Tuesday, 28 Jan 2014

Written Answers Nos. 682-705

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (682)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

682. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home help hours will be increased for a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3577/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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

National Internship Scheme Data

Questions (683)

Gerry Adams

Question:

683. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of JobBridge interns that were taken on in County Louth in his Department from September 2013 until January 2014. [3608/14]

Written answers

Community Care Provision

Questions (684)

Robert Troy

Question:

684. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to explain the reason a resident optician in the health clinic in Mullingar has not been replaced. [3617/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Community Optometric Services are provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE). The HSE has therefore been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospitals Expenditure

Questions (685)

John Halligan

Question:

685. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 219 of 5 December 2013, the exact breakdown on where the funds collected from parking facilities at Waterford Regional Hospital were allocated; if any of the funds were used to top-up salaries for executives associated with the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3621/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In relation to the Deputy's further question in this matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (686)

Seán Ó Fearghaíl

Question:

686. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a surgical procedure is carried out in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3622/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 been adopted by the Health Service Executive, 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 HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.

Medical Card Reviews

Questions (687)

Denis Naughten

Question:

687. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health to explain the reason a person (details supplied) in County Roscommon must submit a review for a medical card; if medical information must be provided again in a situation where the person has a life-long condition which will never change; if persons with such conditions will be asked to continue to provide such information at every renewal; his view on the stress this places on the families of such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3632/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Questions (688)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

688. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health whether he is satisfied that an organisation (details supplied) in receipt of Health Service Executive funds is compliant with public pay policy; the amount of funding the organisation received in 2013; what it will receive in 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3642/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Rehab Care and the National Learning Network, which are part of the Rehab Group, each receive funding from the Health Service Executive (HSE) under Section 39 of the Health Act. The staff of organisations which are grant-aided by the HSE under Section 39 are not public servants and these organisations are not subject to public pay policy. The HSE enters into Service Level Agreements with such organisations in relation to services provided by those organisations which are "similar or ancillary to a service that the HSE may provide." Section 39 Service Level Agreements require disclosure of senior management pay to the HSE. Section 39 organisations may be involved in a range of other activities which are not funded by the HSE.

At the request of the Minister for Health, the HSE has written to all CEOs of Section 39 agencies outlining health sector pay policy and requesting each agency to have due regard to public pay policy, in particular in respect of each agency's senior management.

The Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the 2013 figures he has requested and with the 2014 allocation, when the figures for 2014 become available.

Hospitals Funding

Questions (689, 690)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

689. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide separate breakdowns in tabular form of all moneys allocated to Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital from 2007-2014. [3644/14]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

690. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health to set out the level of funding to the Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital in 2014; and how it compares with 2013. [3645/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 689 and 690 together.

In relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

Hospital Staff Recruitment

Questions (691, 692)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

691. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide timeframes for when the academic posts committed to for Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital will be appointed. [3646/14]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

692. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health to outline the position on the consultant posts to be filled in Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital; if the positions have been advertised; and when will they be filled. [3647/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 691 and 692 together.

As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

Hospital Staff Data

Questions (693)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

693. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form a breakdown of staff numbers employed in the Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital from 2007-14. [3648/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

HSE Agency Staff Expenditure

Questions (694)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

694. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a full breakdown in tabular form of all money spent on agency staff at the Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital from 2007-14. [3649/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospitals Expenditure

Questions (695)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

695. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of all public money used by Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital or his Department to treat patients in private hospitals. [3650/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (696, 697)

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

696. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a separate breakdown of inpatient and outpatient waiting times in all specialties at Mercy University Hospital, Cork and Cork University Hospital. [3651/14]

Jonathan O'Brien

Question:

697. Deputy Jonathan O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide information on the number of elective procedures and surgeries cancelled at the Mercy University Hospital Cork and Cork University Hospital from 2008-14. [3652/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 696 and 697 together.

In relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (698)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

698. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health to set out the different types of nursing grades in the public health sector; the number of nurses working in a managerial and co-ordinating position throughout the public health sector; and the median salary of nurse managers and co-ordinators. [3659/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (699)

Eoghan Murphy

Question:

699. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the numbers of doctors at different levels in the medical hierarchy in the public health sector, including those doctors not working in hospitals. [3660/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

National Lottery Funding Applications

Questions (700)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

700. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the reason an organisation (details supplied) was refused funding in the 2013 Department of Health national lottery fund scheme; and the way the decision can be appealed. [3665/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Applications for National Lottery grants far exceed resources and as the funds available for 2013 have been disbursed it is not possible, unfortunately, to assist in this particular case. However, if funding for this project is required in 2014, the organisation may wish to apply for a grant from the 2014 National Lottery allocation.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Questions (701)

Clare Daly

Question:

701. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans for a hospital accompaniment service for elderly or vulnerable citizens who might otherwise miss important hospital appointments and fail to adequately engage with the medical profession. [3669/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services Provision

Questions (702)

Kevin Humphreys

Question:

702. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will grant an independent review of the decision to close the 22-bed mental health unit in Ballinasloe due to the impact it will have on the surrounding community who use the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3713/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Galway and Roscommon Mental Health Services, which operates as one administrative unit, has been resourced to implement A Vision for Change to modernize the service and give better outcomes for both patients and staff. However, existing resources need to be re-shaped, and the priority now is to achieve this at local level, in line with similar mental health service initiatives elsewhere.

Currently, there are 35 acute psychiatric beds in Galway city, and 22 acute psychiatric beds in both Ballinasloe and Roscommon. This gives a total of 79 beds, serving a population of some 315,000. A Vision for Change recommends 50 beds for a catchment population of 300,000. It is clear therefore, in line with policy and operational norms nationally, that the provision of 22 beds in both Ballinasloe and Roscommon means that the current overall stock of 79 in HSE West is too high in relative terms, allied to a corresponding under-development of community based mental health services.

In the context of the service improvements now underway, a purpose built 50 bed acute mental health unit will be completed in Galway University Hospital in 2015, to replace the existing smaller unit. This Unit will consist of 35 general adult mental health beds, with the remaining 15 beds relating to psychiatry of later life, eating disorders, and mental health and intellectual disability. The acute unit in Roscommon will continue to provide 22 general adult mental health beds.

The proposed re-organisation of services, following a detailed assessment by HSE West, will provide for a total of 57 general adult mental health beds. This will be a sufficient number of acute psychiatric beds in line with A Vision for Change , and will also allow the HSE to enhance community based services through re-deployment of some staff from acute services. Arising from an appropriate consultation process, staff from St. Brigid’s will be redeployed on a phased basis to both community mental health teams in Ballinasloe and to acute services in Galway and Roscommon. There will be no impact for current in-patients in Ballinasloe, and bed reduction will take place on a phased basis.

I am satisfied that the decision taken by the Executive, based on expert recommendations, to enhance future mental health provision in the area is the best option, taking account of overall service needs and competing resource priorities. The approach and objectives to bring about service change in this case is no different to that undertaken, or planned, elsewhere to implement a widely agreed policy on improving mental health services. Therefore, all concerned should work together to improve services into the future.

Bearing in mind all the circumstances relating to this much needed initiative, I do not agree with the need for a review as suggested by the Deputy.

Primary Care Centres Expenditure

Questions (703)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

703. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if there has been cuts to funding for children with severe speech and language therapy needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3721/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE aims to ensure that the resources available are used to best effect, in order to provide assessment and ongoing therapy to children and adults in line with their prioritised needs.

The HSE’s National Service Plan 2013 provided for additional funding of €20m to strengthen primary care services (€18.525m for the recruitment of 264.5 primary care team posts and €1.475m to support Community Intervention Team development). Of the additional 264.5 posts allocated, 47 whole-time equivalent Speech and Language Therapy posts were approved. The recruitment process is ongoing in relation to these posts, with the majority of the posts filled or offered with start dates to be agreed. The HSE is striving to have the remainder of the posts filled as soon as possible in 2014.

The HSE's Social Care budget for 2014 is being maintained broadly in line with 2013, with targeted investment in the area of Disability Services of €14m for a number of developments, including €4m for the roll out of the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18) Programme. This should equate to approximately 80 additional therapy staff, to increase services for children with all disabilities. A proportion of these posts will be speech and language therapy posts.

Along with the significant investment in the area of speech and language therapists employed in recent years, a range of new approaches have been developed and used in many Speech and Language Therapy services across the country. These include providing structures, training and support to parents/carers so that they can work to help improve the individual’s speech and language. In addition, therapy is delivered in group settings where appropriate.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage

Questions (704)

John O'Mahony

Question:

704. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the long-term illness scheme; when same will be carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3741/14]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

There are no plans to review the list of conditions covered by the Long Term Illness scheme.

Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €144 per calendar month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals incurring ongoing expenditure on medicines.

In addition, people who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the Health Service Executive can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family. Those who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.

Autism Support Services

Questions (705)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

705. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork, who has been waiting over a year, will be seen at the centre for autism in Togher, County Cork. [3766/14]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.