Written Answers Nos. 205-211
205. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Laois will receive orthodontic treatment and braces from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8429/14]
View answerThe HSE provides orthodontic treatment to patients based on their level of clinical need. An individual's access to orthodontic treatment is determined against a set of clinical guidelines and priority is given to patients with greatest needs. The HSE has been asked to examine the specific query raised by the Deputy and to reply to him as soon as possible.
206. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a review of a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8437/14]
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 been issued to Oireachtas members.
207. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when an urgent appointment for an operation will be granted in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8452/14]
View answerThe 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.
208. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances based in County Laois; the number of personnel designated to operate the service; and the lowest number of vehicles and staff on duty during a weekly roster. [8453/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
209. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if there is a national policy regarding the use of syntocinon in maternity services. [8455/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
210. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring forward legislation regarding open disclosure for patients. [8456/14]
View answerI expect to bring updated heads of a Health Information Bill to Government later on this year which will include detailed provisions on open disclosure. These legislative proposals, along with other measures including the National Open Disclosure Policy, Guidelines and supporting documents recently launched by the HSE, will be designed to foster and support a culture of open disclosure in the health service.
211. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the level of staffing in the maternity unit at Portlaoise hospital, County Laois; and if efforts have been made to recruit new midwives. [8457/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
