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Thursday, 17 Jan 2013

Written Answers Nos. 198 - 207

Medical Card Applications

Questions (198)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

198. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2065/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (199)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

199. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a determination will be made in an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2090/13]

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Written answers

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medicinal Products Supply

Questions (200, 217)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

200. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the timescale from securing the drug Kalydeco that targets the Celtic gene variant of cystic fibrosis; when same will become available to Irish patients; if it will come under the terms of the recent agreements with the drug companies on high-tech drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2091/13]

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Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

217. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will fund Kalydeco for cystic fibrosis patients; the date on which this drug will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2252/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 200 and 217 together.

The HSE has received an application for the inclusion of Kalydeco (generic name: Ivacaftor) in the GMS and community drugs schemes which is being considered in line with the procedures agreed with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA). These include clearly documented processes and timelines for the assessment of new medicines in as timely a fashion as possible. In accordance with these procedures, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) conducts a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) which provides detailed information on the potential budget impact of the medicine. It also assesses whether the medicine is cost effective at the price quoted by the company in question. No further comment is possible at this time as the decision making process is ongoing.

Medical Card Delays

Questions (201)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

201. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the efficiency of the medical card office; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that fully completed applications are no longer being processed within the 15 day timeframe as previously indicated; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications are being held for more than one month with the medical officer alone; the measures he will take to ensure that this process is improved to ensure that those who require a medical card on discretionary grounds are not left waiting for long periods of time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2100/13]

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Written answers

I have asked the Health Service Executive for a report on the issue raised by the Deputy. I will revert to the Deputy on the matter as soon as possible.

Health Services Provision

Questions (202)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

202. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the cost incurred by the Health Service Executive for the provision of a temporary clinic during the Christmas period in Rathkeale County Limerick; the number of persons that attended the clinic; the number of persons who attended on more than one occasion; the criteria which the HSE applied to those in attendance; if those who attended paid; if other health authorities in EU countries including the NHS in the UK make a contribution toward the cost of treating any of their nationals [2109/13]

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Written answers

The aspects of the Deputy's question that relate to the provision of health services in Rathkeale have been referred to the HSE, which has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Under EU Regulations, the healthcare entitlements of people on a temporary stay (e.g. on holidays) are established through the use of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). An EHIC entitles a person to necessary healthcare in the public system of any EU/EEA Member State and Switzerland, if they become ill or injured while on a temporary stay in that country. However, the card does not entitle a person to intentionally travel abroad with the aim of getting healthcare. The arrangements between Ireland and the UK are by way of a bilateral healthcare agreement. Ireland receives reimbursement from the UK in respect of healthcare services provided.

Hospital Acquired Infections

Questions (203, 204, 205)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

203. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the wearing of loose clothing by healthcare workers in hospital environments, including neck ties and white coats constitute a risk to hospital acquired infections; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2129/13]

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Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

204. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he and or the Health Service Executive will consider introducing policies that limit the wearing of neckties and white coats in public hospitals in order to assist in curbing the spread of hospital acquired infections; if he has considered a national standard of bare below the elbow for health care workers in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2130/13]

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Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

205. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he and or the Health Service Executive have examined the practices and policies of other jurisdictions as they pertain to clothing standards of health professionals in hospital environments which are aimed at minimising the spread of hospital acquired infections; if he is satisfied that standards and practices in place here conform with best international practices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 203 to 205, inclusive, together.

The prevention and control of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and healthcare associated infection (HCAI) is a key priority for my Department and the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has established a National Clinic Programme focusing on the prevention of healthcare-associated infection and antimicrobial resistance. There is a comprehensive programme of work underway to continue to improve infection control performance and to measure compliance with national infection prevention and control standards. In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in these matters.

General Medical Services Scheme Administration

Questions (206)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

206. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if urinary catheter irrigation solutions are available to those patients with a medical card under GMS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2133/13]

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Written answers

The following urinary appliances are on the HSE's Primary Care Reimbursement Service list of reimbursable items:

- Big Bendi Leg Bag 1300 ml. Non-Sterile 70.47-4-12-20 10;

- Big Bendi Leg Bag 1300 ml. Sterile 70.47-4S-12S-20S 10;

- Actreen Glys Catheter 225108E/18E 8-18 Ch. Male (Tiemann) 225208E/18E 8-18 Ch. Male & 225306E/16E 6-16 Ch. Female 30;

- Actreen Glys Set 226108E/16E 8-16 Ch. Male (Tiemann) 226208E/18E 8-18 Ch. Male 226306E/16E 6-16 Ch. Female 30;

- Advance Catheter 92062, 92082, 92102/22/42, 92084, 92104/24/44/64/84 & 99124/64 2;

- Advance Hydro Soft Hydrophilic Catheter with Integral Sterile Water Sachet (Hollister) 82085/105, 82103/43 & 82108/68 25;

- Advance Plus Catheter 94062/82, 94064/84, 94102/42, 94104/84 & 95124/64 25;

- All Silicone Foley Catheter (BARD) D165812/22 & D166816/22 1;

- All Silicone Foley Catheter (BARD) D166112/16 1;

- Aquadry Clear Advantage Sheath 786187/786241 30.

Hospital Services

Questions (207)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

207. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if any investigations into the case of a person (details supplied) in County Cork regarding treatment they received in Cork University Hospital in September 2006 have taken place; if any consideration has been given to providing the treatment necessary as a result of problems arising from the treatment at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2139/13]

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Written answers

In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

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