Seán Fleming
Question:1372. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health his views on a forum for long-term care and funding that should be provided to facilitate same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37602/13]
View answerCare of the Elderly Provision
Questions (1372)
Written answers
I refer the Deputy to my reply to Parliamentary Question Number 674 of 28 May 2013. The position remains unchanged.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (1373)
Finian McGrath
Question:1373. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update in the free general practitioner card scheme. [37605/13]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. This policy constitutes a fundamental element in the Government's health reform programme. The current Government is the first in the history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population.
It has become clear that the legal and administrative framework required to provide a robust basis for eligibility for a GP service based on having a particular medical condition is likely to be overly complex and bureaucratic. Relatively complex primary legislation would be required in order to provide a GP service to a person on the basis of their having a particular illness. While it would not be impossible to achieve this, it would take several months more to finalise the primary legislation, followed then by the preparation of statutory instruments. In my view, this would entail putting in place a cumbersome legal and administrative infrastructure to deal with what is only a temporary first phase on the way to universal GP service to the entire population.
However, the Government is firmly committed to introducing a universal service within this term. The Cabinet Committee on Health has discussed the issues relating to the roll-out of the universal GP service. In doing so, it has considered the delay in the initial step and the importance of weighing the balance between, on the one hand, resolving the legal issues but with a further delay and, on the other hand, with the need to bring forward an important Programme for Government commitment with the minimum of further delay.
It has been agreed that a number of alternative options should be set out with regard to the phased implementation of a universal GP service without fees. As part of this work, consideration is being given to the approaches, timing and financial implications of the phased implementation of this universal health service. A range of options are under consideration with a view to bringing developed proposals to Government over the next few months.
The Government has already made clear its commitment to delivering on the implementation of a GP service for the entire population by providing additional financial resources totalling €30 million in the two most recent budgets.
To conclude,this Government is determined to expedite the implementation of a national GP service for the entire population, something to which no previous Government has ever aspired.
Medical Procedures
Questions (1374)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the procedure to be followed by a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has had two faulty hip replacements and one subsequent repair; if any particular special provision is being made available in such circumstances in view of the fact that there have been numerous complaints in relation to such replacements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37612/13]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Hospital Services
Questions (1375)
Denis Naughten
Question:1375. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans for the development of a rehabilitation service at Roscommon County Hospital; the current position regarding the recruitment of a consultant in rehabilitation medicine for the Health Service Executive West Region; where that consultant will be based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37616/13]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Homeless Persons Supports
Questions (1376)
Finian McGrath
Question:1376. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the case of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 in relation to a homeless situation. [37615/13]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Care Services
Questions (1377, 1380)
Michael McCarthy
Question:1377. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to undertake an audit of respite services to identify gaps in existing service levels and to assess current and future need for these services; his plans to provide increased access to planned respite breaks for dependents of full time carers, development of flexible in home respite services for carers and dependents with no access to residential respite services; his further plans to provide additional emergency respite beds when carers are unable to carry out their duties on a short time basis, for example when a carer takes ill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37623/13]
View answerMichael McCarthy
Question:1380. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on providing a training plan or courses for family carers similar to those provided to health care professionals in the practicalities of care such as patient moving and handling, the use of aids and appliances, nutrition and personal care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37626/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1377 and 1380 together.
The National Carers’ Strategy, which was published in July 2012, is a cross-departmental strategy that sets the strategic direction for future policies, services and supports provided by Government Departments and agencies for carers.
It is an objective of this Strategy to provide relevant and accessible carer training opportunities for carers.
It is also an objective to enable carers to have access to respite breaks. A supporting action under this specific objective is to identify gaps in existing services and establish performance indicators for the provision of respite services, the timeline for which is 2013/2014.
The operational delivery of these objectives falls within the remit of the HSE and the more specific issues raised by the Deputy have accordingly been referred to the Executive for direct reply to him.
Care Services
Questions (1378, 1456)
Michael McCarthy
Question:1378. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health his views on the feasibility of developing a National Discharge Summary and Care Plan for all persons leaving hospital care to share with their respective carers. [37624/13]
View answer
Nicky McFadden
Question:1456. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will consider developing nationally a patient discharge summary for all persons leaving hospital care in order that information can be shared with their family carer when the patient is in need of on-going care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37911/13]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1378 and 1456 together.
Integrated Discharge Planning is about effective and multi-disciplinary planning for the discharge of patients, which starts from the moment a patient is admitted to hospital, through to their discharge home or transfer to a community care facility.
In 2008 the HSE developed an Integrated Discharge Planning Code of Practice as a guide to the standards of practice required in the management of integrated discharge planning. In 2011 the HSE Quality & Patient Safety Directorate established a National Integrated Care Advisory Group (NICAG) to review the existing Integrated Discharge Planning Code of Practice. Following initial consultation last year with staff in hospitals and the community services the NICAG is revising the National Integrated Care Guidance document which will replace the existing code of practice.
This Guidance Document aims to provide practical advice for service providers regarding effective discharge and transfer from hospital to the community. It outlines the nine key steps in effective discharge and transfer of care which will facilitate faster, safer discharges for patients. These steps include identifying whether the person has simple or complex needs, setting an expected date of discharge/transfer within 24/48 hours of admission and reviewing the treatment plan with the person on a daily basis.
In relation to discharge summary information, the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has developed a National Standard for Patient Discharge Summary Information as an important step towards improving the whole care pathway and enabling the delivery of safe, person-centred care. When a patient is discharged from hospital to primary care it is essential that complete, relevant and valid information regarding the patient's stay in hospital is sent to the primary care healthcare professional in a timely manner, allowing the primary care professional to continue care and management following discharge. The National Standard for Patient Discharge Summary Information sets out the relevant and important information that should be contained in a patient's summary discharge information. HIQA has submitted the National Standard to me seeking my approval in accordance with Section 8 (1) (k) of the Health Act 2007. My Department is currently examining this submission.
Home Help Service Expenditure
Questions (1379)
Michael McCarthy
Question:1379. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there are no cuts to home help services in view of the severe difficulties this will cause service users and their families; the steps taken to ensure sufficient levels of home help are made available to support carers including the provision for more flexibility for weekend and night cover; and that the number of home help packages are sustained in an equitable divide countrywide. [37625/13]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Question No. 1380 answered with Question No. 1377.
Question No. 1381 answered with Question No. 1366.
Care Services
Questions (1382)
Finian McGrath
Question:1382. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will provide additional supports to a family (details supplied) in County Dublin. [37637/13]
View answerWritten answers
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointment Delays
Questions (1383)
Sean Conlan
Question:1383. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cavan has been waiting over a year and a half for a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37644/13]
View answerWritten answers
The management of inpatient and daycase waiting lists for patients awaiting public health care is based on the principle that after urgent and cancer patients are treated, then clinically assessed routine patients should be seen in chronological order (i.e. longest waiter first).
Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 1384 answered with Question No. 1347.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (1385)
Bernard Durkan
Question:1385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home help will be offered in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37646/13]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Disability Support Services Provision
Questions (1386)
Finian McGrath
Question:1386. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a matter (details supplied) regarding special needs. [37657/13]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services, including disability services. The HSE either directly provides or contracts disability agencies such as St Michael House to provide a range of disability services through service level arrangements.
St Michael’s House received over €70 million in 2012 in funding from the HSE to provide a range of services to approximately 1,660 children and adults with an intellectual disability in over 170 centres in the Greater Dublin Area and Navan Co. Meath.
The HSE and St Michael's House work in close collaboration with regard to the funding and delivery of services to people with an intellectual disability. As a voluntary agency, St Michael’s house are obliged to work within the resources available to them and in that regard have introduced significant efficiencies over recent years to remain within budget. The HSE has advised that these changes to date have not resulted in service contraction.
The Haddington Road Agreement (HRA) sets out measures relating to productivity, cost extraction and reform which together intends to achieve a required pay bill reduction of €150m identified in the HSE Service Plan 2013. The agreement provides a framework and opportunities for managers within the health services, including agencies such as St Michael's House, to reduce their costs associated with agency and overtime and a wide range of other pay costs, particularly through measures such as additional working hours and revised rates in respect of overtime.
The HSE has advised the Department of Health that the recent application of additional budget cuts under the HRA has presented a significant challenge to St Michael’s House. A process is now underway between the HSE and St Michael’s House to identify the impact of these budget reductions on services. The Department of Health has received assurances from the HSE that both organisations are committed to working within the terms of the HRA to ensure that services are impacted upon only as a measure of last resort.
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.
Patient Transport Provision
Questions (1387)
Ann Phelan
Question:1387. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify the position in relation to medical card holders and ambulance service to clinics, as patients have been told that as and from 1 August 2013 this service is only available in emergencies and not to clinics, the impact on medical card holders is yet another financial burden; if he will confirm whether this will apply to wheelchair accessible ambulances; if the people in the system will be protected; and if this applies to new patients. [37661/13]
View answerWritten 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.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (1388)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1388. 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. [37664/13]
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 issued to Oireachtas members.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (1389)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1389. 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. [37667/13]
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 issued to Oireachtas members.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (1390)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1390. 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. [37669/13]
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 issued to Oireachtas members.
Question No. 1391 answered with Question No. 1362.