Written Answers Nos. 580-96
580. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form by local health area the number of medical cards discontinued as a result of the changes implemented in the Health (Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act of 2013. [40922/14]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
581. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation to enable Health Information and Quality Authority investigate individual complaints about the standards of care in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40927/14]
View answer630. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of complaints received and the number of complaints investigated by the Health Service Executive in 2013 and to date in 2014; if these homes were public or private nursing homes; the outcome of the complaints received and the findings against the nursing home operators; if he has received complaints from the Health Information and Quality Authority about nursing homes; the actions taken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41224/14]
View answer631. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the nature of the engagement with the Health Information and Quality Authority in relation to unsolicited complaints received by it concerning the care of residents in nursing homes, private and public; when these discussions took place; the recommendations made by HIQA in relation to this issue; the proposals made in relation to updating legislation, and having a more effective national policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41225/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 581, 630 and 631 together.
The Health Information and Quality Authority 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.
Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, voluntary and private have been registered and inspected by HIQA. During the course of this Government HIQA’s function has been extended to residential services for those with disabilities and child protection services. In addition, the Department is committed to introducing a regulatory system for home care services, which will be subject to registration and inspection by HIQA, and work on this has already commenced.
The functions of the Minister for Health in relation to HIQA and the Chief Inspector of Social Services are prescribed in the Act and in this respect the Chief Inspector is independent in the exercise of those functions.
As regulator, HIQA's remit operates at the level of facilities rather than that of individual complaints, but the requirements at facility level impact very directly on how individual cases are dealt with.
Nursing home operators must ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to protect residents from all forms of abuse. These measures include staff training in relation to the detection and prevention of and responses to abuse. Any incident or allegation of abuse must be investigated and operators must have policies and procedures in place for the prevention, detection and response to abuse. Furthermore, they must notify HIQA of any allegation of abuse or serious adverse incidents that occur in a nursing home.
All nursing homes are required to have an accessible and effective complaints procedure, including an appeals process. They must investigate all complaints promptly, and following investigation put in place any measures required for improvement. Records of complaints made are required to be kept. These are available for inspection, thus enabling the HIQA inspector to determine whether the complaints system is sufficiently robust.
HIQA takes into account and uses all information received to inform and plan its regulatory activity, and information on individual cases can provide useful pointers in this context.
HIQA’s programme of both scheduled and unannounced inspections helps to ensure that standards are maintained and where issues of non-compliance arise, that these are addressed and rectified. If a nursing home is found not to be in compliance with the Regulations it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. HIQA also has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of registration on nursing homes.
My Department, in consultation with both HIQA and the service providers, is working on an ongoing basis to improve and update the requirements that apply to nursing home care. Any request from HIQA for an extension of their remit on the lines suggested by the Deputy will be carefully considered.
The aspect of the Deputy's request in relation to complaints investigated by the Health Service Executive has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
582. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a six year orthodontic waiting list in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40931/14]
View answerI have asked the HSE to investigate this matter and respond to the Deputy as soon as possible. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
583. Deputy Brian Walsh asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be considered for insulin pump therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40932/14]
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.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
584. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a child (details supplied) in County Kerry regarding their need for respite care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40977/14]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.
585. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40980/14]
View answerIn relation to the Deputy's further question in this matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
586. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when the new drug recently approved for MS patients (details supplied) will be available on prescription for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40981/14]
View answer724. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when the new drug Sativex, recently approved for MS patients, will be available on prescription for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41648/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 724 together.
On 18 July 2014 the Health Products Regulatory Authority granted a marketing authorisation for cannabis based medicinal product Sativex® to be marketed in Ireland. The remaining timeframe for making the product available for prescribing in Ireland is the responsibility of the holder of the product authorisation, GW Pharmaceuticals PLC and their European partner Almirall.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the GMS and community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Applications for reimbursement are considered in line with the procedures and timescales agreed by the Department of Health and the HSE with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association for the assessment of new medicines.
The HSE received an application for inclusion of Sativex® under the Community Drugs Schemes High Tech Arrangements in early September 2014. The application is being considered in line with agreed procedures.
A Health Technology Assessment on Sativex® has been completed by the National Centre for Pharmaceoeconomics (NCPE) and the report is available on the NCPE's website (www.ncpe.ie). The NCPE did not recommend reimbursement of Sativex® at the submitted price. The HSE will be engaging with the pharmaceutical company (Almirral) to discuss some issues of relevance to the pricing and reimbursement of Sativex® which have been identified by the NCPE.
The NCPE report is an important input to assist the HSE in its decision making process and informs further discussions between the HSE and the supplier. However it is not the only input into decision making. The HSE assessment processes are intended to arrive at decisions on the funding of Sativex® and other medicines that are clinically appropriate, fair, consistent and sustainable.
Decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer, are therefore not political or ministerial decisions. These are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the Health Service Executive (HSE) on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
No further comment can be provided at this time as the assessment process is on-going.
587. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown for each acute hospital of the unpaid patient bills at 1 January 2014; a breakdown for each acute hospital of the unpaid patient bills currently; the amount which has been written off by each hospital at each of these two dates; the amount sought by debt recovery agencies at both periods in time; the amounts awaiting sign-off by a consultant for both periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40982/14]
View answerThis question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
588. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Longford who has been approved for nursing home subvention will receive the agreed nursing home financial support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40991/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
589. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the dental screening services that are being given to primary school children in County Galway; the reason children are not being screened in second and fourth class when the Health Service Executive states that it provides dental screening to children in second, fourth and sixth classes; his plans to reinstate this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40992/14]
View answerDental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. All HSE dental clinics prioritise emergency care for children up to 16 years of age, treatment for special needs patients and screening of children aged from 11 to 13 years, including referral for orthodontic services where necessary. Other services, including screening of children 6 to 8 years, are provided but may be deferred in clinics where there is pressure on resources. I understand that the HSE has replied directly to the Deputy concerning services provided in County Galway.
590. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of children who are waiting to receive a Baha hearing device; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40993/14]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is collating the data sought and will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
591. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the total number, from 1940 to date, of symphysiotomies and pubiotomies carried out in each public hospital in the State, and in each private hospital where maternity services are or were provided under arrangements pursuant to maternity services legislation; and, in the case of each hospital, the year in which the last symphysiotomy and-or pubiotomy was performed. [41000/14]
View answer639. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health when it is expected the symphysiotomy ex-gratia scheme will be announced nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41245/14]
View answer641. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which dialogue has been entered into and settlement arrangements made with the victims of symphysiotomy in accordance with Government's decision in this regard; the extent to which individual requirements of the women concerned in respect of redress have been met; if access to the courts remains available to any victim receiving a redress payment; when all outstanding issues are likely to be met with particular reference to keeping in mind the serious and long-standing suffering of the victims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41273/14]
View answer649. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support the eight-point plan to resolve the survivors of symphysiotomy issue (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41311/14]
View answer659. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the position on each of the eight points presented to him by the survivors of symphysiotomy at their meeting with him on 19 September 2014. [41381/14]
View answer660. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he will favourably consider the survivors of symphysiotomy's draft proposal for a Government statement of truth. [41382/14]
View answer661. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health his views on the UN Human Rights Committee's concluding observation on symphysiotomy at paragraph 11, that the Government has to date failed to, and therefore should now initiate, a prompt and comprehensive independent investigation into the practice of symphysiotomy, prosecute and punish the perpetrators, including medical personnel, and provide an effective remedy to the survivors of symphysiotomy for the damage sustained means that it is the UN's view that the Murphy review and Murphy scheme do not meet this standard, that a judicial or quasi-judicial investigation is required, and that the Government is now legally obliged to take further steps to end the current state of impunity for cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. [41383/14]
View answer721. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on the practice of symphysiotomy confirming that it was never the norm here or elsewhere for difficult births, and was carried out only in extreme circumstances before Caesarian sections became widespread; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41634/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 591, 639, 641, 649, 659 to 661, inclusive, and 721 together.
In July this year the Government announced a comprehensive response to the long standing and sensitive issue of surgical symphysiotomy. The key response is the establishment of an ex-gratia payment scheme, which will cost around €34 million. In addition, there is a commitment to the continued provision of medical services, including medical cards for the women. The details of the Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme are currently being finalised and I expect the Scheme to be launched in the very near future.
The decision by Government to implement the Scheme followed Government's examination of a report carried out by Professor Oonagh Walsh, on Practice of Symphysiotomy in Ireland, between 1944 and 1984; and an Independent Review of Issues relating to Symphysiotomy by Judge Yvonne Murphy which advised Government, inter alia, on the relative liabilities of insurers, indemnifiers and/or other parties in relation to symphysiotomy and on the merits and costs of proceeding with a payment scheme relative to allowing the court process to proceed.
Judge Murphy outlined the case for a scheme in her report and her recommendations on levels of awards were accepted by Government. Subsequently, I asked Judge Murphy to draw up a detailed draft scheme. I have consulted through the summer with the Judge and have also been speaking to relevant parties about the proposed scheme. Judge Murphy submitted her more detailed proposal to me on 11 September 2014, setting out how the scheme should operate. In this context I met the support groups representing women who have undergone symphysiotomy on 19 September 2014. I wanted to hear from the support groups how they hope the scheme will operate, and to confirm to them that the scheme will be established as quickly as possible. Two of the groups (Patient Focus and Survivors of Symphysiotomy Limited) have welcomed the establishment of the scheme. The third group (Survivors of Symphysiotomy) has advised women to reject the scheme. The views of all three groups have been taken into account in devising the scheme and I hope that when the women see the details of the scheme and the efforts made to ensure it is person-centred, simple and non-adversarial many of them will opt to join the scheme.
Key aspects of the scheme include:
- Women who had a surgical symphysiotomy in the State between the years 1940 and 1990 may apply in accordance with, and subject to the terms of the scheme.
- The scheme will be run by an independent Assessor. If women have questions on any aspect of the scheme, the Assessor or secretariat, will be available to assist.
- The scheme will be simple, straightforward and non-adversarial. It will allow women to have legal and other advice available to them in preparing to submit an application. It will result in awards of between €50,000 and €150,000 for the women.
- Women who have had a surgical symphysiotomy and have medical evidence to prove it may accept an award of €50,000 without further assessment. If no medical records are available a medical assessment will be carried out.
- For those who wish to apply for higher awards (€100,000 or €150,000) a medical assessment may be necessary if up to date medical records are not available, or if the Assessor decides this is needed for final determination of the award.
- Women will not waive their rights to take their cases to court as a pre-condition to participating in the scheme. Women may opt out at any stage in application and assessment process, up to the time of accepting their awards.
However, on accepting the offer of the award under the scheme, women will have to agree to discontinue their legal proceedings against any party arising out of their symphysiotomy.
While I am aware of the comments made by the UN Human Rights Committee, the Government believes that the establishment of this scheme is a fair and appropriate response. In agreeing to the ex-gratia scheme, the Government has demonstrated its commitment to trying to bring a resolution for the women concerned. The Government has acknowledged the pain and suffering which the procedure caused to many of the women and is aware also of the uphill battle many of them will face in the courts with uncertainty about the outcome of that process.
Regarding the numbers of symphysiotomies carried out in the State, Professor Oonagh Walsh, whose report has informed Government about the issue, estimated that around 1,500 symphysiotomies were carried out in hospitals in Ireland in the period between 1944 and 1992. She noted that it was a rare intervention in comparison with Caesarean section, with a rate of approximately 0.05% of total deliveries, or a symphysiotomy rate of 60 per 100,000 births.
592. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Carlow has to wait until July 2015 for hip replacement surgery; the steps he will take to expedite same. [41003/14]
View answerIn relation to the particular patient query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
593. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of medical cards as of 1 October 2014; the number of general practitioner cards on the same date; the number for each type of card issued on a discretionary basis on that date; and the number for each type of card assigned to over 70's on that date [41024/14]
View answerThe following table sets out the national medical and GP card figures at 1 October 2014, as requested by the Deputy.
|
Medical Cards |
Of which Discretionary |
GP Visit Cards |
Of which Discretionary |
Over 70s Medical Cards |
Of which Discretionary |
Over 70s GP Visit Cards |
Of which Discretionary |
|
1,785,221 |
71,222 |
153,333 |
30,780 |
326,034 |
5,507 |
27,804 |
748 |
594. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will review the issue of an increase by €50 in the annual retention fee for nurses by the Irish nursing board as the new fee increase to €150 is a hardship measure on many nurses who are trying to cope financially; if he will intervene, as the Irish nurses teaching council actually reduces its retention fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41026/14]
View answer600. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the recent decision of the Irish nursing and midwifery board to increase registration fees for nurses and midwives; his views on the INMB taking into account the ability of nurses and midwives to pay the fee increases prior to making decisions of the level of fees; and if he will amend legislation to allow him to intervene to cap and-or reduce increases in registration fees. [41051/14]
View answer822. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding increases in the nursing registration fee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42274/14]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 594, 600 and 822 together.
A new Nurses and Midwives Act was passed into legislation in 2011. The Act provides, inter alia, for the protection of the public in its dealings with nurses and midwives and the enhancement of their high standards of professional education and competencies. The Department of Health is responsible for oversight of the governance of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI). The Department has no role in setting or approving registration fees.
The Board is an independent body, answerable to the Oireachtas, with the responsibility to ensure that it has the financial capacity to undertake all its legal obligations. The cost of enacting the additional requirements under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2014 was set out in the Regulatory Impact Analysis that was carried out prior to the enactment of the legislation. These costs include an enhanced regulatory process with supporting systems for continued professional development and certain education and training requirements for the professions.
It was also made clear at the time of the legislation that the Board would continue to be self-funding and needed to plan and cost how it would fulfil its legal obligations. Following detailed negotiations with the Executive and Board members in 2013 it was agreed in October 2013 that an initial once-off sum of €1.6m would be granted by the Department to the Board to cover 2013/2014 costs, but that the Board would have to increase its income in 2015 to undertake its commitments in the legislation. The Board of the NMBI made the decision to increase the annual registration fee at its meeting on 17 September, 2014. A helpline, email address and website information page have been made available by the NMBI to provide clarification for registrants who may have queries on this matter.
595. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the cuts of one million euro to a service (details supplied) in County Dublin over the past five years will be reversed in this year's Health Service Executive budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41028/14]
View answerThe Government is fully committed to ensuring the ongoing delivery of vital services and supports to people with disabilities within available resources.
In budget 2015, additional funding has been provided to the HSE to address identified priority needs within disability services, including
- €12m for the emerging needs of young people with a disability leaving school and those leaving Rehabilitation Training (RT) who will require a day place, and
- €6m to deliver the required increase in services for children with disabilities, including autism, and to reduce waiting lists under the Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18s) Programme.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is currently in the process of preparing its 2015 National Service Plan including its disability services programme for children and adults with disabilities. It is not expected that the HSE will be in a position to comment on the funding of individual disability organisations until this process has been completed.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy on Prosper Fingal, as this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.
596. Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on the provision of medical treatment in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 15; and his further views on the waiting lists at the hospital. [41032/14]
View answerCappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital is a tertiary referral centre and receives referrals from all counties in Ireland for complex orthopaedic care, in addition to the provision of the national surgical bone tumour service. The Hospital has advised that it has experienced an unprecedented increase in demand for in-patient treatment throughout 2014. This is consistent with trends in other jurisdictions with similar demographic profiles.
In terms of access, urgent patients continue to be prioritised and Cappagh Hospital has advised that due to strict chronological booking policies, all patients attending the hospital are being offered dates for surgery based on their waiting time to surgery, with due regard to clinical categorisation.
I understand that the HSE is in active engagement with Cappagh Hospital to examine and agree options for optimising the available theatre resources and to ensure patients have timely access.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as the is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
