Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:996. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the home help waiting lists in the various community health organisations by CHO area. [14657/20]
View answerHome Help Service
Questions (996)
Written answers
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (997)
Mattie McGrath
Question:997. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of works at the national children's hospital; the timeline for the completion of the works; the estimated total cost of the project; the impact Covid-19 has had on the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/20]
View answerWritten answers
The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (998)
Mattie McGrath
Question:998. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the capital infrastructure projects that have had works carried out in response to Covid-19 in County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14661/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Bereavement Care
Questions (999)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:999. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate and address the unacceptable miscommunication that has taken place between HIQA and his Department in regard to the availability of a bereavement service for persons who have lost loved ones in a nursing home, such as a person (details supplied); his plans to ensure that his officials respond directly to the person in respect of this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14663/20]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister I cannot comment in relation to the details of an individual case. However, I understand that HIQA communicated directly with affected family members on 30th June to clarify matters and apologise for any confusion caused by the miscommunication.
I have further been advised that the Patient Advocacy Service (PAS) is currently involved in early discussions with the nursing home involved to establish if it is possible to extend its remit to provide patient advocacy support to residents and families affected.
I would like to acknowledge that these are very sad and challenging times for anybody who has suffered the loss of a loved one, and should anyone wish to receive bereavement support, the Hospice Bereavement Support Line is 1800 80 70 77 and is currently open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Friday.
Disability Support Services
Questions (1000)
Emer Higgins
Question:1000. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the additional supports that are available to children who have a dual diagnosis of autism and verbal dyspraxia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14671/20]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
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.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (1001)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1001. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a resumption of services is planned at a HSE adult disability day service centre (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14675/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.
The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.
The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-COVID supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the disability sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. A national group for the resumption of day services representative of service users and families, service providers and the HSE is working together to prepare for the resumption of day service supports in line with COVID-19 guidance. The Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and Action Plan for resumption of services have been completed. The national group are currently developing guidance to support the day service sector to reopen within the parameters of public health advice.
Community Healthcare Organisations are working with service providers to ascertain the current level of service provision and innovative practises that have developed over the last number of months. The collation and analysis of this data will provide a current national picture which will enable the resumption group to address the challenges of reopening day service locations.
The resumption group plan to have completed the above strands of work shortly, following which a timeframe for the phased reopening of adult day services will be planned in cooperation with HSE disability services and service providers. In the meantime, service providers continue to contact day service users regarding their support needs and are providing those supports in different ways. Some supports continue to be provided in a number of ways, for example by telephone, online communication and responses to address emergency needs.
The HSE and disability service providers, where identified, will continue to communicate with school leavers and their families to plan and organise for a transition to day services in line with public health guidance.
The safety of service users and staff is of critical importance therefore the attendance at locations will be determined by public health guidance, which may result in some reduction of capacity.
An information leaflet for service users and their families was developed by the national group and distributed widely to all stakeholders on June 9th.
It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge shortly as to when day services are likely to be reinstated and how the service will be delivered taking account of Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and the information leaflet “What's Happening” is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections.
As the Deputy's question refers to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1002)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1002. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment in Cork University Hospital for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14679/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for 'Service Continuity in a Covid Environment' on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
Under 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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (1003)
Joan Collins
Question:1003. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a group (details supplied) in respect of adult day services will be examined. [14681/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.
The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.
The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-COVID supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the disability sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. A national group for the resumption of day services representative of service users and families, service providers and the HSE is working together to prepare for the resumption of day service supports in line with COVID-19 guidance. The Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and Action Plan for resumption of services have been completed. The national group are currently developing guidance to support the day service sector to reopen within the parameters of public health advice.
Community Healthcare Organisations are working with service providers to ascertain the current level of service provision and innovative practises that have developed over the last number of months. The collation and analysis of this data will provide a current national picture which will enable the resumption group to address the challenges of reopening day service locations.
The resumption group plan to have completed the above strands of work soon, following which a timeframe for the phased reopening of adult day services will be planned in cooperation with HSE disability services and service providers. In the meantime, service providers continue to contact day service users regarding their support needs and are providing those supports in different ways. Some supports continue to be provided in a number of ways, for example by telephone, online communication and responses to address emergency needs.
The HSE and disability service providers, where identified, will continue to communicate with school leavers and their families to plan and organise for a transition to day services in line with public health guidance.
The safety of service users and staff is of critical importance therefore the attendance at locations will be determined by public health guidance, which may result in some reduction of capacity.
An information leaflet for service users and their families was developed by the national group and distributed widely to all stakeholders on June 9th.
It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge shortly as to when day services are likely to be reinstated and how the service will be delivered taking account of Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and the information leaflet “What's Happening” is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (1004)
Thomas Gould
Question:1004. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide Covid-19 testing to persons returning from international travel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14684/20]
View answerWritten answers
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen our existing arrangements. Officials from my Department and from the HSE are working closely with counterparts in other Government departments in this regard.
The intention is that Government will make an announcement on further measures in this policy area in the coming days.
Question No. 1005 answered with Question No. 974.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (1006)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1006. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason there is a difference in policy on allowing the attendance of partners of women giving birth in Cork University Maternity Hospital as compared to the Rotunda and Holles Street hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14688/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (1007)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1007. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be instructed to allow in birthing partners of women giving birth in Cork University Maternity Hospital, with associated mask protection and temperature checks. [14689/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1008)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1008. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14702/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for 'Service Continuity in a Covid Environment' on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
Under 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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1009)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1009. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a Cork University Hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14703/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for 'Service Continuity in a Covid Environment' on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
Under 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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Nursing Home Inspections
Questions (1010)
John Brady
Question:1010. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing homes closed from January 2020 to date pursuant to section 64 of the Heath Act 2007, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14706/20]
View answerWritten answers
Section 64 of the Health Act 2007 (as amended) requires the HSE to make alternative arrangements for residents in a nursing home where the registration has been cancelled under section 59. To date in 2020, one nursing home (located in Wicklow) has closed under section 59.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1011, 1220, 1222)
Carol Nolan
Question:1011. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will address the inequality that is being created by denying patients diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in the public system to access refunds for adjuvant immunotherapy, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, and targeted therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14711/20]
View answer
Sean Fleming
Question:1220. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when funding will be provided for a cancer treatment (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15560/20]
View answer
Patricia Ryan
Question:1222. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will fund adjuvant immunotherapy, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab, with respect to stage 3 melanoma in the public health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15565/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1011, 1220 and 1222 together.
The 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 specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
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 (HTAs) 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 at all times ensures that the systems that it has in place are designed to provide equitable access to all medicines across all therapeutic areas, cancer and non-cancer, from the resources provided to it.
In 2019 and 2020, the Vhi decided to extend cover to a number of new cancer medicines. The decision by the Vhi applies only to private care to private Vhi patients in private hospitals. It has no impact on the availability and use of medicines in public hospitals, where there is no distinction between public and private patients.
A number of the medicines, or indications (which includes pembrolizumab and nivolumab), which the Vhi has now decided to cover, are in process with the HSE with a view to making them available in the public hospital system.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received pricing and reimbursement applications for the indications listed below:
- Nivolumab (Opdivo®) as monotherapy is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with melanoma with involvement of lymph nodes or metastatic disease who have undergone complete resection.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) as monotherapy is indicated for the adjuvant treatment of adults with Stage III melanoma and lymph node involvement who have undergone complete resection.
The HSE has confirmed that health technology assessments have been completed by the NCPE for both these indications. These applications for reimbursement are now been assessed by the HSE in line with the 2013 Health Act.
Special Educational Needs
Questions (1012, 1013, 1014)
Pat Buckley
Question:1012. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has a legal duty to refer children to the National Council for Special Education or a special educational needs officer in circumstances in which there may be an educational need at present or in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14721/20]
View answerPat Buckley
Question:1013. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has a requirement and-or an obligation, or a legal duty, to properly set out in service statements full details of all services available to meet the needs of a child in terms of timelines in which to deliver assessments of needs reports and other issues; if there is an obligation on the HSE to have an appropriate complaints mechanism to deal with issues parents might have arising out of these reports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14722/20]
View answerPat Buckley
Question:1014. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has a requirement or legal duty to refer a child to the National Council for Special Education and-or the special needs officer for future educational needs and services and the timeline for services for therapy and health needs; if the HSE has a requirement to provide details of services that are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14723/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1012 to 1014, inclusive, together.
The 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
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1015)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1015. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an appropriate appointment and treatment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14731/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for 'Service Continuity in a Covid Environment' on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
Under 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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1016)
Joan Collins
Question:1016. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses' positions that have been vacant in the Children's Health Ireland hospital group as of 26 June 2020, in tabular form. [14757/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Services
Questions (1017)
Joan Collins
Question:1017. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in CHO 7 who were waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020; and the numbers waiting from zero to three, three to six, six to nine and more than nine months, respectively. [14758/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention of the Deputy and direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1018)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:1018. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to licence a drug (details supplied) here and make it available under the general medical scheme; the reason for the delay in the consideration of this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14789/20]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
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 (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received pricing and reimbursement applications for the following indications for dupilumab (Dupixent®):
1. Treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy;
2. Treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
1) The HSE received an application for pricing/reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent®) on 10 November 2017 from the applicant company for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy. The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on the 13 November 2017 and the NCPE advised the HSE on 24 November 2017 that a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was required for this medicine.
The HSE commissioned a full Health Technology Assessment on 29 November 2017 as per agreed processes. This assessment was completed in December 2019 with the NCPE recommending that dupilumab (Dupixent®) be considered for reimbursement if cost-effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments
2) The HSE received an application for pricing/reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent®) on 13 December 2019 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy. The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on the 17 December 2019. Following receipt of a rapid review dossier, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) advised the HSE on 17 January 2020 that a HTA was not recommended and that dupilumab (Dupixent®) not be considered for reimbursement at the submitted price.
The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) engaged in commercial negotiations with the company in February 2020 regarding both the adult and adolescent populations
The HSE Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. The final HTA report was reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group, along with the outputs of commercial negotiations, and the patient group submission received during the HTA process. The HSE Drugs Group considered all the evidence and made a recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team not to support reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent®) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in both adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
The final decision making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team. Dupilumab (Dupixent®) remains under consideration with the HSE Executive Management Team.
Medical Cards
Questions (1019, 1117)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1019. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding general practitioners charging for regular blood tests (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14816/20]
View answer
David Cullinane
Question:1117. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the liability of medical card holders to pay for blood tests carried out by their general practitioner; the efforts made to ensure that medical card holders are not being charged for the routine service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15225/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1019 and 1117 together.
Persons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly.
I am aware that, nonetheless, some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances. The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in from this year will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients' condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.
However, it remains a matter of concern to me that a GMS and GP visit card patient might be charged for blood tests which are clinically necessary and I have asked my officials to discuss with the HSE what further solutions to this issue may be possible. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office.
Medical Cards
Questions (1020)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:1020. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for a refund of phlebotomy charges incorrectly incurred by medical card patients in counties Carlow and Kilkenny; and the number of these applications that were approved and refused, respectively. [14822/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.