Written Answers Nos. 225-233
225. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if calls to the medical review section are recorded; the reason callers are not notified of this; his views on whether this practice is in line with the data protection rules; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3293/14]
View answerThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
226. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if parking charges will be reviewed at Kerry General Hospital; if a waiver will be introduced for patients presenting for long-term stay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3310/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
227. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the occupational pension entitlements for a former Health Service Executive employee (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3317/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
228. Deputy Luke 'Ming' Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the timetable for the expected introduction of Sativex or similar products; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3319/14]
View answerUnder the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977, the manufacture, production, preparation, sale, supply, distribution and possession of cannabis or cannabis-based medicinal products are unlawful except for the purposes of research.
Draft Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) Regulations are being prepared to enable authorised cannabis-based medicinal products such as Sativex to be legally prescribed by medical practitioners and used by patients. It is anticipated that the draft Regulations will be introduced in mid-2014.
229. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health his views on the current impasse at Cork University Hospital regarding the use of the cystic fibrosis ward by other patients whose infections may result in severe damage to cystic fibrosis patients. [3366/14]
View answerI understand that the proposed CF Unit in CUH will have 20 beds, 10 of which will be designated for patients with CF, eight within the unit with two additional isolation beds provided in the Renal Unit. I have been assured that patients with CF will have priority access to these ten beds at all times.
The situation that has now arisen in relation to the development of this Unit is regrettable. The ring fencing of beds for CF patients has been an issue in other hospitals around the country but has been resolved through written agreements and good operational procedures. I understand that the HSE and Build4Life are now in a process and that a number of engagements have taken place. I note that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland has expressed its confidence that, following discussions, an agreement can be drawn up that will allow building to commence and I too am hopeful that this matter can be brought to a satisfactory conclusion in the near future. The key issue is that patients with CF are assured that sufficient beds will be available when they are needed, but at the same time, when beds are not needed for CF patients, they can be freed up for other very ill patients with respiratory and other conditions.
In relation to the issue of infections raised by the Deputy, I have been assured by the HSE that CF patients will be accommodated in isolation rooms which will separate them from other patients on the ward. In the event of a non CF patient occupying the isolation room, the room will be decontaminated before being occupied again. This policy applies to all rooms whether occupied by CF patients or non CF patients.
230. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a GMS contract in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3372/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
231. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he approves of mixed sex general wards in hospitals; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many patients are not comfortable with such a setting; his policy in relation to this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3395/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
232. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in granting a discretionary medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3397/14]
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.
233. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm that the Rheumatology Clinic in Letterkenny General Hospital has been reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3398/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
