Breast implants for mastectomy patients and coclear replacements among new services funded by State health service

And diabetic adults will be able to get 'flash' glucose-o-meters on the public health system.

Until now, both had to be paid for, although a reconstruction was still possible for women who had lost their breasts to cancer.

Among a list of extra services soon to be funded by the State healthcare service, facial restoration following scarring or disfigurement, eye 'readers' for those with serious neuro-motor disorders, and replacement parts for external hearing apparatus such as coclear implants have been added and will no longer carry a cost for the patient.

Smear tests will become routine and automatic for women in the same way as mammograms for those within the recommended age range, and age groups for those eligible to obtain funding towards hearing aids will be widened.

All these elements are 'extremely important for those affected', Sra Carcedo says.

“When you meet with these people, they are very interested in these elements, because they will allow them to lead a more normal life without having to make prohibitive payments,” she explains.

For the first time, 'flash' glucose measuring apparatus will come on prescription for patients with Type I diabetes who need to take multiple doses of insulin and have to carry out at least six blood-sugar checks a day.

The 'flash' device makes the process much easier and does not involve finger-pricks.

Priority will be given to those with eyesight problems or serious functional limitations, patients with repeated hypoglycaemia episodes, pregnant women, and those with uncontrolled levels of HbA1c, defined as above 7.5%, plus under-18s.

Those already using the 'flash' apparatus will automatically receive them free, Sra Carcedo says.

The list of new elements included within State healthcare financing stipulates cost limits, but in the vast majority of cases, will cover the full amount.