Cllr Christy O'Sullivan
O’Sullivan makes diabetes unit in CUH key Dáil election priority
A multi-disciplinary paediatric unit, which would include a specialised diabetes treatment facility and out-patient daycare facilities, will be a core objective for Fianna Fáil’s Christy O’Sullivan if he’s elected in Cork South-West.
‘The treatment of diabetes is an issue that’s very close to my heart.
‘I’ve made representations for many families in West Cork who’ve been touched by diabetes.
‘In many cases, they’ve had to wait months before being seen which is totally unacceptable because complications can arise in the meantime.
‘I’ve written to Health Minister Mary Harney TD urging her to intervene and provide better treatment facilities here in Cork.
‘I’ve met a parents support group of the Diabetes Federation of Ireland and Tony McNamara, General Manager of CUH.
‘I know that CUH is looking for funding for an extra clinical nurse specialist and dietetic support.
‘But at the very least, CUH needs three paediatric nurses, two dieticians, two social workers, a back-up psychologist and a specialist consultant.
‘I’d like to see a proper multi-disciplinary paediatric unit developed in CUH which would catch the disease at an early age and stop the steep rise in the number of children diagnosed with diabetes.
‘CUH is undergoing the largest capital development programme ever undertaken at a healthcare facility in Munster.
‘The new €75 maternity hospital is open while in 2009 an €80 million cardiac dialysis unit is expected to be completed.
‘Now, it’s time for the Next Steps Forward for CUH.
‘I pledge to push hard for those Next Steps if elected to the Dáil,’ said Cllr O’Sullivan.