A Donegal TD has said the government is failing to fund the roll-out of insulin pump services at Sligo University Hospital.
Deputy Thomas Pringle says the need for the service is there, but the government is failing to make it happen.
Addressing the Dáil today, Deputy Pringle said: “I’ve raised issues around aspects of diabetes services many times over the course of the last three years. The answers on the floor of this chamber from the Tánaiste and his predecessors have been generic. The promised follow-ups hardly ever happen.
“But on October 18th last, the Tánaiste told me in relation to rolling out insulin pump services at Sligo University Hospital, and I quote: ‘I am not sure it is a funding issue but I will have the matter looked at.’
“Well Tánaiste, there was no follow up from you as usual, so I contacted the hospital management myself and they told me this: ‘I wish to confirm that Sligo University Hospital did submit a business case for additional nurse specialist to start the insulin pump service in mid-2022. Due to the lack of funding with 2022 allocations, the business case was not approved.’
“They have looked again this year for the resources, the need is there, yet your government is failing to make it happen,” the deputy said.
He raised the issue during Questions on Policy or Legislation.
Deputy Pringle said: “My question is this: How many more times do you think I’ll have to come in here and raise this before the people of Donegal and the northwest see action?”
In his response, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly asked Deputy Pringle to give him the particulars and said he would look into the matter.
