Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 19 June 2025
392. Deputy Erin McGreehan asked the Minister for Health if her Department has plans to reinstate funding for advanced nurse practitioners in inflammatory bowel disease clinics, to ensure adequate staffing levels and the best possible care for patients; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33251/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Clinical Programme for Gastroenterology and Hepatology was established in October 2019 as a joint collaboration between the HSE and the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland. Gastroenterology and Hepatology multi-disciplinary teams provide expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of conditions of the digestive tract, liver and pancreas, including Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is the name used for a group of disorders that cause inflammation of the intestine. It is a term used for conditions known as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and indeterminate colitis.
As your query regards staffing levels in inflammatory bowel disease clinics, and this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
