Written Answers Nos. 151-175
151. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE services that have been outsourced to private agencies; the services that have been outsourced; when the contracts for outsourcing were agreed; and the state in which each company operates. [19477/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly
152. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of managers hired by the HSE since 2016; the salary scale of each; and the departments in which they operate. [19478/18]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
153. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of staff hired in the area of mental health since 2016; the geographical location and remit of each; and the salary scales on which they were hired. [19479/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
154. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of staff hired in the area of early intervention since 2016; the location and ascribed role within the early intervention scheme of each; and the general salary ranges on which they were hired. [19480/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
155. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the delays for persons with multiple sclerosis to access life-changing medication; and if he will engage with an organisation (details supplied) to discuss the matter. [19481/18]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act sets out criteria for decisions on reimbursement. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed through the community drug schemes, it must submit an application to the HSE to have the new item added to the Reimbursement List.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine or refuse to reimburse it. HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments can be ongoing multi-million euro investments. Pricing issues can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I am keen to engage with industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions in place and must also recognise pricing and funding issues in the context of finite Exchequer resources.
I have indicated willingness to meet with MS Ireland and my office is in contact with the organisation to arrange a mutually convenient date.
156. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide funding to allow for the full utilisation of newly refurbished facilities at a location (details supplied) which are vital for the provision of respite care; when the funding will be provided; the status of discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19352/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
157. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the status of his plans to add the FreeStyle Libre blood monitoring sensor to the long-term illness or drug reimbursement scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19356/18]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
158. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for an assessment of needs under the child and adolescent mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19361/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
159. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for an assessment of needs under the child and adolescent mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
160. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment for a cervical operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied) in view of the fact that the hospital deemed the case in need of immediate attention on 27 October 2017; if an immediate date cannot be arranged, if the HSE will arrange the operation abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19364/18]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
161. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of staff in community neuro-rehabilitation teams in each community health care organisation in tabular form; the specific medical or health care posts in each team in each community health care organisation; and the full year cost of providing a full neuro-rehabilitation team in each CHO. [19366/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
162. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if dermatology services will be restored to Mullingar Regional Hospital; and if persons will be offered treatment in an alternative setting in the interim. [19367/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
163. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when the group home for persons with disabilities will open in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
164. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the number of women in counties Cavan, Monaghan and Meath and nationally who had a cervical check through the national screening service in each year since 2008, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19370/18]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have referred his question to the HSE for direct reply.
165. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has to wait for two years for medical treatment in view of the fact that their condition is life threatening. [19374/18]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
166. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if resources for a service (details supplied) for the provision of extra psychiatrists for the assessment of children with autism and ADHD will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19375/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
167. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) awaiting spinal surgery in Tallaght University Hospital; the length of time they are waiting for the surgery; and if an appointment for same will be expedited. [19384/18]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
168. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the date on which his attention was drawn to the cervical cancer scandal; when he was informed of the false negative tests; when he was informed of the fact that a decision was made not to tell the women concerned; and when he was informed of the High Court case taken by a person (details supplied). [19386/18]
View answerI received a briefing note in relation to a legal case which had been taken against MedLab/Clinical Pathology Laboratories Ltd, a company providing cytopathology for CervicalCheck, and the HSE on 16 April 2018.
I received further information on issues related to the communication of the outcome of the CervicalCheck clinical audit process to women in the period since that date.
I have published that briefing note and set out the information available to me on the record of the Dail on Tuesday, 1 May 2018 including during questions from the opposition.
169. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the plans the HSE has to support University Hospital Kerry to reduce the three-year wait time for a routine ENT outpatient appointment at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19387/18]
View answerImproving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. While the Inpatient and Day Case (IPDC) Action Plan was published in April to address waiting times for IPDC procedures, the Outpatient waiting list remains a significant challenge to be addressed in 2018.
Each year, 3.3 million patients attend Hospital Outpatient clinics for appointments. A number of steps are being taken to ensure the lists are accurate and these efforts are to intensify in the coming months with the creation of the Outpatients Action Plan for 2018 focused on improving overall use of resources to tackle long patient waiting times and ensuring timely access to treatment and care for patients.
In relation to your particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
170. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on facilitating departmental members' attendance at social media training conferences or other external events. [19399/18]
View answerThe Department of Health spent a total of €2329.85 on social media-related training for staff during the period from 2011 to 2018, comprising attendance at relevant social media training seminars and conferences.
171. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when a home help service granted to a person (details supplied) will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19409/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
172. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if a multi-annual consideration was made on a recent cost study analysis of a facility (details supplied); if the full level of funding reinstated in 2017 has been released; if funding in 2018 has been released; if the HSE has investigated the impact on the service of the possible non-release of funds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19410/18]
View answerAs these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
173. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost of amending the fees charged under the nursing homes support scheme, NHSS, to enable nursing home residents with an assessed weekly income of €300 or less to retain a minimum of €60 weekly. [19432/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
174. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost, current and capital, of providing a mobile catheterisation laboratory for Waterford University Hospital. [19433/18]
View answerFollowing an independent review of the need for a second cath lab in University Hospital Waterford (UHW), the Herity report concluded that the needs of the effective catchment population for Waterford University Hospital could be accommodated within a single cath lab. Funding was provided to support extension of the existing cath lab operating hours to 12 weekly sessions per week, or by 20%, as recommended in the Herity Report. Recruitment efforts to support this service extension are ongoing.
In the interim, a mobile cath lab service has also been provided. The mobile cath lab was deployed in October 2017 for an initial period of 20 weeks which has now been extended to allow further time for the recruitment effort.
In regard to cost, the HSE has previously advised that the estimated cost of the temporary additional service was €800,000 for the initial 20 week period. In regard to the cost of such a service for a full year, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
175. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year running costs of opening all medical assessment units on a seven-day basis. [19434/18]
View answerIn relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
