Necessary resources must be put in place for paediatric diabetes clinic - Troy

Families should not have to worry about the future of the paediatric diabetes service at Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, a local TD has said.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner this evening, Deputy Robert Troy said that he has been contacted by a large number of parents whose children are being treated at the clinic.

“They are extremely concerned on receipt of the letter from Professor O'Grady. This should not be happening. Parents who utilise and depend on this service should not be left feeling anxious about its future.

"This is a critical service, a must-have service, that many families are dependent on. I have written to the hospital manager asking for clarity on the vacant position.

"I have offered the hospital manager the opportunity to engage with me and told her that if there is an issue in relation to a post remaining vacant because of the recruitment embargo I can raise it with Minister Donnelly.

"I have also brought this to Minister Donnelly's attention to see if it is the recruitment embargo that is having an effect on this. The honest answer is that I don't know yet, but we will get to the bottom of it and we will get this resolved.

"While it is regrettable that the letter has been issued, the one silver lining that I see is that the service is not being suspended as happened the last time. We are being put on guard.

“It is incumbent on the hospital management and myself, if needs be, to engage with the HSE to ensure that the necessary resources are put in place so that this critical service is not lost to the families that depend on it.”