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27/01/2009
NI Child Neurology Boosted
A major investment in specialist childrens' health has been revealed this week with news that the Northern Ireland Health Minister Michael McGimpsey is investing an additional £220,000 annually in paediatric neurology services.
Speaking yesterday, Mr McGimpsey (pictured) also revealed that steps will now be taken to further develop diagnostic services including the introduction of a '3 Tesla' MRI scanner.
He explained this will be valuable in helping clinicians diagnose complex problems in both children and adults.
The investment will primarily improve services for children with the complex condition, intractable epilepsy, his statement outlined.
He said tat the extra funding will mean an enhancement in the number of dieticians able to support patients on the ketogenic diet; the appointment of a paediatric neurology nurse; the provision of additional MRI sessions; closer links with Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide additional support and expert advice and the development of specialist 'satellite services' for children and their families in the west part of Northern Ireland.
In addition, children with the condition, intractable epilepsy, will also benefit from a community funding package that the Minister will be announcing shortly for children with complex physical healthcare needs.
Minister McGimpsey said: "I want to ensure that our health service can provide high quality services for children suffering from epilepsy.
"The investment I am announcing today will help support our highly skilled doctors and nurses in improving access to services in this specialised area.
"The provision of the ketogenic diet is recognised as an important element of treatment for some children whose epilepsy has not responded to medication. The diet requires the support and supervision of a dietician with additional specific training in its administration.
"This investment will now mean that we will have more dieticians trained to support children on the diet," he outlined, noting that Great Ormond Street Hospital in London - which is internationally recognised for its work on the ketogenic diet - is leading experts in the management of intractable epilepsy and provides valuable support to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
"This investment will further strengthen our links for the benefit of all intractable epilepsy patients and their families," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
Speaking yesterday, Mr McGimpsey (pictured) also revealed that steps will now be taken to further develop diagnostic services including the introduction of a '3 Tesla' MRI scanner.
He explained this will be valuable in helping clinicians diagnose complex problems in both children and adults.
The investment will primarily improve services for children with the complex condition, intractable epilepsy, his statement outlined.
He said tat the extra funding will mean an enhancement in the number of dieticians able to support patients on the ketogenic diet; the appointment of a paediatric neurology nurse; the provision of additional MRI sessions; closer links with Great Ormond Street Hospital to provide additional support and expert advice and the development of specialist 'satellite services' for children and their families in the west part of Northern Ireland.
In addition, children with the condition, intractable epilepsy, will also benefit from a community funding package that the Minister will be announcing shortly for children with complex physical healthcare needs.
Minister McGimpsey said: "I want to ensure that our health service can provide high quality services for children suffering from epilepsy.
"The investment I am announcing today will help support our highly skilled doctors and nurses in improving access to services in this specialised area.
"The provision of the ketogenic diet is recognised as an important element of treatment for some children whose epilepsy has not responded to medication. The diet requires the support and supervision of a dietician with additional specific training in its administration.
"This investment will now mean that we will have more dieticians trained to support children on the diet," he outlined, noting that Great Ormond Street Hospital in London - which is internationally recognised for its work on the ketogenic diet - is leading experts in the management of intractable epilepsy and provides valuable support to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.
"This investment will further strengthen our links for the benefit of all intractable epilepsy patients and their families," he said.
(BMcC/JM)
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