Ged Nash
Question:194. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the average time taken to process a fair deal application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48820/12]
View answerNursing Homes Support Scheme
Questions (194, 195)
Ged Nash
Question:195. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if any analysis has taken place regarding delays in processing fair deal applications; the measures in place to ensure an optimum processing time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48821/12]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 194 and 195 together.
The HSE's National Service Plan 2012 sets a target of four weeks for the processing of complete applications for the nursing homes support scheme. This performance indicator is reported on monthly in the HSE's performance report. In July (the most recent Performance Report available), 100% of complete applications were determined within four weeks. An application is complete when the nursing home support office has received all of the necessary documentation and information required to make a determination. Depending on the level of complexity of the individual case, processing of the application may take longer. For example, in cases where ancillary State support is sought, additional factors may impact on the timeframe, e.g. the HSE must establish title of a property before a decision can be made and establishing title can be a lengthy process in some cases.
Funding for the scheme is issued to applicants in chronological order by the date of determination of their application. This ensures equity nationally. Funding is currently being released by the HSE on a weekly basis.
Pharmacy Services
Questions (196)
Arthur Spring
Question:196. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the range of medicines, with established safety profiles and available in other locations without prescription, that can be dispensed by pharmacists with a view to generating more savings as seen in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48828/12]
View answerWritten answers
I fully support the principle of delivering health services to patients in the most appropriate setting. There is a growing interest in the "self care" agenda and it is acknowledged that pharmacists have a key role to play in the treatment of minor ailments. A recent example of extending the pharmacist role is pharmacist participation in the roll-out of the seasonal 'flu vaccination programme in 2011 and 2012.
Under the current legislation, the process whereby a medicine is switched from prescription only to pharmacist supply involves the manufacturer of the medicine making an application to the Irish Medicines Board, IMB. In making such an application, the manufacturer is required to submit appropriate scientific data to demonstrate that the medicine can be safely and correctly used by patients if available without prescription. A number of medicines have been switched from prescription control to pharmacist supply under this procedure in recent years. In addition, as part of the overall debate on switching of suitable medicines, the IMB has established a consultative panel on method of sale and supply of medicines. This Panel is representative of relevant stakeholders including my Department, the HSE, health care professionals and their regulatory bodies, patient representatives and industry representatives. The Panel is expected to conclude its work by the end of this year and its conclusions will be considered by the IMB in 2013.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (197)
Michelle Mulherin
Question:197. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours being provided by private agencies to the Health Service Executive West in County Mayo; the identity of the agencies and the cost per hour being paid to these agencies over the past couple of years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48846/12]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Questions (198)
Billy Timmins
Question:198. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding surgery in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48856/12]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 199 answered with Question No. 192.
Hospital Staff
Questions (200)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:200. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of radiologists currently working in a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 9; if he will provide same in each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48879/12]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.