THE University of Limerick Hospitals Group is in the process of recruiting personnel to fill a number of new Clinical and Diagnostic Chronic Disease posts in the Mid West region.
Confirmation that the recruitment process is under way was given by the HSE to Clare Independent TD Michael McNamara in response to his Parliamentary Questions about lengthy waiting lists for podiatry services.
The posts include a consultant in respiratory medicine with a special interest in chronic disease; a consultant in cardiology with a special interest in chronic disease respiratory and cardiac physiologists with administrative support.
A senior medical laboratory scientist has already been recruited and with the provision of this post, NTproBNP blood screening to measure the likelihood of heart failure is now available to GPs across the Mid West.
“I would hope the HSE expedites the filling of these positions so that extensive waiting lists for chronic disease services across the wider region can be reduced,” commented Deputy McNamara.
“It is also important that patients can receive these services closer to home without the need for travelling long distances.”
In a written response to Deputy McNamara, the Head of Service for HSE Primary Care Services confirmed that 20 full-time specialist roles are to be assigned to a new Chronic Disease Team in Clare specialising in cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and Type II Diabetes.
Based at the new Primary Care Centre on the Station Road in Ennis, services will be provided on a “hub and spoke model” across the county. Recruitment has already commenced in respect of these positions.
