if those suffering from side effects, particularly those with narcolepsy, following receipt of the Pandemrix influenza vaccine some years ago are receiving all the medical supports they need; if they have been granted full medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected. The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. It is in regular contact with individuals affected. Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.
The ex-gratia health supports include clinical care pathways to ensure access to rapid diagnosis and treatment, multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts, counselling services for both the individuals and their families, discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed have been provided to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication, physiotherapy and occupational therapy assessments. Diagnosis of narcolepsy involves a specialised sleep study system which is currently only available in the Mater Private. It is intended that diagnoses will be carried out in the Centre of Excellence for Narcolepsy in St James Hospital. This service will combine a new patient referral system with access to expert consultant and advanced nursing expertise for clinical diagnosis, access to the latest neurophysiological diagnostic techniques with overnight and daytime monitoring for both in-patients and outpatients, laboratory testing, brain imaging and genetic testing. The HSE will continue to pay for access to the services, such as dietician and psychology services, that would have been provided in the Centre of Excellence from private providers to so that none of the affected individuals miss out on receiving these supports.
