Diabetes service could reopen by 'end of month'

The Paediatric Diabetes Service at Mullingar hospital could reopen as soon as the end of this month, if the vacant nursing position is filled.

That’s according to a senior official from the Ireland East Hospital Group, responding to query from Minister of State Robert Troy about when the service will resume.

The service, which caters to more than 130 children and adolescents, was suspended on February 1 due to a shortage of staff. In the letter to Deputy Troy, the hospital group said a specialist nurse has been recruited, but is unable to take up duty until 2022. In the meantime funding has been secured to temporarily fill the position; recruitment campaign began on March 23.

“Assuming a successful outcome to this recruitment campaign, the service will reopen by the end of April,” the official said. “The hospital has advised that all requiring urgent care will be treated as normally through the ED. Children on the current list for follow-up will receive prescriptions as required.

“The clinical lead paediatric consultant, Professor Michael O’Grady, will review and address issues or questions from parents as they arise, including referral to the National Children’s Hospital if under the age of 16, if deemed necessary.

“Children over 16 are treated in the hospital adult service. Until the position is filled, any new entrants to the service will be referred to the National Children’s Hospital.”