Written Answers Nos. 165-173
165. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of community hospital beds in Cork city and county that are currently closed; the reason for the closures; when he anticipates the re-opening of these beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26380/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
166. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the community nursing facility at Cedar Lodge, Farralea Road, County Cork, and other beds are unopened; if his attention has been drawn to the potential of these closed beds to improve access to acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26381/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
167. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the suspension of the haemochromatosis genetic testing service at the biochemistry laboratory at Cork University Hospital for the summer months until mid-September; the cost of outsourcing this work to an external laboratory for this period; the overall need for the service in the future in view of the current summer arrangements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26382/14]
View answerIn relation to the detailed query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
168. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure funding is provided to allow bariatric surgery at the centres that provide it; the plans that are under way to clear the waiting lists for this treatment; when he expects to meet the target of a maximum of a one-year waiting list for this surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26388/14]
View answer169. Deputy Kevin Humphreys asked the Minister for Health from a policy perspective if his Department or the Health Service Executive takes account of the medium and long-term savings that accrue to the health service from the short-term costs of bariatric surgery for morbidly obese patients due to the savings that accrue from not having to treat heart disease, diabetes, chronic lung diseases and gangrenous legs, among many conditions, in the medium and long-term that are prevented by this treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26389/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.
In relation to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
170. Deputy Lucinda Creighton asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate the circumstances regarding a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 6W; if he will confirm that the medical card will be extended from July 2014; if he will ensure that the medical card will be issued in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26390/14]
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.
171. Deputy Seán Conlan asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card was cancelled in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26394/14]
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.
172. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if congenital spinal stenosis will be added to the list of long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26395/14]
View answerThe Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act, 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975 specifying the conditions covered by the LTI Scheme. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered under the LTI 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 HSE 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.
173. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health the steps that will be taken on foot of a complaint submitted to the Health Service Executive on 10 June 2014 (details supplied); when he expects the HSE to engage with the complainant on this matter; if he will personally seek a report on the investigation in view of the seriousness of the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26396/14]
View answerIn relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
