Written Answers Nos. 196-199
197. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the body responsible for the care of a mental health patient who is in an open unit (details supplied) in County Tipperary and has went missing from care and is a danger to themselves and where no other secure placement has been made available for them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40931/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
198. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that a person (details supplied) referred to a consultant in County Donegal with the Child and Family Mental Health Services in April 2011 is still awaiting an appointment; if he will confirm the delay in acquiring an appointment and outline when this child is likely to be called for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40936/12]
View answerAs this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
199. Deputy Paschal Donohoe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the Health Service Executive difficulties in the supply of the Stelazine drug to the market here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40937/12]
View answerThe company who supplies the tablets on the Irish market has identified an alternative manufacturing site and a supply of tablets for the Irish market is expected later this year. Until then a Stelazine syrup product is available on the Irish market as an alternative for patients who require this medicine.
My Department works closely with the Irish Medicines Board, (IMB), the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to identify ways in which the Irish system can manage medicines shortages as effectively as possible in order to minimise the impact on patients. The IMB and HSE work closely with each other to operationally manage medicines shortages when they arise. The PSI has recently published guidance to registered pharmacists on managing medicines shortages.
