Dan Neville
Question:656. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding surgery in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25519/13]
View answerHospital Waiting Lists
Questions (656)
Written answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed 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. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Health Care Infrastructure
Questions (657)
Seán Kenny
Question:657. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to refurbish Raheny health centre, Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25540/13]
View answerWritten answers
Delivery of healthcare infrastructure is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (658)
Seán Kenny
Question:658. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of hospitals that currently have full helicopter landing facilities and that are in use and available on a 24-7 basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25541/13]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Question No. 659 answered with Question No. 619.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (660)
Michelle Mulherin
Question:660. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the reason an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo has been cancelled at Sligo General Hospital; when the operation will be rescheduled; if it will be expedited in view of the fact that the operation has to be carried out within a short time while earlier test results are still valid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25578/13]
View answerWritten answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed 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. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (661)
Brian Stanley
Question:661. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois may expect to be called for surgery for implantation of a spinal stimulator at St. Vincent's Hospital, Dublin. [25584/13]
View answerWritten answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed 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. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Question No. 662 answered with Question No. 619.
Hospital Staff
Questions (663)
David Stanton
Question:663. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if recruitment has commenced for a 0.7 diabetes nurse specialist at Cork University Hospital to oversee the development of insulin pump therapy for children and adolescents with Type 1 diabetes; when this position will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/13]
View answerWritten answers
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. However, the HSE can make staff appointments once it remains within its overall employment ceiling and has the financial resources to do so. In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (664)
Tom Fleming
Question:664. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25618/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.
Symphysiotomy Reports
Questions (665)
Seán Fleming
Question:665. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the progress he is making in dealing with the persons who had symphysiotomy procedures in hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25620/13]
View answerWritten answers
My Department has commissioned an independent research report in relation to the practice of symphysiotomy in Ireland. The research process comprised of two stages. The first stage was an independent draft academic research report, which was based on an analysis of published medical reports and research. The second stage in the research process was consultation on the draft report involving patient groups, health professionals and in particular the women who have experienced symphysiotomy. The second stage has just been completed by the researcher and peer reviewed. I expect to receive the final Report this week and I will then carefully consider the overall position in relation to women who have undergone symphysiotomy in the light of the findings of this Report and any other relevant information. I will then brief the Government on the matter as quickly as possible. Before publication of the Report, I will brief the support groups representing the women who have had symphysiotomies.
My first priority is to ensure that the women who have had this procedure have their health needs comprehensively and professionally met. In this regard, the HSE provides a range of services to women who continue to suffer the effects of having had this procedure. These services include the provision of medical cards, the availability of independent clinical advice and the organisation of individual pathways of care and the arrangement of appropriate follow-up.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (666)
Dan Neville
Question:666. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick. [25648/13]
View answerWritten answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed 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. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Medical Card Eligibility
Questions (667)
Billy Timmins
Question:667. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25653/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (668)
John McGuinness
Question:668. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date will be set for an operation at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25654/13]
View answerWritten answers
The National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2013, has been developed 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. This policy, which has recently been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists. In relation to this particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to investigate the situation and respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (669)
John McGuinness
Question:669. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will issue as a matter of urgency in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny. [25655/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.
Question No. 670 answered with Question No. 614.
Hospital Statistics
Questions (671)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:671. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a yearly breakdown for the past five years in relation to a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal; the budgets allocated; the staffing levels and the subsequent allocation of this staff; the number of patients-admissions that have been catered for; the number of operational beds; the number of retirements that have taken place; the number of these that have been replaced; the details of capital expenditure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25669/13]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Suicide Prevention
Questions (672)
Dessie Ellis
Question:672. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health the funding made available for suicide prevention services and initiatives in the Ballymun area, Dublin, in the years 2010, 2012 and 2013, respectively. [25676/13]
View answerWritten answers
Funding for suicide prevention is provided to the National Office for Suicide Prevention by the HSE from its overall budget for mental health. Funding provided in the years 2010 to 2013 is as follows:
|
Year |
Funding - €m |
|
2010 |
3.7 |
|
2011 |
4.1 |
|
2012 |
7.1 |
|
2013 |
8.1 |
In addition, approximately €5m is allocated regionally to fund suicide prevention work delivered through the HSE regions e.g. Resource Officers for Suicide Prevention, Self-Harm Liaison Nurses in Hospital Emergency Departments and local suicide prevention initiatives. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (673)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:673. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is recognised as a sufferer of narcolepsy as a result of the swine flu vaccine, pandermix; if not, if he will ensure a rapid assessment and provide a date and time for same; if he will outline the range of supports available and the process for accessing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25688/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to inform the Deputies that there are a number of supports in place for persons diagnosed with narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. My priority is to ensure that those affected by narcolepsy, with symptom onset post pandemic vaccination are provided with a range of services and supports to meet their health needs. The Health Service Executive has responsibility for health service delivery and at my request, the HSE developed a range of appropriate services and supports to address the needs of this group. Together, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills provide a very comprehensive range of services and supports to those affected.
These supports and services include access to rapid diagnosis, clear treatment pathways, temporary medical cards and reimbursement of expenses incurred. This includes expenses for counselling services for individuals and also for families of children affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination, in cases where such services are not already available through the HSE. Multi-disciplinary assessments which allow for appropriate individualised health and educational supports to be put in place are ongoing. The National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) is also engaging with the HSE and with the individual schools and parents of children concerned to identify and provide educational supports for the children and adolescents affected.
The Deputy has raised a query regarding an individual case. The HSE has responsibility for the administration of treatment in this case and delivery of services. The matter has therefore been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly Provision
Questions (674)
Pat Deering
Question:674. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if he will consider setting up a forum on long-term nursing home care. [25692/13]
View answerWritten answers
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that on-going consultation with all stakeholders and the public in general is already a standard feature of our approach across policy areas. Both my Ministerial colleagues, myself and officials from the Department regularly meet with stakeholders from across the public, private and voluntary sector to discuss policies, services and developments including those for Older People. In fact officials of the Department have recently met and are always happy to receive suggestions and other input from Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), which has called for the establishment of a forum of this nature.
The Department established a Working Group to develop the policy document “Towards a Restraint Free Environment in Nursing Homes”. Representatives from Nursing Homes Ireland were included on the Group. The Department has also engaged with NHI in the development of Care and Welfare Regulations and in the recent review of these regulations. Other recent examples of the type of consultation carried out include the development of the new National Positive Ageing Strategy and the National Strategy on Dementia. The Deputy will be aware that the Department is currently conducting a Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to examine, inter alia, the on-going sustainability of the Scheme. A public consultation process, which NHI contributed to, has already been undertaken to inform the Review. Summary reports of the latter consultations are available on the Department’s website. The establishment of an additional formal consultation forum such as that suggested by NHI is not considered necessary given the very effective level of consultation that already takes place and to which we remain committed for the future.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Oversight
Questions (675)
Pat Deering
Question:675. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if he will review the fair deal scheme in view of the fact that the ESRI projects additional requirement for 888 long-term residential care places per annum to 2021. [25693/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to consider developing a secure and equitable system of financing for community and long-term care which supports older people to stay in their own homes. In advance of this piece of work being carried out, the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is being reviewed. The review of the Scheme will inform the commitment made in the Programme for Government. The terms of reference for the review are: Taking account of Government policy, demographic trends and the fiscal situation - 1. To examine the on-going sustainability of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme; 2. To examine the overall cost of long term residential care in public and private nursing homes and the effectiveness of the current methods of negotiating/setting prices; 3. Having regard to 1 and 2 above, to consider the balance of funding between long-term residential care and community based services; 4. To consider the extension of the scheme to community based services and to other sectors (Disability and Mental Health), and; 5. To make recommendations for the future operation and management of the Scheme. Work will continue on the review in the coming months with a view to completion by end 2013-early 2014.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Appeals
Questions (676)
Pat Deering
Question:676. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce an independent appeals mechanism to address the failure to agree necessary fees for nursing home care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund. [25694/13]
View answerWritten answers
In order to be an ‘approved nursing home’ for the purposes of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, all private and voluntary nursing homes must negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This is a necessary feature of the Scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the full balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money for both the individual and the State. If price negotiations break down a three stage review process, developed by the NTPF, can be invoked. Details of the process are set out on the NTPF website.
When the Nursing Homes Support Scheme commenced in October, 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The reason for allowing this period to elapse is to ensure that trends and statistics will be available in order to inform the work. The Terms of Reference for the review of the Scheme include an examination of the overall cost of long-term residential care in public and private nursing homes and the effectiveness of the current methods of negotiating/setting prices. The Deputy will be aware that a public consultation to inform the review was concluded and a summary report of the submissions received was published on the Department's website in December 2012. Work will continue on the review in the coming months and the Department will shortly be seeking tenders through the public procurement process for external input to this review. It is envisaged that the review will be completed by end 2013- early 2014. As the Scheme is statutory based, the implementation of any recommendations arising from the review may require significant amendments to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009.