Irish diabetes healthcare a priority

One particular part of Ireland is coming under scrutiny in the news this week, because of comments made by the Minister of State at the Irish Department of Health. The minister, who made his comments in parliament, was reported as claiming that developing paediatric diabetes services at the Cork University Hospital is a priority. The comments came after a Labour Party politician claimed that the health of 200 children with diabetes was at serious risk, due to poor staffing and less than adequate treatment at Cork.
The labour politician was reported as calling Cork a ‘black spot’ for juvenile diabetes care, with enormous waiting times for treatment. She claimed that children had to wait for up to six months for a check-up, twice the length of time recommended by common diabetes practice.
The number of diabetic children in attendance at Cork University Hospital has, apparently, doubled over the last three years whilst the number of staff has actually decreased to just one diabetic nursing specialist who is part time. Although an endocrinologist, social worker and dietician were employed by the hospital, none were done so in a full-time capacity.
Cork University Hospital is said to be employing a further, full-time, specialist nurse to address the problem.