Clare Daly
Question:208. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason he will not investigate documents from the Cappagh Farmers Support Group relating to an investigation (details supplied). [4716/14]
View answerDepartmental Investigations
Questions (208)
Written answers
Given that the matter raised by the Deputy is subject to legal proceeding in the High Court, it would not be appropriate for me to comment further.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Questions (209)
Billy Kelleher
Question:209. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant positions advertised since the announcement of a 30% pay cut in 2012 for such positions; the number of applications received for the posts; the number of applications accepted; the number of appointments offered; the number of offers of such appointments rejected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4728/14]
View answerWritten answers
As these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to revert to the Deputy with the precise details sought. There were an additional 143 consultants (WTE's) employed at the end of December 2013 compared with the end of December 2010.
The HSE advised my Department at the start of this week that 104 posts had been advertised at the reduced rates and that, to-date, 36 posts had been filled under these rates. Other posts are at various stages of the recruitment process. It has not been possible to recruit candidates for 15 posts.
It is appreciated that the 30% reduction decided in September 2012 for future ‘new entrant’ appointments represented a substantial reduction in the rate of pay for consultants. However, it was a necessary measure, given the challenging economic circumstances. If the health services are to continue to provide consultant-level opportunities for doctors this can only happen on the basis of a lower-cost model.
It should be noted that there are some specialities in which there is an international shortage of consultants and which have traditionally been difficult to fill, regardless of the salary scale. There are also some hospitals to which it has been difficult to attract applicants – in particular smaller hospitals that have onerous rosters due to the limited number of consultants. The establishment of the Hospital Groups will assist in addressing this difficulty.
I have already stated that consultants who move posts and consultants coming from abroad should have their experience and specialist training recognised. The HSE has submitted initial views to my Department in relation to recognising such experience and training.
Ambulance Service Response Times
Questions (210)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his actions in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4742/14]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly I would like to extend my sympathies to the family of the person concerned.
In response to the Deputy's previous question regarding this matter, PQ 53299/13 of 11th December 2013, the Deputy was provided with a full report by the HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS), which outlined the Service's response to the emergency call. This report also outlined the NAS review of the call, setting out that it was triaged correctly, that the nearest available resources were dispatched and that the call was handled appropriately.
The Health Information and Quality Authority, as part of its Business Plan for 2014, and in line with its programme for the monitoring of the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare, will review governance and management arrangements for pre-hospital emergency care services. This review will include call-handling, response, assessment, diagnosis, care and transportation of the acutely ill patient to the appropriate healthcare facility. The review had been due to commence in the 2nd quarter of 2014. However, in light of a number of recent incidents, I requested that the Authority bring this review forward and it was agreed to commence the review in quarter 1. I understand that the review will focus initially on the governance arrangements for the service and how those arrangements translate into the safety, quality and effectiveness of services for patients.
I would also like to inform the Deputy that the NAS is undertaking its own capacity review to determine current and future service delivery needs. This process will examine a number of areas, including staff numbers and skill mix, as well as resource distribution.
Health Services
Questions (211)
Heather Humphreys
Question:211. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a child (details supplied) in County Monaghan who suffers from autoimmune Lympho Proliferative Syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4753/14]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to her in this matter.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (212)
Brendan Smith
Question:212. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the position regarding supply and-or availability of medication (details supplied) under the various drug schemes; if such medication is available under any circumstances; the extra documentation necessary to support a case for inclusion of this medication under current schemes; if there is an appeal process; if there is an alternative approved medication; if guidance will be offered on any assistance available to meet the costs of such medication for patients who have to take this medication for life; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4771/14]
View answerWritten answers
Treatments for HIV are provided through the specialised clinics in certain hospitals. Patients on these treatments require regular antibody titre measurements and are returning to hospitals for this service.
This product and others like it are not on the community drug schemes but are made available to all patients who require them at the hospital clinics.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (213)
Heather Humphreys
Question:213. Deputy Heather Humphreys asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4777/14]
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 Reviews
Questions (214)
Bernard Durkan
Question:214. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will review refusal of medical card cover in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4798/14]
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.