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Tuesday, 11 Jun 2013

Written Answers Nos. 938-955

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (938, 995)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

938. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health in relation to the filling of the 414 posts for community mental health services committed to in the Health Service Executive National Service Plan 2012, the number of these positions that have been filled by existing HSE staff members; his plans regarding the back-filling of the positions these staff members have vacated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/13]

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Finian McGrath

Question:

995. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the amount of the €35 million that was spent on mental health services. [27530/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 938 and 995 together.

In 2012, a special allocation of €35m was provided for mental health to be used primarily to further strengthen Community Mental Health Teams in both adult and children’s mental health services, to advance activities in the area of suicide prevention, to initiate the provision of psychological and counselling services in primary care, and to facilitate the transfer of mental health service users from institutional to community based care. 414 posts were approved to implement this €35m package of special measures.

Candidates for these new posts were asked on application to include details of their current employer. However, at the appointment stage this data may not be current and cannot be validated. Accordingly, it is not possible to indicate the number of the successful candidates who were already employed by the HSE.

It is currently the responsibility of the HSE Regional Directors of Operations (RDO) to decide within the context of their current resources, whether to fill vacancies that may arise as a result of the appointment of an individual to the mental health development posts from 2012. Each RDO has been asked to consider favourably the backfilling of posts vacated by the appointment of individuals to new mental health development posts to ensure that the objective of enhancing General Adult and Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health Teams will be maintained.

As at 30th April, 2013, 383 of the 414 posts approved in 2012 have either been filled, are under offer or awaiting clearance. The National Recruitment Service (NRS) of the HSE creates national panels in anticipation of vacancies. On occasion however, it is difficult to fill some posts for various reasons including geographical location, international shortage of some grades, most notably clinical Psychologists etc. The NRS is currently working to ensure that the remaining posts will be filled as soon as possible, subject to appropriately qualified candidates being available.

Budgetary pressures within the HSE delayed the full utilisation of the 2012 funding, but this sum is available again this year along with a further additional €35m which was provided in Budget 2013 for the continued development of mental health services across a range of headings, including the further ongoing development of community services. 477 posts have been approved to implement these measures. Each of the four HSE regions were asked to submit a business case against each of the identified objectives detailing how the funding is to be spent and the type and number of WTE to be recruited.

Approval has issued to three of the Regions, HSE Dublin North East, HSE South and HSE West and it is expected that approval will issue to the remaining HSE Region shortly to enable recruitment to commence.

I have received assurances from the HSE that the recruitment process for the new posts being funded in 2013, and any outstanding posts from the 414 approved in 2012, is being given priority within the HSE.

Hospital Appointment Status

Questions (939)

Ciaran Lynch

Question:

939. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be provided with an appointment at South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26865/13]

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Written answers

Improving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Building on work already undertaken by the HSE, the National Treatment Purchase Fund has now taken over the reporting of outpatient waiting time data. For the first time data is available on www.ntpf.ie. The collation and analysis of outpatient waiting time data in a standardised format will reveal the distribution of long waiters across all hospitals. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has now been set of 12 months for a first time outpatient appointment.

In parallel with reducing the numbers of longest waiters, the SDU will also work with the HSE Clinical Programmes to reform the structure, organisation and delivery of outpatient services to ensure that the right patient is seen and assessed by the right health professional at the right time.

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.

Nursing Home Services

Questions (940)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

940. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on submissions (details supplied) regarding nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26840/13]

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Written answers

I refer the Deputy to my replies to Parliamentary Questions Numbers 674, 676 and 677 of 28 May 2013.

In addition I would like to advise the Deputy that both the Health Information and Quality Authority and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are separately addressing the operational issues raised in the submissions directly with the sector.

Question No. 941 answered with Question No. 901.

Health Services Staff Issues

Questions (942, 1022)

Áine Collins

Question:

942. Deputy Áine Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on the progress being made in the current negotiations between SIPTU acting for home help carers and the Health Service Executive; the measures being taken to provide a positive outcome, ensuring that home help workers employed by the HSE continue to provide the invaluable service to vulnerable persons in our society. [26871/13]

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Billy Kelleher

Question:

1022. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that all Health Service Executive homehelp workers are in receipt of written contracts giving them the same statutory rights and conditions as full time workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27698/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 942 and 1022 together.

The Government recognises the value of the home help service in enabling people, who otherwise might need to be placed in long term residential care, to remain at home. It is also a vital support to older people in facilitating their early discharge from, and in preventing inappropriate admissions to, acute hospitals.

The HSE, equally, recognises the importance of home help and home care in supporting older persons to live in their own homes and communities, in accordance with Government policy. The 2013 National Service Plan includes the provision of 10.3 million hours of home help service, the same level as planned for in 2012.

The number of hours worked by home helps varies according to service needs, given that the home help service requires a unique set of arrangements to achieve the level of flexibility required. On 29 June 2012, the Labour Court recommended that the HSE and SIPTU should engage in relation to matters concerning the contracts of home helps. Subsequently, on 16th October 2012, it identified mechanisms to define specified hours and protocols to be followed where specified hours are not met as issues to be addressed. At a further hearing on 12th December 2012, it noted that management proposals to deal with these issues would be encompassed in a comprehensive delivery model for home help services.

The parties subsequently met on a number of occasions under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission, most recently on 30th April. While significant progress was made on a range of contractual matters, the Commission is referring a number of outstanding issues, including a revised contract for all home helps, back to the Labour Court.

Departmental Staff Training

Questions (943)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

943. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the details of all overseas training and development courses provided to staff of his Department and the Health Service Executive, and funded by the State, for the years 2011 and 2012; the names of each course; the number of officials who attended; the cost per head; the overall cost; and the same details for those courses provided domestically and costing more than €5,000 per head; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26885/13]

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Written answers

Details of all funded overseas training and development courses provided to staff in my Department for 2011 and 2012, including courses in excess of €5,000 provided domestically are set out in the following table. The figures for Domestic fees in 2011 and 2012 are in respect of the 'refund of fees' scheme in my Department whereby staff partake in a programme during the academic year in their own time.

It is essential that senior Officials in my Department take part in training courses and programmes so they can manage more effectively the numerous challenges which face my Department and our Health System now and into the future. Senior managers who attend such programmes are positioned in important areas where it is necessary to be equipped with the skills and knowledge required for high level leadership, negotiation, policy making and decision making. This modest investment pays dividends in the medium and long term, with the main beneficiary being our Health System.

Department of Health - Training and Development overseas and domestic 2011 and 2012

2011

Name of Course

Number of officers

Fee pp €

Total Fee €

Overseas

Leadership Challenge. Institute of Public Administration (IPA) - residential in Ireland and Harvard University

2

7,300

14,600

Oxford Programme on Negotiation. UK

2

7,308

14,616

Domestic

PHD in Health Service Research - Trinity College

1

6,085

6,085

Msc in Health Service Management - Trinity College

1

8,750

8,750

M EconSc in Policy Analysis - IPA

2

6,450

12,900

2012

Overseas

Oxford Programme on Negotiation. UK

4

8,244

32,976

Young Ireland Programme. Scotland

1

1,650

1,650

Domestic

M EconSc in Policy Analysis -IPA

3

8,950

26,850

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (944)

Barry Cowen

Question:

944. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath may expect admission to the neuro-surgical department, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin [26891/13]

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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.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (945)

Seán Kenny

Question:

945. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for each speciality at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number of persons on each waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26858/13]

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Written answers

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Ambulance Service Provision

Questions (946)

Seán Kenny

Question:

946. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve the Health Service Executive ambulance services in terms of equipment, and vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26859/13]

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Written answers

A significant reform programme has been underway in recent years in pre-hospital care services across the country for the development of a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. The programme involves a number of measures, including the Performance Improvement Action Plan, development of the intermediate care service (ICS), the trial emergency aeromedical service (EAS), and the National Ambulance Service (NAS) Control Centre Reconfiguration Project.

The NAS is taking steps to address challenges nationally, such as reliance on on-call rostering, geography, resourcing and the use of emergency ambulances for routine transport. The move from on-call to on-duty rostering for ambulance services is a key part of improving the service as highly trained paramedic crews are on site in their stations or vehicles to respond immediately to dispatches. The NAS is also developing a non-emergency transport fleet, the national intermediate care service (ICS), for routine clinical transfers of patients, freeing emergency ambulances for emergency responses.

A key priority for the NAS is the upgrading of its fleet and communications systems. The NAS has had a comprehensive capital upgrade programme over the last number of years which includes provision for replacement of existing emergency ambulances, with installation of cameras to ensure safety for staff and patients as a standard.

In relation to the details of the query raised by the Deputy in relation to ambulance equipment and vehicles, as these are operational issues for the HSE I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services Provision

Questions (947)

Michael Creed

Question:

947. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the level of supports available from his Department for persons suffering from narcolepsy; if he is satisfied that the supports that are available are being brought to the attention of those suffering from this condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26934/13]

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Written answers

I am pleased to inform the Deputy 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 HSE's advocacy unit is in regular contact with the support group SOUND and last met representatives of the group on 17 May 2013. Through regional co-ordinators the HSE also has frequent contact with individual members of SOUND to assist them in service access and reimbursement of expenses. The HSE recently held an information day for staff, also attended by SOUND, to ensure awareness of all the relevant services available.

My Department is considering all possible supports which may need to be put in place for those affected by narcolepsy following pandemic vaccination. I would like to assure the Deputy that this matter continues to be a priority for my Department.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (948)

Michael Creed

Question:

948. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the long delays for surgery for those diagnosed with adolescent scoliosis; the steps being taken to address this problem where undue delay can cause irreversible damage to the patient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26924/13]

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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 Services Access

Questions (949)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

949. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties accessing a hydrotherapy pool (details supplied); the future intentions for this facility; the reason it was closed and reopened on a trial basis only; and if he will outline alternative facilities that will accommodate patients in need of this service [26925/13]

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Written answers

In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (950)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

950. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when funding will be released in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry for the nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26916/13]

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Written answers

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

Patient Transport Provision

Questions (951)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

951. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that arrangements are made to assist an elderly wheelchair-bound person (details supplied) in County Wicklow with assistance towards taxi transport to and from hospital for essential treatment; if direct contact can be made with the person's next of kin in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26949/13]

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Written answers

Patient transport is the responsibility of the HSE. However, people attending outpatient and hospital appointments are, in general, expected to make their own travel arrangements, using private or scheduled public transport. The exceptions are for dialysis, cancer (radiotherapy and chemotherapy) and post-operative transplant patients, where transport may be provided. In these cases, the patient's appointment should be directly related to the treatment.

Transport may also be provided where, in the clinician's view, the patient would be unable to make the journey without clinical assistance or where the patient must be transported on a stretcher.

Following implementation of the HSE's non-ambulance patient transport policy, responsibility for the arrangement and provision of non-ambulance transport has moved from the HSE National Ambulance Service to local health offices in each region. Patients or their clinicians should contact their local health office directly in relation to transport requests.

Under the supplementary welfare allowance (SWA) scheme, the Department of Social Protection administers a scheme which may help meet essential, once-off, exceptional expenditure, which a person could not reasonably be expected to meet out of their weekly income. These payments are known as Exceptional Needs Payments (ENPs). Enquiries relating to this scheme should be addressed to the Department of Social Protection.

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Questions (952, 956)

Martin Ferris

Question:

952. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown for the past five years of the numbers of persons in County Kerry on waiting lists for orthodontic treatment. [26966/13]

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Martin Ferris

Question:

956. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Kerry. [26969/13]

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Written answers

I propose to take Questions Nos. 952 and 956 together.

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific queries raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (953)

Patrick Nulty

Question:

953. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health if an application for the fair deal scheme in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be expedited; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26942/13]

View answer

Written answers

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

Health Services Staff Issues

Questions (954)

Andrew Doyle

Question:

954. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 28 May 2013, if the person seconded two days per week to fill the role of the Chief Dental Officer in the interim are to receive payment from his Department for fulfilling this position; if their salary will be reduced payable by the Health Service Executive from which they have been seconded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26956/13]

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Written answers

Further to my response to Parliamentary Question No. 655 of 28 May 2013, the HSE National Oral Health Lead is being released on a secondment basis to the Department for two days each week to undertake the functions of Chief Dental Officer, with effect from 20 May 2013. The HSE National Oral Health Lead will retain her existing salary in the HSE and arrangements will be made for recoupment of salary from my Department to the HSE in respect of the time spent undertaking the functions of the Chief Dental Officer.

Orthodontic Services Provision

Questions (955)

Martin Ferris

Question:

955. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will have orthodontic treatment. [26968/13]

View answer

Written answers

The HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.

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