Written Answers Nos. 352-369
352. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide help and advice to persons with Lyme disease; the information available through his Department and the Health Service Executive regarding this disease; his plans to meet a group representing those with Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36605/14]
View answerThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable diseases such as Lyme Disease. The HPSC is presently involved in establishing a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee with the primary aim of examining best practice in prevention and surveillance of Lyme Disease and to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. This will involve raising awareness among both clinicians and the general public.
The HPSC has undertaken a considerable amount of work in the run-up to the establishment of this committee. There is an extensive section on Lyme Disease on the HPSC website aimed at ensuring that awareness of Lyme Disease is maintained as a priority. In addition, information specifically for clinicians is available on the HPSC website to ensure that diagnosticians remain increasingly aware of the issue of Lyme Borreliosis.
The HPSC holds a Lyme Disease Awareness Week each year with this years event having taken place in late May. The awareness week proved to be a great success with more than a dozen radio interviews and several print media articles resulting from raised awareness during the week. This increased activity also resulted in a 100% increase in the amount of web traffic to the various Lyme Disease sections of the HPSC website.
The HPSC continues to work with sister organisations and others to ensure that the issue of Lyme Disease is brought to as wide an audience as possible. In this regard, the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee will welcome any comments and suggestions from interested parties in preparation of a final consultation document.
353. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the reason asthma is not included in the long-term illness scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36609/14]
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, which are as follows: Acute Leukaemia; Mental handicap; Cerebral Palsy; Mental Illness (in a person under 16); Cystic Fibrosis; Multiple Sclerosis; Diabetes Insipidus; Muscular Dystrophies; Diabetes Mellitus; Parkinsonism; Epilepsy; Phenylketonuria; Haemophilia; Spina Bifida; Hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by 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.
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.
354. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health the progress of the provision of services in the palliative care unit in University Hospital Waterford; the timeframe of the progression to date; when he expects the unit will be operational and offering vital services to the local community in the south east; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36622/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
355. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a hospital appointment will be scheduled in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36630/14]
View answerThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, 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 the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him on this matter.
356. Deputy Jerry Buttimer asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the roll-out of improved organ transplant networks which was provided for as part of budget 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36642/14]
View answerAn extra allocation of €2.9 million was made in 2014 to facilitate an increase in the levels of organ donation and transplantation through the appointment of 19 whole-time-equivalent personnel. The appointees will include consultants, organ donation nurse managers, organ procurement officers and quality officers. They will work to foster a strong culture of organ donation, optimise conversion rates and ultimately increase the number of life saving transplantations that are carried out each year.
At this point the quality managers have been recruited and progress is being made towards the appointment of the other staff. It is hoped to fill all posts by early 2015 and to achieve a significant increase in transplantation numbers that year.
357. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36655/14]
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.
358. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card application will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36656/14]
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.
359. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card will issue in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36657/14]
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.
360. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36658/14]
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.
361. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a discretionary medical card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36659/14]
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.
362. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a medical appointment will be expedited in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36661/14]
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.
363. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card review will issue in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36664/14]
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.
364. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a decision on a medical card review will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36665/14]
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.
365. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding free general practitioner care for children aged under six years; when the scheme will be operational nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36668/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to the introduction of a universal GP service for the entire population in line with the Programme for Government. As announced in Budget 2014, it was decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service for the entire population by initially providing all children under 6 years with access to a GP service without fees. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2014.
On 4th June 2014, a Framework Agreement was concluded between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. The Framework Agreement sets out a process for engagement concerning the GMS/GP contract and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs. Discussions are underway between the Department, the HSE and the IMO under the Agreement in relation to the provision of free GP care to children under 6 years. A number of meetings have taken place and further meetings have been scheduled.
When discussions on the contract’s scope and content and fee structure have been concluded, the setting of the fee rates will be a matter for the Minister for Health, subject to the provisions of legislation and the Framework Agreement. The aim is to have the phase in respect of the under 6's implemented by the end of this year or early next year, subject to the conclusion of discussions between the parties. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure which will provide a GP service to approximately 240,000 children that must currently pay to see a GP.
366. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm when free general practitioner care will be introduced for children aged under six years and the people aged over 70 years. [36670/14]
View answerThe Government is committed to the introduction of a universal GP service for the entire population in line with the Programme for Government. As announced in Budget 2014, it was decided to commence the roll-out of a universal GP service for the entire population by initially providing all children under 6 years with access to a GP service without fees. The Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was passed by the Oireachtas in July 2014.
On 4th June 2014, a Framework Agreement was concluded between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. The Framework Agreement sets out a process for engagement concerning the GMS/GP contract and other publicly funded contracts involving GPs. Discussions are underway between the Department, the HSE and the IMO under the Agreement in relation to the provision of free GP care to children under 6 years. A number of meetings have taken place and further meetings have been scheduled.
When discussions on the contract’s scope and content and fee structure have been concluded, the setting of the fee rates will be a matter for the Minister for Health, subject to the provisions of legislation and the Framework Agreement. The aim is to have the phase in respect of the under 6's implemented by the end of this year or early next year, subject to the conclusion of discussions between the parties. The Government is providing new, additional funding of €37 million to meet the cost of this measure which will provide a GP service to approximately 240,000 children that must currently pay to see a GP.
The Government has decided to prioritise the over 70’s in the next phase of the roll-out of universal GP care. The Government has approved the drafting of a Bill to provide a GP service without fees for all persons aged 70 years and over. Drafting of the Bill has commenced and is the subject on ongoing interaction between the Department and the Attorney-General’s Office. The expectation is that the Health (General Practitioner Service) (No. 2) Bill 2014 will be published shortly. The aim is to have the over 70’s phase implemented this year or early next year, subject to the conclusion of discussions between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. The estimated cost is €18 million for 2015. This will mean that almost half of the population will have access to GP services without fees.
367. Deputy Jim Daly asked the Minister for Health his plans to double the capacity at Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin to facilitate up to 120 patients to be treated for spinal deformity each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36671/14]
View answer387. Deputy Liam Twomey asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure that operations for children requiring spinal correction are carried out in the shortest timeframe possible; if his attention has been drawn to the significant delays at present regarding these type of operations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36812/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 367 and 387 together.
Scoliosis in children and young people is managed predominantly at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC). The hospital has an agreed capacity to carry out 58 full spinal cases per year as part of its annual Service Level Agreement with the HSE. Children requiring repeat procedures and rod lengthenings are excluded from this number, meaning that a total of 147 spinal procedures were carried out in 2013. The HSE has informed me that a total of 68 full spinal surgeries were undertaken in 2013 (10 more than funded).
There has been an increase in the number of OPD referrals of spinal cases, resulting in increased conversion to surgical cases and projected growth in clinical demands. Measures to address these demands are being considered as part of the estimates process and in the context of overall service needs.
368. Deputy John O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive a decision on their medical card application; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36698/14]
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.
369. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive a knee replacement having been on the waiting list for many years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36701/14]
View answerThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, 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 the particular query raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
