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Wednesday, 18 Sep 2013

Written Answers Nos. 1447-1463

EU Directives

Questions (1447)

Denis Naughten

Question:

1447. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1050 of 11 June 2013, if he will provide an update on the implementation of the EU cross border directive on medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37875/13]

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Written answers

I understand that the Deputy is referring to the EU Directive on the Application of Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare. The purpose of this Directive is to establish a clear legal framework to facilitate cross border healthcare with a focus on patient rights, information for patients on entitlements and patient choice. The Department of Health is working towards the full transposition of the Directive. In this regard, the main focus has been on the more complex requirements which may have legislative and significant administrative implications. That work is progressing as quickly as possible, across a range of areas.

Once arrangements for these areas have been finalised to the satisfaction of the Department it is anticipated that they will form a template for the statutory provisions to implement the necessary provisions. Nevertheless, the Deputy will recognise that the Directive deals with complex issues, both nationally and between Member States and work continues on the preparation of proposals for legislation. At this time it is not possible to be any more specific details concerning dates for such legislation.

Medical Card Eligibility

Questions (1448)

Tom Fleming

Question:

1448. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision to no longer issue medical cards to cancer patients and patients with other severe illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37876/13]

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Written answers

Under the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), a person has full eligibility for health services, specifically a medical card, where he/she is unable without undue hardship to arrange general practitioner medical and surgical services for him/herself and dependents. The assessment for a medical card is determined primarily by reference to the person's overall financial situation, including the means and expenditure, of the applicant and his or her partner and dependants.

I would like to advise you that, despite recent misinformed comment, there never has been, in line with the legislation, an automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons with cancer (or any other specific illness). Furthermore, I wish to make it clear that the criteria applied to medical card applications by cancer patients has not been amended or reviewed.

While there is no automatic entitlement to a medical card for persons with specific illnesses, the HSE has, however, discretion to award a medical card to avoid undue hardship, even where the person exceeds the income guidelines. At the request of the Minister, the HSE set up a clinical panel to assist in the processing of applications for discretionary medical cards, where a person exceeds the income guidelines but there are difficult personal circumstances, such as an illness. There has been no change in the policy of awarding discretionary medical cards.

The HSE has a system in place for the provision of emergency discretionary medical cards for patients who are seriously ill and in urgent need of medical care that they cannot afford. These are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and a letter which confirms the medical condition from a doctor or consultant. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all emergency cards are issued on the basis that the patent is eligible for a medical card on means or undue hardship and will follow up with a full application within a number of weeks of receiving the emergency card. As a result, emergency medical cards are issued to a named individual, with a limited eligibility period of six months.

Medical cards can also be provided on emergency grounds, for a period of six months, where a patient is terminally till. No means test applies and the nature of the terminal illness is not a deciding factor in the issue of an emergency medical card in these circumstances. Given the nature and urgency of the issue, the HSE has appropriate escalation routes to ensure that the person gets the card as quickly as possible.

Furthermore, the HSE ensures that the system responds to the variety of circumstances and complexities faced by individuals in these circumstances.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (1449)

John Browne

Question:

1449. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if he wil reinvestigate a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37880/13]

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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. 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 (1450)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1450. 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. [37881/13]

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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. 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 (1451)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1451. 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. [37890/13]

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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. 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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1452)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1452. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Limerick will be provided with a prosthesis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37892/13]

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Written 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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1453)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1453. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the number of staff that have exited the health service since 2011 through retirement and voluntary redundancy; the cost savings accruing from this reduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37897/13]

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Written answers

The detailed information sought by the Deputy in relation to staff retirements is a matter for the HSE and, accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.

Rare Diseases Strategy Implementation

Questions (1454)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1454. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the progress being made on the development of a national plan for rare diseases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37903/13]

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Written answers

Work on the drafting of a national plan is well underway with publication of it earmarked for the end of the year.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1455)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1455. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the appointment of case workers in local health offices to provide a one-stop-shop service for family carers and those for whom they care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37910/13]

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Written answers

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

Question No. 1456 answered with Question No. 1378.

Care Services

Questions (1457)

Finian McGrath

Question:

1457. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a long-term care plan in respect of a family (details supplied) in Dublin 13. [37919/13]

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Written 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.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (1458)

Gerry Adams

Question:

1458. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if there are any plans to remove the DOC service from the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth following recent cuts to the North East Doctor on Call Service, or will there be any reduction or scaling down of this service in the Cottage Hospital, Drogheda. [37925/13]

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Written answers

90% of the population have access to GP out-of-hours services in 14 centres nationally, in all HSE regions, in at least part of every county. Over 2,000 GPs provide services in the co-ops.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the issue.

Hospital Acquired Infections

Questions (1459)

Ciara Conway

Question:

1459. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health his response to recent Health Information and Quality Authority reports which show that many hospitals are failing to follow basics hand hygiene techniques; if he will urgently implement accountability measures to tackle same up to and including sanctions where necessary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37933/13]

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Written answers

The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) is one of my priorities in protecting patient safety. HCAIs represent a major cause of preventable patient harm and increased healthcare costs. Since late 2012 the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) has been carrying out a monitoring programme against the National Standards for the Prevention and Control of Healthcare Associated Infections (HCAIs), 36 of which have been completed. The most recent Monitoring Reports were published on Wednesday 4th September covering 5 acute hospitals:

- Mid-Western Regional Maternity Hospital, Limerick;

- Beaumont Hospital, Dublin;

- Lourdes Orthopaedic Hospital, Kilcreene;

- Merlin Park Hospital, Galway;

- Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore

Both I and my Department welcome the publication of HIQA’s reports and note the concerns raised in these, and indeed, previous reports about hand hygiene practices particularly among medical staff. With regard to hand hygiene the findings of the Authority suggest that hand hygiene best practice needs to become more operationally embedded at all levels. Poor hygiene standards put lives in danger. Everyone needs to play their part in improving hygiene standards in hospitals; this requires buy in from hospital staff in all areas and visitors. It must be emphasised that it is of vital importance that healthcare workers recognise their personal responsibility to protect patients by maintaining their own good hand hygiene. I am extremely disappointed to note that despite the Health Service Executive’s initiatives to develop an organisational culture of hand hygiene, a significant number of healthcare staff, including doctors, are still not adhering to the basic principles of hand washing.

I very much support the HSE’s ongoing work through its national programme of activity to raise awareness amongst staff, monitor compliance with national standards and to take action to reduce HCAIs in hospitals. A key element of this programme is the HSE’s continuing bi-annual hand hygiene audits which occur in both the acute sector and in the long stay area as well. Additionally, from July of this year it has become mandatory for all staff to receive hand hygiene training as part of staff induction and an education programme every two years is being put in place. The HSE audits have shown an encouraging improvement in hand hygiene compliance with a most recent figure of 84% compliance overall. However, there is no cause for complacency as there continues to be significant room for improvement, particularly among medical staff.

With this in mind, the Chief Medical Officer of my Department has written to the Chair of the Health and Social Regulatory Forum asking that the Forum consider the matter and submit proposals as to how it might adopt a common approach to raise awareness of hand hygiene in particular and support and reinforce compliance with this very important patient safety issue.

Hospital Services

Questions (1460)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1460. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health the progress being made on the development of the National Paediatric Children's hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37950/13]

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Written answers

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) is the body with statutory responsibility for building the new children's hospital. Last month I announced appointments to the NPHDB to replace the transitional Board which had been in place since January 2013. These appointments ensure appropriate professional membership with the necessary capital development expertise and experience in complex healthcare capital projects. Also in August I announced the appointment of members to the Children’s Hospital Group Board (CHGB). The CHGB will oversee the operational integration of the three existing paediatric hospitals in advance of the move to the new hospital and is also the client for the new hospital, and hence is critically important for the project as a whole. Earlier this month, Ms Eilísh Hardiman was selected as CEO of the Children's Hospital Group following an open recruitment process through the Public Appointments Service.

With regard to the progress of the capital project, the tender process for the procurement of a new design team is well underway, and the aim is to have the new design team in place by the end of 2013. Pre-application planning discussions have commenced and the aim is to secure planning permission by December 2014. A review of urgent care centre(s) configuration is almost complete; the number and location of these satellite centres in the Dublin area is a key decision, as the size, activity and infrastructure of these satellite centre(s) has implications for the main hospital brief. In parallel, St. James's Hospital is leading on the decant and enabling work, and is working closely with HSE Estates and the NPHDB in this regard.

The new children’s hospital is a priority for me and for this Government. I am confident that the appointments made to the two Boards will ensure the new hospital is completed as swiftly as possible, with optimal design and value for money.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility

Questions (1461)

Nicky McFadden

Question:

1461. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health when the review of the fair deal scheme will be completed and published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37953/13]

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Written answers

Work on the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme is ongoing. It is expected that the review will be completed in late 2013 or early 2014 and the results will be made publicly available after completion.

Capital Programme Expenditure

Questions (1462)

Jim Daly

Question:

1462. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will detail by name, location and cost the number of capital projects funded by his Department for each of the past five years to date in tabular form in an area (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37963/13]

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Written answers

My Department administers a National Lottery Discretionary Fund from which once-off grants are paid to community and voluntary organisations, providing a range of health related services. Applications come primarily from community groups and voluntary organisations with an involvement in the provision of health services to specific client groups (for example persons with an intellectual disability and/or physical disability, elderly, etc.), national groups providing information and support for various disabilities and illnesses and groups with a specific interest (for example to provide holidays for the elderly, respite, equipment for hospitals, homes, etc.) There is a limited amount of funds available and a large number of funding requests are received each year. My Department has no record of lottery granting funding awarded to organisations during the past five years in the areas set out by the Deputy.

My Department receives an annual capital allocation to provide grants which support the agencies under the aegis of my Department in delivering their objectives. These agencies provide a national service. No capital funding was provided for projects at the County Cork towns in question during the past five years.

Since mid 2011, my Department has had responsibility for the Drugs Initiative. No capital funding was provided for projects in the County Cork towns in question since mid 2011.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (1463)

Brendan Griffin

Question:

1463. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if signage for a clinic (details supplied) at Kerry General Hospital will be erected to help avoid patients from having to ask for directions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37975/13]

View answer

Written 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.

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