Written Answers Nos. 715 - 738
715. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will review eligibility for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who has been wheelchair bound for 25 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7834/14]
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.
716. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the steps needed in relation to getting a child tested for autism; if he will state the waiting list for children with autism to be tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7839/14]
View answer717. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with autism and Asperger's syndrome; if he will provide a breakdown by county; the treatment available through the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7840/14]
View answer718. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the budget available for the treatment of autism in children and young adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7841/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 716 to 718, inclusive, together.
Significant resources have been invested by this country in recent years in services for children with special needs, including those with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for these children, having regard to available resources.
The HSE National Review of Autism Services: Past, Present and Way Forward Report (2012) and the Progressing Disabilities Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme set out the overall policy context for the provision of autism services to children and young people. The objective of the Progressing Disabilities Programme for Children and Young People is to achieve a national, unified approach to delivering disability health services for children with a disability including those with autism so that there is a clear pathway to the services for all children, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of their disability. This Programme aims to remedy the variations in service provision that currently exist around the country. In 2014, the HSE are taking a number of key steps in implementing the change programme, including rolling out a new model of assessment and intervention, in line with the Progressing Disabilities Programme for Children and Young People. An additional €4 million has been allocated, which equates to 80 additional therapy staff, for these purposes.
I have been advised by the HSE that it is not in a position to provide details regarding the amount of money that is currently being spent on autism services specifically. The manner in which funding is allocated by the HSE allows for a distinction between broad categories of funding such as services for older people, primary care and disabilities in general. Disability services are provided based on the needs of an individual rather than by the actual type of disability. Individuals with autism or Asperger’s syndrome may attend autism-specific services or may obtain services from a service provider who provides services for a wide range of intellectual disabilities including autism.
I also understand that the HSE does not currently collect data on children and adults identified with autism and Asperger’s syndrome specifically, either on a national, or on a county basis. At the same time it is important to note that, due to the complexity of their presentation, many individuals with autism may have a primary diagnosis of intellectual disability or a co-morbid mental health component.
The health sector’s National Intellectual Disability Database (NIDD), which was established in 1995, has been designed to provide a comprehensive and accurate information base for decision-making in relation to the planning, funding and management of services for people with an intellectual disability including individuals with autism and Asperger’s syndrome. While the database presents information on the needs of people with intellectual disabilities, information pertaining to diagnosis is specifically excluded, as the database is not designed as a medical epidemiological tool. There is currently no epidemiological data regarding the prevalence in Ireland of Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
However, I am advised that some estimates are available through the national census data. For example, the 2006 national census collected data on disability and a follow-up study, the National Disability Survey (NDS), was carried out on 16,000 people. Approximately 22% of respondents to the NDS reported difficulties with intellect and learning. Five percent of this group attributed their difficulties to an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. 38% of the total group was aged 0-17 years and a further 25% were 18-35 years old. Thus the prevalence of ASD within this cohort could be estimated to be in the order of 1.1%.
My Department has asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with the detailed operational information requested in relation to assessment for autism.
719. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the ambulance cover for Carlow town and county; if this is sufficient service for the population of the county; and the way this compares with the service provided to other towns and counties of similar size and population. [7842/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
720. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 670 of 2 February 2014, the other options available to a person in County Cork who lives next door to two unused buildings and a yard owned by the same person who refuses permission to allow an exterminator access to blocked up areas where rodents are entering the property (details supplied). [7849/14]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to the management and delivery of health and personal services which are the responsibility of the Health Service Executive under the Health Act, 2004. Accordingly, my Department has requested the HSE to have the matter investigated and to reply directly to the Deputy.
722. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if discretionary medical cards are being awarded for primary immunodeficiencies, PID, patients; if he will provide in tabular form the number of PID patients who have been awarded discretionary medical cards over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7851/14]
View answerUnder the Health Act 1970, as amended, eligibility for a medical card or a GP visit card is determined primarily on the basis of an assessment of financial means. If an applicant’s means are above the financial thresholds, as outlined in the National Assessment Guidelines, the HSE routinely considers whether the refusal of eligibility will result in undue financial hardship for the applicant or any dependants. Eligibility may be granted, on a discretionary basis, if the applicant cannot arrange general practitioner, medical and surgical services, for themselves and their dependants, without undue financial hardship.
Medical card or GP visit card eligibility is not granted solely on the basis of a person’s medical condition (other than persons affected by the drug Thalidomide or persons affected by Symphysiotomy). Medical card applicants or their dependants, affected with primary immunodeficiency conditions, who submit supporting medical reports with an application for a medical card and who do not qualify for a medical card on an assessment of means, have the management of their medical condition considered during the assessment process to determine if the refusal of eligibility would result in undue financial hardship for the applicant or any dependants.
I am advised that PCRS management has, in recent weeks, met with a number of health care professionals from Crumlin Children's Hospital who have specific responsibility for the treatment of children with significant primary immune deficiency disorders. PCRS management clarified the process by which the assessment of medical card applications is undertaken and the granting of eligibility under the Medical Card Scheme. The health care professionals were briefed on primary care services, available locally, to this cohort of patients under the auspices of other community health schemes and the pathways to access such services.
The HSE does not collate or report data on the specific medical conditions of those persons granted medical cards or GP visit cards.
723. Deputy Noel Harrington asked the Minister for Health if any of his departmental or ministerial offices have been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming to office in March 2011; the reasons for this check; the results of this check; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7895/14]
View answerMy Department or Ministerial offices have not been swept for electronic or any other type of surveillance or bugging equipment since coming into office in March, 2011.
724. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of the 890 additional posts announced in the community mental health service over the past number of years that have been filled to date; when he expects all outstanding posts to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7907/14]
View answerThis Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with A Vision for Change and is committed in particular to the delivery of more and better quality care in the community. Additional funding totalling €70 million for some 900 new posts has been provided as part of the 2012 and 2013 Budgets, primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams for both adults and children and to enhance specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness, those with an intellectual disability, and mental illness and forensic mental health services in line with A Vision for Change. As the recruitment of posts is a service matter, the question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
725. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the hospital fees incurred by a cancer patient (details supplied) in County Cork during the lengthy processing time for a medical card application which was successful will now be cleared by the Health Service Executive; if so the timeframe for same as the pressure is causing tremendous stress to the person who is currently undergoing extensive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7917/14]
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.
726. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the appointment of a urologist to Temple Street hospital; and if he will provide a timeframe for the appointment. [7918/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
727. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim is waiting over three years for a knee replacement operation; when the person will be seen by a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7924/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular patient query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
728. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the transition of governance at Cregg House, Sligo between Wisdom Services, Sisters of Wisdom, and the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7925/14]
View answerWisdom Services provided intellectual disability services for 200 service users (110 on campus). The service was operated by the Daughters of Wisdom, trading as Wisdom Services. The Daughters of Wisdom indicated they were withdrawing from the service in 2012. Following lengthy negotiations between the HSE and the Daughters of Wisdom a termination agreement was signed by both parties in July 2013. The HSE took over the running of Wisdom Services from 1 October 2013 and is continuing to work with the parents and guardians, staff and trade unions to ensure a quality service to clients. The service is now renamed as HSE Cregg Services. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
729. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will list any new organisations-agencies established in his Department since 9 March 2011; the role and functions and the annual operating budget for these organisations-agencies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7946/14]
View answerNo new organisations or agencies have been established under the aegis of my Department since 9 March, 2011.
730. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the leaks in the windows and roof in the Ballyfermot-Palmerstown primary care and mental health centre to be fixed; and any other remedial works necessary to be undertaken. [7963/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
731. Deputy Robert Dowds asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances being delayed for more than 20 minutes at each of the Dublin hospitals (details supplied) because the ambulances are waiting for their trolleys to be returned; the figures for the most recent three months for which data are available; and the length of time each ambulance has been delayed. [7964/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
732. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that some patients waiting long periods for outpatient appointments are no longer appearing on official waiting lists but are being placed on a separate review list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7971/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
733. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of public patients on outpatient lists since the start of 2013 that have been transferred to private hospitals for appointments; the cost of this over the timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7972/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
734. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is the case that persons on outpatient waiting lists have been written to and asked if they still wanted an appointment; if they are removed from the lists if they do not reply within a three day timeframe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7973/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
735. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will direct the Health Service Executive to examine the charging of a monthly flat fee for extras on top of a person's (details supplied) fair deal contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7984/14]
View answerThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme provides financial support towards the cost of long-term residential care services in nursing homes. The Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of residential care, which are:-
- nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person,
- bed and board,
- basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living, and
- laundry service.
A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the Medical Card Scheme or the Drugs Payment Scheme, is unaffected by participation in the Nursing Homes Support Scheme or residence in a nursing home. Incontinence wear, where required, is provided free of charge by the HSE to all Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents that possess a Medical Card.
Part 8 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2009 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract with each resident within one month of their admission. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should not be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The HSE is not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.
736. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious risk posed to cardiac patients due to the lack of a catheterisation laboratory in Sligo Regional Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8011/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed information requested by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
737. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home help will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is wheelchair bound and needs urgent assistance in this respect; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8025/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
738. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the establishment of an advocacy-patient safety authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8027/14]
View answerA new Patient Safety Agency (PSA) is to be established initially on an administrative basis within the HSE structures in 2014. The HSE will establish a Board to oversee the PSA and agree its initial governance and operational arrangements. A key role for the PSA will be to provide national leadership for patient advocacy services. The PSA will support patients by directing them to the appropriate provider or agency so that they can secure a response regarding the issues or complaints they raise. Based on a detailed analysis of complaints throughout the system, the PSA will also promote and disseminate learning from complaints nationally.
