§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what courses are available within the National Health Service in the diagnosis of diabetics for general practitioners; and whether there are any plans for changes in this regard.
§ Mr. MoyleThe diagnosis and management of diabetes are periodically included in the curriculum of courses organised by the Northern Ireland Post-Graduate Medical Education Council for trainee and established general practitioners. There are no plans for a course for general practitioners devoted exclusively to this subject.
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§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether he will ensure that the school medical service gives special consideration to the needs of diabetic schoolchildren; and whether he is satisfied with the liaison that exists for this purpose with the schools and parents.
§ Mr. MoyleThe School Health Service reports to education and library boards on the general physical condition and special needs of diabetic children. Staff of the service visit homes and schools and maintain close contact with family doctors and parents. Guidance on the supervision of diabetic children and the provision of special diets is given to educational staff.
§ Mr. Kilfedderasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what research is currently being undertaken in Ulster into the causes and treatment of diabetics; and whether he is satisfied that sufficient funds are being made available for this purpose.
§ Mr. MoyleThe Department of Medicine of the Queen's University of Belfast is involved in fundamental research into the causes of diabetes, and research into its treatment is carried out mainly in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Sufficient funds to finance the present programme of research have been provided from a variety of sources.