Wednesday, 20 Mar 2013

Written Answers Nos. 451-473

Nurses Registration

Questions (451)

Brian Walsh

Question:

451. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on an application for nursing registration in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway. [14112/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information regarding Nurse Registration is a matter for The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (formerly An Bord Altranais). I have forwarded your query to the Board for direct response.

Controlled Drug Sales

Questions (452, 461)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Question:

452. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health his plans to make cannabis liquid available by prescription for pain control similar to the UK where it is currently available on prescription. [14115/13]

Luke 'Ming' Flanagan

Question:

461. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if cannabinoid medicines such as Sativex for the treatment of spasticity due to multiple sclerosis, glaucoma and other ailments will be available here in June of this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14149/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 452 and 461 together.

My Department has been informed by the Irish Medicines Board (IMB) that it is in receipt of a market authorisation request from a manufacturer under the EU Mutual Recognition Procedure for a medicinal product containing Cannabis extract. This product is indicated for the relief of symptoms of spasticity for people with multiple sclerosis.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research.

My Department is currently examining how authorised cannabis-based medicinal products for patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis may be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients for the treatment of MS in Ireland. In that respect, Department officials have been engaging with experts to identify how best to legally describe authorised cannabis-based medicinal products while maintaining existing controls on cannabis and cannabis substances. While the legislative amendments required can be made by means of statutory instrument, the legal issues are complex. The matter is being progressed as quickly as possible in my Department and it is hoped to bring forward legislative proposals in mid-2013.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (453)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

453. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there will be no downgrading of the ambulance service and cover in Caherciveen, Killarney and Kenmare, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14117/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The National Ambulance Service (NAS) is not a static service. The Service deploys its resources in a dynamic manner and works on an area and national, rather than a local, basis. The dynamic deployment of ambulance resources ensures that the nearest appropriate resource is mobilised to the location of any incident.

The NAS has been taking a number of steps to improve response times. These include development of a Performance Improvement Action Plan, an Intermediate Care Service, the control centre reconfiguration project and a trial emergency aeromedical service. Following a referral to the Labour Court under the Public Service Agreement, the HSE National ambulance Service is currently progressing a number of efficiencies arising from LCR 20313, including the issue of removal of overtime built in to rosters. New rosters are now in place and are operating successfully. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Dental Services Waiting Lists

Questions (454)

Noel Harrington

Question:

454. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be called for dental treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14121/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Dental services to children up to 16 years are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE. The service is targeted at children at key stages in their development. Children are given dental examinations and any follow-up treatment required at these stages. When required, emergency dental treatment is available to all children up to 16 years. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Hospital Equipment

Questions (455)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

455. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if an evaluation has been carried out on the benefits of the introduction of the national integrated medical imaging system at Portiuncala Hospital, County Galway, replacing the PACS system that was in place; if he will provide same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14126/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy's query relates to operational matters for the Health Service Executive, this question has been forwarded to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Equipment

Questions (456, 457)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

456. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive has agreed to replace the radiology IT systems in Cork University Hospital and the Maternity University Hospital as part of the NIMIS project; if so, if he will explain the problems with the current system and the cost of introducing the new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14127/13]

Billy Kelleher

Question:

457. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is the intention of the NIMIS programme to integrate the radiology reporting for the whole of the Health Service Executive South under this new system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14128/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 456 and 457 together.

In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Questions (458)

Finian McGrath

Question:

458. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will draw up a health care plan in respect of persons (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [14136/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Provision

Questions (459)

Brendan Smith

Question:

459. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that there will be no change to the status in relation to the provision of day care services at St. Mary's nursing unit, Castleblayney, County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14143/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (460)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

460. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants awaiting approval for the fair deal scheme in County Tipperary; of these applicants, the number currently in acute beds in hospital; the number of applicants waiting more than one month for approval for the scheme from the time of application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14147/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Question No. 461 answered with Question No. 452.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (462)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

462. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14157/13]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

Health Service Recruitment

Questions (463)

Marcella Corcoran Kennedy

Question:

463. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a graduate social care worker scheme similar to that which was introduced for graduate nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14161/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government has decided that the numbers employed across the public service must be reduced in order to meet its fiscal and budgetary targets. The health sector must make its contribution to that reduction.

The Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform agreed to a nurse graduate initiative on the basis that it would deliver significant savings through displacement of agency and overtime expenditure.

I have no plans at present for similar graduate programmes for other health professions.

Health Services Issues

Questions (464, 465, 466)

Gerry Adams

Question:

464. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to introduce a bilateral cochlear implant programme; the staff that are being recruited for the proposes of the introduction of the programme; when he envisages the staff being in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14162/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

465. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if funding and resources have been secured to provide for the introduction of a bilateral cochlear implant programme from 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14163/13]

Gerry Adams

Question:

466. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the process by which children who have already been fitted with a single cochlear implant will be fitted with a second implant once a bilateral implant programme is introduced; the timeframe in which he envisages children who currently have only one implant will be fitted with a second implant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14164/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 464 to 466, inclusive, together.

Since the national cochlear implant programme commenced seventeen years ago, over 700 patients have received cochlear implants. I am advised that, in 2012, ninety cochlear implants were carried out with 42 children receiving implants and 48 adults. In addition to providing the surgical services, the programme provides a comprehensive assessment service to potential candidates and a rehabilitative service to those actually implanted.

In 2009 a National Review of Audiology Services was carried out by the HSE, to examine the services provided to children and adults nationwide, and to formulate a national plan for the services. The report of the National Audiology Review Group, published by the HSE in 2011, provides the blueprint for the planning, development and delivery of HSE audiology services, from new-born screening to assessment and management of adults and children with hearing problems, including cochlear implantation. Two of the main recommendations in the report include the national rollout of a universal new-born hearing screening programme and the establishment of a bone anchored hearing aid programme. The report also included a recommendation that continued ring-fenced financial support be provided for the cochlear implant programme but at levels which allow for simultaneous bilateral implantation for children. A key development has been the creation of the post of National Clinical Lead for Audiology. This post has recently been filled by a clinician who has worked extensively on cochlear implant programmes, including the Irish cochlear implant programme in Beaumont. The newly appointed lead is very familiar with the complexities of this area and will be taking a key role with the development of the potential introduction of a bilateral simultaneous/sequential cochlear implant programme.

While no dedicated programme for simultaneous or sequential implantation is being carried out in Ireland at this time, some bilateral implantation has already occurred for patients, mainly very young children with certain medical conditions such as a history of meningitis or blindness. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 children in Ireland today who may be suitable for a second implant.

The HSE is working closely with Beaumont Hospital to progress plans for both simultaneous and sequential bilateral implantation. I understand that Beaumont Hospital, HSE Management and the HSE’s Audiology Clinical Care Programme have met recently to discuss a joint process to identify the options for developing and resourcing a programme of simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation. An important element of this will be the development of clear clinical criteria to prioritise clients for assessment and follow on implantation. Each child requires to be assessed to determine if they are suitable for a bilateral implant, and the provision of information about the advantages and potential disadvantages of bilateral implantation is required in order to facilitate an informed decision as to whether to proceed. Not all suitable patients proceed with the second implant when apprised of all the issues involved. I understand that the HSE will be arranging an information day for all parents/caregivers and children who have had, or about to have a single cochlear implant. This will provide a balance of information regarding the potential benefits that bilateral cochlear implantation may afford some children and the assessment programme that will be required to assess each child individually.

The development of the service will require additional resources for Beaumont and these plans will be progressed through the HSE 2014 Estimates process.

Hospital Services

Questions (467)

Finian McGrath

Question:

467. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns (details supplied) regarding the way in which patients' documentation is being checked at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin; and if he will provide an update on the security that has been instigated at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. [14175/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Hospital staff are fully aware of the need to protect patient confidentiality in relation to personal data. In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Hospital Services

Questions (468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473)

Derek Keating

Question:

468. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline, in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Rathcoole area of Dublin. [14179/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

469. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Saggart area of County Dublin. [14180/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

470. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Newcastle area of County Dublin. [14181/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

471. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Palmerstown area of Dublin. [14182/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

472. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Lucan area of County Dublin. [14183/13]

Derek Keating

Question:

473. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Health if he will outline in tabular form, following a report that there is a backlog of 6,000 scan and X-ray reports at Tallaght Hospital which have yet to provide diagnosis or findings to general practitioners, the number outstanding in the Clondalkin area of Dublin. [14184/13]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 468 to 473, inclusive, together.

I appreciate the opportunity to outline the situation in relation to radiology reporting at Tallaght hospital. I am assure by the hospital that there is no predicted impact on patient safety. All urgent, critical and prioritised reports, as well as referrals from Emergency Department and Paediatrics are reported and typed within 24 hours.There are clinical governance processes in place at the hospital for radiologists, the doctors who examine x-rays, to ensure that any significant or urgent cases are responded to immediately. Any critical or urgent findings are immediately brought to the attention of the referring doctor and to the clerical staff who then transcribe and send the report immediately.

There are currently 6000 images reported but untyped – this represents 3.5% of the total number of reports typed annually. Standard turnaround time for routine reports is 2 to 3 weeks, these tapes are currently 5 weeks old - this means that there is a 2-3 week delay in typing these images. The Radiology Department, with the Diagnostic Directorate and Executive Team at the hospital are taking a number of steps to address this issue, including additional clerical support in Radiology to assist with typing of tapes. It is intended that the backlog will be cleared in approximately 5 weeks.

In relation to the specific query from the Deputy regarding the number x-rays outstanding to GPs for particular areas in Dublin I have asked the HSE to contact the Deputy directly in this matter.