Written Answers Nos. 194-201
194. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reduction in staff numbers in a unit (details supplied) in view of the difficulties it is causing for residents in this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48633/13]
View answerAs 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.
195. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to curb the overcrowding in the emergency department at Connolly Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the hospital is consistently recording the second highest number of patients on trolleys in the country; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that on some occasions Connolly Hospital is the most overcrowded hospital in the country and that the number of patients on trolleys in 2013 has escalated very significantly to their highest ever levels; if he will commit to putting the resources in place immediately to end this unacceptable practice of leaving patients on trolleys; the action he will take to deal with this serious overcrowding problem in view of the fact that we are entering the busy winter period; if he will ensure that hospital management meet with nursing staff representatives who have requested an emergency meeting to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48635/13]
View answerIn relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly in this matter.
196. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made by his Department over the past three years in advancing health initiatives, in particular the timeline for the introduction of unique patient identification numbers and prescribing, as recommended by the troika; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48663/13]
View answerIn order to progress the introduction of identifiers for individuals, professionals and organisations my Department is currently drafting a Health Identifiers Bill 2013 which will be published before the end of the year. The introduction of unique health identifiers will promote patient safety, progress the eHealth agenda and support administrative efficiency. It will also be required for other key health reforms such as Money Follows the Patient and Universal Health Insurance. I also intend to shortly publish an eHealth strategy which will provide an overarching framework for the development of eHealth in Ireland and, in particular, initiatives such as health identifiers, e-prescribing and other enablers for eHealth. My Department is engaging with a wide range of stakeholders including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the Data Protection Commissioner and Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to these matters.
197. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will call on the Department of Defence to reverse the decision to close the medical clinic at the Curragh, County Kildare in view of the fact that members of the Defence Forces habitually risk life and injury on behalf of the State at home and abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48698/13]
View answerIssues relating to the Defence Forces are a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to the availability of GP services in the Curragh area.
198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48730/13]
View answerThe 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.
199. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48731/13]
View answerThe 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.
200. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be restored in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48732/13]
View answerThe 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.
201. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when it is expected the evaluation of a health status will be completed at Portlaoise regional hospital and the eye and ear hospital in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48733/13]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
