Parkinson’s services in Cork
Deputy Michael Collins raises the shortage of Parkinson’s specialist services, especially the absence of a specialist at Cork University Hospital and the need for deep brain stimulation in Ireland. The Minister says he has met the Parkinson’s Association and the HSE is progressing recruitment in CUH.
I ask that all Members be updated in that regard.
Comment on this
It is stated in the programme for Government that efforts to increase access to safe, timely care as close to patients' homes as possible will be a priority for the Government. The Parkinson's Association of Ireland recently held a peaceful protest outside the Oireachtas to highlight the many shortfalls in the treatment of those with Parkinson's. Is the Taoiseach aware that there has been no Parkinson's specialist in Cork University Hospital, CUH, for more than two years or that the deep brain stimulation operations vital for many Parkinson's patients cannot take place in Ireland, meaning many patients have to go to Bristol for surgery? The Cork branch of the Parkinson's Association of Ireland has pleaded with the HSE to provide three specialised nurses, each of whom would be able to offer one-to-one care to up to 300 patients. The Parkinson's Association of Ireland is even offering to fund training for the nurses in the UK if the HSE will provide the nurses. I ask the Taoiseach to work with the HSE to ensure funding is put in place to provide such nurses.
Comment on this
I recently facilitated a meeting between the Parkinson's Association of Ireland and the HSE in my offices in Bandon on that subject.
The matter is being progressed with the HSE and we hope to be in a position to recruit in CUH in the short term.