Written Answers Nos. 754-778
754. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the procedure to be followed by medical card holders in order to claim and receive a monetary refund where these medical card holders have been charged for the taking of bloods by general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29646/14]
View answerNo person covered by the GMS Scheme should be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP or the Practice Nurse on behalf of their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of a patient or to monitor a diagnosed condition. For patients who have been charged in such circumstances, the HSE has put in place the following procedure. The patient should forward his or her receipt for the charge to the HSE's local Primary Care Unit. The HSE will, in turn, inform the GP that where he/she inappropriately charges GMS patients for phlebotomy services, he/she is in breach of their contract. The HSE will also deduct an equivalent amount from its routine payments to the GP and will make a refund to the patient.
755. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to cases where social workers for organisations such as Enable Ireland and citizen's information are advising persons that they cannot avail of services such as personal care assistants, assisted living scheme and public health nurse visits unless they have a medical card; if this is correct information; if he is satisfied with this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29656/14]
View answerHealth services, including those outlined by the Deputy, are provided by the Health Service Executive. Accordingly, the Department has asked the HSE to investigate the issue raised by the Deputy and reply directly to him.
756. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of National Ambulance Service vehicles destroyed by fire between 2008 and to date in 2014; the action the NAS has taken with the manufacturers of the vehicles concerned; if the NAS is reviewing the terms of the organisations contract with the manufacturer in view of these serious incidents which threaten the safety of NAS staff and patients; if the NAS has established if similar incidents have occurred in other jurisdictions in respect of this model of vehicle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29657/14]
View answerIn 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.
757. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be furnished with specialised medical socks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29690/14]
View answerAs the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE). Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
758. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway may expect to receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29693/14]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
760. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if a renewed medical card will be issued in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare [29702/14]
View answerIn the context of the Government's decision to develop a policy framework for providing eligibility for health services on the basis of medical conditions, the Government recently announced that a medical card or GP visit card is to be issued to a person, with a serious illness, whose discretionary card was refused renewal since the centralisation of medical card assessments.
If the medical card or GP visit card to which the Deputy refers was awarded by way of discretion and was refused renewal in the period from 1 July 2011 to 31 May 2014 following the completion of an eligibility review, a card will issue by the HSE.
The HSE has commenced issuing letters to the persons concerned and this process should be concluded by the first two weeks of July. No action is required on the part of those affected as the HSE will be in contact. If people do not hear from the HSE by mid July, they should contact the HSE on its Lo-Call contact number: 1890 25 29 19. These individuals will be able to access medical card and GP visit card services in the normal manner when they have been advised by the HSE that their medical card or GP visit card is active.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine the specific query raised 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.
761. Deputy Ann Phelan asked the Minister for Health if the review of governance structures in mental health services in Carlow, Kilkenny and South Tipperary has been completed; when same will be published; when same will be made available to Members of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29703/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
762. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 171 of 18 June 2014, when a detailed response will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29705/14]
View answerI understand that the Health Service Executive are currently collating the information requested by the Deputy. I have sent his further question to them to reply to him directly.
763. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health with regard to the proposed Health Service Executive primary health care centre planned for lands in a location (details supplied) Dublin 22, the current status of the development; the timeframe for commencement of the development; and if he will keep local residents many of whom border the lands updated on all aspects of the development. [29706/14]
View answerDelivery of infrastructure to accommodate primary care services is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
764. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health if under the Government's stated commitment to the development of a community based model of care, he will support the amendment to the Mental Health Act 2001 proposed by the Carer's Association to require health professionals to involve the carers of mental health patients in their treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29710/14]
View answerI am aware and acknowledge that patient outcomes are better where families and/or carers are involved in the development of the patients care and treatment plan. Healthcare professionals should proactively encourage patients at all stages to involve their family and/or carer in the development of these plans.
I must also accept, however, that patient confidentiality is important and should not be compromised where in some limited cases patients specifically request that contact not be made with families and/or carers. For the benefit of the patient, every effort must be made to encourage him or her to involve family and/or carers, but it is equally important to recognise that breaching this confidence against the patient's wishes, can damage the health professional/patient relationship. The Medical Council's Ethical Guide does however specially allow a doctor to ethically breach confidentiality if, for example. he/she believes that the patient is at risk of harming himself/herself or others.
The Expert Group which is reviewing the Mental Health Act 2001 is examining a range of issues, including the one mentioned by the Deputy. The Group is coming towards the end of its deliberations, and I expect to receive its final report by the end of the quarter 3 this year. The Deputy will appreciate that it would be inappropriate for me to comment on or pre-empt any aspect of the Group's report in advance of receiving its final copy.
765. Deputy John Lyons asked the Minister for Health if he supports legislating for a statutory entitlement to primary home care which will provide for a detailed and practical transfer of care protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29713/14]
View answerThe Government has embarked on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where there is fair access to services based on need, not on ability to pay. Under UHI, everyone will have a choice of health insurer and access to a standard package of health services. In addition, a system of financial protection will ensure affordability by paying or subsidising UHI premiums for those who qualify.
The White Paper on Universal Health Insurance was published on 2nd April and is available on my Department's website at www.health.gov.ie. It provides substantial detail on the UHI model for Ireland, the process for determining the future health basket, including the standard package of services covered under UHI, funding mechanisms and the key stages of the journey to UHI. The aim is to have all necessary preparatory work for UHI in place by early 2016 with a view to full implementation of UHI by 2019.
Since publication of the White Paper, work on key areas to advance UHI has been underway, including:
- Ongoing preparatory work to establish an Expert Commission which will consult widely and make recommendations in relation to the scope and composition of the future health basket is being carried out.
- The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children has been invited to develop a Values Framework which will help inform the work of the Expert Commission in making recommendations on the services for inclusion in the future health basket. It is hoped that it will be in a position to commence hearings with stakeholders in the coming months.
The issue of the health basket is of central importance and the Government has identified overarching principles which will ensure that decisions in relation to the health basket are aligned with national health policy and with the overall strategic direction of the health service in Ireland, including:
- The composition of the health basket should acknowledge and promote the key role of primary care at the heart of the health system. It should also facilitate the delivery of integrated, person-centred care provided at the lowest level of complexity that is safe, timely, efficient and as close to home as possible.
The question of providing for primary home care will be considered in this context.
766. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if MRI scanning is available at the Cork University Maternity Hospital outside main hours and at weekends; if the service is not available in particular for emergency cases, the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29714/14]
View answerIn relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
767. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that applications under the fair deal scheme are taking in excess of 12 weeks to process, and that applications for loans under the scheme are taking almost as long; his view on the effects this hardship this is having on patients' family members who officially have no obligation to meet the nursing home costs of a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary. [29715/14]
View answerThe HSE operates a national placement list to enable it to operate within the budget for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. All applicants, once the financial assessment is complete and they have been approved for funding, are put on the placement list in chronological order to ensure equity nationally. This includes applicants who have also applied for Ancillary State Support (Nursing Home Loan). The HSE makes every effort to match available funding to demand by releasing funding on a weekly basis.
On the 19th June (latest figures available), there were 1,390 people on the national placement list for funding, with average waiting times of approximately 10 weeks. The placement list is essential to ensure the Scheme remains in budget. Funding is released weekly, to ensure those on the placement list receive funding as soon as possible.
Individuals who are awaiting funding approval can contact their local Area Manager's Office to discuss their circumstances and the options that may be available to them pending Nursing Home Support Scheme funding becoming available. The provision of services must, however, be managed with due regard to available resources.
768. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Health Information Quality Authority findings from a number of inspections on disability services for children and young persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29719/14]
View answerHIQA is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland’s health and personal social care services, including children’s services. This includes registering and inspecting residential centres for dependent people and inspecting children detention schools, foster care services and child protection services.
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has informed my Department that in cases where the Child and Family Agency is concerned that a child is in need of care and protection and is unlikely to receive it at home, the Agency has a statutory duty under the Child Care Act 1991 (as amended) and the Child and Family Agency Act 2013, to ensure that they receive appropriate care. The Agency may place the child in care, in a placement that meets the child's needs. Ninety two per cent of children in care are placed in family foster care.
Under the Child Care Regulations 1995, each child in statutory care is required to have an allocated social worker whose statutory duties, include inter-alia, the preparation and review of a care plan, finding appropriate placements for and in consultation with the child, consideration of the wishes of the child and family including contact with parent(s), siblings and extended family, addressing education placement and health needs of the child, and visits to placements to ensure that it is meeting the child’s needs.
At the end of April 2014, the Child and Family Agency state that there were 6,492, children in statutory care in a range of care settings, six of these children were placed in a residential disability unit.
HIQA has advised that in cases where children are in the care of the State, with the agreement of their parents that the same legal requirements of the Child and Family Agency are in place.
HIQA has further advised that there are some children living in designated centres with the agreement of their families. Such children are not in the care of the State and do not have to have a statutory care plan. The parent(s) of such a child retain(s) full parental rights and there is no requirement for the child to have a social worker.
Under the "HIQA National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities", all children who live in designated centres should have a clear care plan, which includes the voice of the child, and arrangements should be in place to safeguard children. Preparation for adult life and transition to adult services are important aspects of supporting and planning for children.
769. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the service that the North East Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force has put in place to replace which was being provided by the Ana Liffey Drug Project; if the new service provides more or less hours of coverage than had been provided by the Ana Liffey Drug Project before funding for its service was withdrawn in 2013; if it provides the same range of equipment that was provided by the Ana Liffey Drug Project’s service; if it is cheaper or more expensive per hour of coverage than was the Ana Liffey Drug Project’s service; the rationale for discontinuing the needle and syringe programme service which had been provided by Ana Liffey; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29754/14]
View answerWith effect from 1 January 2014, operational and financial responsibility for Drugs Initiative projects supported by the North East Regional Drugs and Alcohol Task Force was transferred to the HSE. In the circumstances, I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct reply.
770. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will refocus spending in the area of drug policy on public health interventions in view of the need for comprehensive needle and syringe programme coverage, and the fact that the pharmacy needle exchange programme does not meet the needs of all who require needle and syringe programme services; the way he will increase needle and syringe programme services coverage here; if he will introduce medically supervised injecting centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29755/14]
View answerIn line with the Programme for Government and Action 34 of the National Drugs Strategy 2009-2016, it is Government policy to expand the availability of needle exchange services. Such services greatly reduce the risk of the use of contaminated injecting equipment through providing sterilised needles, syringes and associated injecting paraphernalia. They also reduce the dangers posed by discarded needles through the strong emphasis on the exchange of used supplies for new. As well as the direct benefits of needle exchange services, they also bring people into contact with other services and increase the possibilities for further engagement aimed at reducing heroin use.
Needle exchange services are broadly available in the Dublin area through the HSE and voluntary sector organisations. The Pharmacy Needle Exchange Programme (PNEP) has continued to expand needle exchange services outside the Dublin area creating accessible harm reduction services within the community pharmacy setting. By the end of 2013, there were 97 pharmacies participating in the PNEP. A further 30 pharmacies have been recruited to the programme in 2014 bringing the total participating to 127.
My Department has no plans to introduce medically supervised injecting centres at present. Rather my focus is on ensuring that there is an increased emphasis on providing the opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use, through drug treatment and rehabilitation, to a drug-free life where that is achievable.
The HSE have completed a review of needle exchange provision in Ireland, which is due for publication shortly.
771. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown, in tabular form, of the number of formal complaints made by staff at Kerry General Hospital over the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29756/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
772. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the Health Service Executive payments for out of hours GP consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29770/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
773. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the Health Service Executive list of long-term illnesses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29771/14]
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 Long Term Illness Scheme. There are no plans to extend 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.
Under the provisions of the Health Acts, medical cards are provided to persons who are, in the opinion of the Health Service Executive (HSE), unable without undue hardship to arrange GP services for themselves and their dependants. 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.
774. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on the medical card review (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29772/14]
View answerThe Government has decided to develop a new policy framework providing for eligibility for a range of appropriate health services to take account of medical conditions. The HSE has established an Expert Panel to examine the range of conditions and services that should be considered as part of this process. A public consultation has also been undertaken to seek the views of the public, including patients, patient representative groups and professional bodies. The submissions received will inform the work of the Expert Panel. Approximately 3,143 public submissions have been received by the HSE to date.
The panel has been asked to report to the Director General of the Health Service by September 2014.
775. Deputy Gabrielle McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will state categorically that the fluoride concentrations in the public drinking water pose no known medical problems to the general public. [29779/14]
View answerThe level of fluoride in drinking water in Ireland has been set at between 0.6-0.8 parts per million. This level of fluoride is deemed optimal for protecting the oral health of all age groups. European Council Directive 98/83 allows for a maximum permitted concentration of fluoride in drinking water up to 1.5mg/litre (or parts per million), almost twice the maximum level permitted in Ireland. In 2011 a review by the European Union Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risk (SCHER) concluded that there are no known negative health implications from fluoridating water at levels used in the EU. The balance of scientific evidence worldwide confirms that water fluoridation, i.e. the adjustment of the natural concentration of fluoride in drinking water to the optimal recommended level for the prevention of dental caries, does not cause any ill effects and protects the oral health of the population.
The Department of Health keeps the policy of water fluoridation under constant review. As part of this ongoing work, a review of evidence on the impact of water fluoridation at its current level on the health of the population and on the environment is being conducted by the Health Research Board on behalf of the Department. This review is due to be completed by December 2014.
The Department is also collaborating in a University College Cork-led research project, "Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth" (FACCT). The study will consider the impact of changes on the oral health of children, following policy decisions relating to toothpaste use by infants and young children made in 2002 and the reduction in the level of fluoridation in drinking water introduced in 2007. In addition, a study on general and oral health findings in adults linked to the duration of exposure to fluoridated water as part of the Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging (TILDA) has commenced.
776. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29795/14]
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.
777. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress being made with the transfer of a person (details supplied) in County Galway from a hospital in England to the Central Mental Hospital in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29796/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
778. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene and secure an urgent residential placement in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Laois whose quality of life is being diminished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29814/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
