Monthly diabetic clinics for young people in East Galway

THE HSE is expected to run monthly clinics at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe for children and adolescents with diabetes from next month, according to Galway East TD Michael Kitt.The Fianna Fáil Deputy says if the HSE follows through with the commitment, it will be a significant increase in support for children with diabetes in East Galway. Deputy Kitt is eager to see moves towards monthly clinics as opposed to the current system whereby the clinic operates from Portiuncula Hospital every three months.'I am calling on the Minister for Health to commit funding to this service. Families in East Galway need assurances that their children will get the specialist care they need on a more regular and sustainable basis. We have had enough empty promises from Minister Reilly and I intend to make sure that this is not one of them,' stated Deputy Kitt.The HSE point out that paediatric consultants are available to give instant access for diabetic children, newly diagnosed, or, stabilisation regimes.'Families are encouraged to access us if they have any concerns regarding diabetes management; they have instant access by calling our telephone answering service,' stated the HSE.