Written Answers Nos. 376-399
376. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health to set out the position regarding the provision of free general practitioner care for those under six years and those over 70; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48918/14]
View answerThe Health (General Practitioner Service) Act 2014, which provides an entitlement for all children aged under 6 to a GP service without fees, was enacted on 25th July 2014. 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 is at an advanced stage and the expectation is that the Bill will be published shortly.
The Government's aim is to have the first two phases for the under-6s and over-70s implemented early next year subject to the conclusion of discussions between the Department of Health, the HSE and the IMO. By the end of next year, approximately half of the population will have access to GP services, without charges. That is a major step on the way to universal health care.
377. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 137 of 17 October 2014, the position regarding the repatriation to Kerry General Hospital of the four Kerry dialysis patients travelling to Cork University Hospital for treatment and the subsequent reply from the Health Service Executive of 29 October 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48919/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
378. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 154 of 9 October 2014, the number of persons on the placement list for the nursing homes support scheme; the time it is taking for funding to issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48930/14]
View answerOn the 11th December 2014 (latest figures available) there were 1,071 people on the national placement list for funding. Funding was released on 2nd December for just over 1,000 Nursing Home Support Scheme applicants reducing the waiting time for funding to 12 weeks.
I am aware that the waiting times on the placement list have grown over the last few months. This is not a satisfactory situation and I am trying to address it.
In addition to the €939m budget for the Scheme in 2014, in July this year, the HSE allocated €5 million for an initiative to improve access to appropriate care for older people. To date, this has funded over 300 transitional care beds in acute hospitals from the placement list for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme and over 200 home care packages to assist patients in the acute hospitals who require a home care package to be discharged.
The Government has provided additional funding of €25 million for 2015 to address delayed discharges, of which €10 million will be allocated to the Scheme. In the longer term this issue requires an integrated response across primary, community and residential services and my Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure that available resources are deployed in the most effective way possible.
379. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the progress made in implementing each of the 31 recommendations in the 2011 Health Service Executive report, Time to Move On from Congregated Settings; the timeframe for the full implementation of the recommendations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48938/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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 the matter up with the HSE.
380. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to detail the funding provided to the Central Remedial Clinic in Clontarf, Dublin 3, for the past five years and for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48956/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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 the matter up with the HSE.
381. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to detail the transport services funded by his Department for the northside of Dublin; if services are being reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48957/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
382. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to detail the funding provided to ChildVision in Dublin 9 for the past five years and for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48958/14]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) 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 the matter up with the HSE.
383. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he has visited Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the issues he discussed with management; the extra resources he will provide to the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48960/14]
View answerI visited Beaumont Hospital on 8 December 2014, where I officially opened the Cardiac Intervention Unit and visited the Alpha-One Foundation. I also spent time in the Emergency Department speaking to management, staff and patients, as I am well aware of the challenges which are faced by Emergency Departments, including Beaumont's, particularly at this time of year.
In relation to Beaumont in particular, the management has implemented a number of initiatives to address the obvious egress issues and enhance patient flow from the Emergency Department to discharge or to in-patient beds. These measures include:
- patient pathways in place for transferring patients quickly to the Acute Medicine Unit and to the Stroke Unit
- rapid access to diagnostics such as endoscopy, ECHO and stress tests to assist with rapid diagnosis and treatment of patients
- provision of minor injuries service by Advance Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) from 8am to 9pm, seven days per week
- provision of a direct consult chest pain service by a Cardiology ANP three days per week.
Two ‘self-harm’ nurse specialists, a clinical nurse specialist for liaison psychiatry and alcohol liaison nurse service assist in the work of the Emergency Department by providing specific expertise to support patients with these presentations. In addition, the hospital established a dedicated rapid assessment team this year, incorporating a senior doctor, clinical nurse manager, staff nurse and healthcare assistant. These resources have been assigned to the ED assessment area in order to improve non-admitted patient experience times (PETs). Beaumont is engaged with Clinical programmes and care pathways including the Hospital Design Programme and the National Acute Coronary Syndrome Programme which will further improve the current situation. These longer term measures are supported by short term measures such as cancellation of elective activity and redirection of patients who do not require acute interventions to appropriate alternative care pathways.
The HSE and my Department are working hard in order to alleviate the unacceptable pressures experienced by patients and staff alike in ED Departments. To assist in this situation, the HSE Service Plan for 2015 includes €25 million to specifically address delayed discharges.
An extra €3 million was allocated in this year's recent Supplementary Budget for Health to allow the delayed discharge initiative to start this year, rather than next year as originally intended. 1,000 Fair Deal Nursing Home Support Scheme places have been approved to help address the number of delayed discharges. The funding has also facilitated the allocation of Home Care packages and the provision of Transitional Care beds for patients who do not yet have a long term care place or an appropriate support package in place to allow patients return home. A number of patients who had been awaiting discharge from Beaumont have been able to leave hospital as a result.
At a national level, hospitals have been working with the Special Delivery Unit (SDU) on Winter Planning initiatives to address the anticipated seasonal surge arising principally from changing weather conditions. However, the successful management of access to emergency and acute care cannot be solely dependent on intensive, short term solutions. I am establishing an Emergency Department Taskforce to develop such solutions. It will meet for the first time on 22 December and monthly thereafter in order to address solutions to problems being experienced by Emergency Departments, with the emphasis on those which are experiencing the greatest levels of difficulty.
384. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to upgrade the accident and emergency department in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48961/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
385. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to upgrade the operating theatres at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48962/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
386. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to detail the number of consultants both junior and senior at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the number in the accident and emergency department at Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48963/14]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. 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.
387. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out the measures he will introduce to ensure that persons look after their oral health and increase their number of consultations with a dentist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48966/14]
View answerThe Dental Health Foundation is funded by the HSE to promote oral health awareness and the reinforcement of good dental habits through its oral health information programmes. The core messages are (a) reduce the frequency of intake of foods containing sugar, (b) brush the teeth thoroughly at least once a day with a fluoride toothpaste, and (c) visit the dentist regularly, in order to control the progression of early signs of decay and gum disease. The uptake of dental services provided to medical card patients under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme has risen from 27% in 2011 to 32% in 2014.
The Department of Health is currently developing a new oral health policy. This is a three year project which commenced in 2014 and is led by the Chief Dental Officer. The project will have three key parts. The first is a needs assessment, which will inform how new services should be provided. The second part will be a review of resources. Thirdly, there will be consultation with stakeholders, including professional groups and the public, on new ways of delivering oral health services. The emphasis on prevention rather than intervention is a cornerstone of this policy development.
388. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to detail the number of emergency ambulances and vehicles allocated for Dublin; the hours that these vehicles are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48972/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
389. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health to detail the number of applications received from community and voluntary groups in County Cavan for national lottery funding on an annual basis since 2011; the number of applications approved each year; the level of funding awarded each year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48988/14]
View answerThe information requested by the Deputy for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 is provided in the following tables. My Department is currently finalising the processing of decisions on applications for 2014 and the information will be provided to the Deputy as soon as it is complete.
Cavan - UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 2011
|
Extern |
Lavel, Stradone, Co. Cavan |
|
Co Cavan Vocational Education Committee Music Hub |
Church View Square, Cavan Town |
|
Damien Centre Ltd t/a Adventure Retreats Ireland |
Tanagh, via Cootehill, Co. Cavan |
|
Cootehill Youth Café |
Church View Square, Cavan |
|
Bailieborough Mental Health Association. |
Bailieborough, Co. Cavan |
|
C.A.P.S. (Cavan Autism Parents Support Group) |
Crosserlough, Co. Cavan |
|
Bailieborough Parish Hall |
Bailieborough, Co. Cavan |
|
Irish Wheelchair Association Cavan |
Ballinagh Road, Cavan |
|
Community Youth Project Cavan |
Cavan, Co. Cavan |
|
Killgarry GAA |
Annagelliffe, Cavan |
|
Kilnaleck & District Community Co-operative Ltd. |
Kilnaleck, Co. Cavan |
|
South West Cavan Development Project Ltd |
Kilnaleck Co Cavan |
|
Teach Oscail FRC Project |
Killmooney Drive Cavan |
|
Killeshandra Community Council Ltd |
Killeshandra Co Cavan |
ALLOCATED FUNDING 2011
|
Cavan County Council Fleadh Committee 2011 |
10,000 |
Farnham Street, Cavan |
|
Cavan/Monaghan Carers Association |
1,678 |
Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan |
Cavan - UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 2012
|
Cavan Autism Parents Support - CAPS |
Crosserlough Co Cavan |
|
CDA Trust Ltd. |
Bailieborough, Co. Cavan |
|
Kilnaleck Social Services |
Crosserlough Co Cavan |
|
Killeshandra Community Council Ltd |
Killeshandra Co Cavan |
|
Irish Wheelchair Association Cavan Resource & Outreach Centre |
Ballinagh Road Cavan |
|
Irish Red Cross - Bailieborough |
Redhills Co Cavan |
ALLOCATED FUNDING 2012
|
Cavan County Council Fleadh Committee 2011 |
10,000 |
Farnham Street, Cavan |
|
Blacklion & Belcoo Active Age Group |
1,000 |
Blacklion, Co. Cavan |
|
Irish Wheelchair Association Cavan Resource & Outreach Centre 2 |
5,000 |
Ballinagh Road, Cavan |
|
Cavan Monaghan Carers |
1,500 |
Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan |
Cavan - UNSUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS 2013
|
Cavan Autism Parents Support - C.A.P.S. |
Crosserlough, Co. Cavan |
|
|
Irish Wheelchair Association Cavan |
Ballinagh Road, Cavan |
|
|
Killeshandra Community Council Ltd. |
Killeshandra, Co. Cavan |
|
|
Lavey Senior Social Club |
Stradone, Co. Cavan |
|
|
Bawnboy Workhouse Ltd. |
Bawnboy, Co. Cavan |
|
|
CDA Trust Ltd. |
2A Railway Road, Cavan |
|
|
Irish Red Cross - Ballinagh/Ballintemple |
Ballinagh, Co. Cavan |
|
|
Kilnaleck Social Services |
Ballinagh Co Cavan |
|
|
Irish Red Cross - Ballinagh/Ballintemple |
Ballinagh Co Cavan |
ALLOCATED FUNDING 2013
|
Down Syndrome Support Cavan |
3,000 |
Virginia, Co. Cavan |
390. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out the priorities in his Department for the remainder of the term of this Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49025/14]
View answerAs I said previously, for the remainder of this Government’s term of office, I will concentrate on achieving a small number of realistic goals while laying the groundwork for further health reform.
My first priority was to achieve a realistic budget for the Department, to maintain the existing level of services and provide for some improvements. I believe, within the economic confines that still exist, that aim was achieved in Budget 2015. In particular I have ringfenced €25 million to deal with the issue of delayed discharges and €35 million for investment in the area of mental health.
Another key priority is the introduction of universal GP care without fees. The legislation to extend it to under 6s is in place and the legislation to extend it to the over 70s should be in place by the end of the year.
I also want to continue the work of my predecessor Minister Reilly in further developing and building the Hospital Groups by putting in place Boards, CEOs and Senior Management Teams and the developments of strategic plans.
I also want to take an active role in promoting healthy living. Changes in lifestyle can prevent many diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and lung disease.
Other priorities for the remainder of the Government term include the following:
1. Stabilise cost of health insurance
2. Reduce cost of medicines
3. Retaining doctors and nurses
4. Five Major Capital Projects
5. Universal Patient Registration.
391. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to set out his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding Longford Westmeath mental health services. [49035/14]
View answerSince coming into office, this Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services in line with the recommendations in A Vision for Change. Additional funding totalling €125 million and some 1,100 new posts have been provided primarily to strengthen Community Mental Health Teams for both adults and children and to enhance specialist community mental health services for older people with a mental illness, those with an intellectual disability and mental illness, and forensic mental health services.
Implementation of Vision is ongoing. Work will be undertaken during 2015 to prioritise outstanding actions informing the identification of any gaps in service. The additional €35 million provided for mental health in Budget 2015 will be directed towards the continued prioritised development and reconfiguration of General Adult teams, including Psychiatry of Later Life, and Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health teams. This will be delivered through further recruitment and investment in agencies and services in order to achieve a consistent service provision across all areas. In addition, the funding will also permit urgent specialist needs to be addressed, including psychiatric intensive care, forensic mental health, mental health intellectual disability care, and psychiatric liaison services.
The level of health services to be delivered within the total available mental health budget has been set out in the recently published HSE National Service Plan (NSP) 2015. The HSE Mental Health Division National Operational Plan, which is currently being developed, will support the implementation of the NSP 2015 and will detail the spectrum of services provided by each Mental Health Service Extended Catchment Area and the priorities for 2015.
As the specific issues raised in the Deputy’s question relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for investigation and 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.
392. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49043/14]
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, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up with them.
393. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out the measures that will be introduced to take pressure off Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9, and improve efficiencies within its hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49053/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
394. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to improve the national ambulance service; the terms of reference of the three reviews of Dublin ambulance services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49054/14]
View answerThe National Ambulance Service (NAS) is continuing to modernise and reconfigure its services to ensure that emergency pre-hospital care is delivered in an appropriate and timely manner. A significant reform programme is currently underway which will provide a clinically driven, nationally co-ordinated system, supported by improved technology. Additional funding of €5.4m has been provided in the National Service Plan 2015 to continue service modernisation. The migration to a single national control centre, the implementation of a new call and dispatch system, the commencement of an electronic patient record process and the recruitment of additional staff for the Western region, are all part of the 2015 service plan.
The HIQA review of the NAS has now been published; the national capacity review is close to finalisation and the joint review of Dublin ambulance services is expected to be completed in the New Year. On completion of all three reviews, the findings will be co-ordinated to ensure a comprehensive, coherent response from the ambulance service. In that regard my Department will work with the HSE to ensure the development of an Action Plan, with timelines, to realise a new vision for ambulance services in Ireland.
The HSE has been asked to respond to you directly in relation to the terms of reference for the three reviews. 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.
395. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to deal with the serious backlog of patients waiting for orthodontic care in the Dublin north-east region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49055/14]
View answerThe HSE has recently established a pilot scheme in Dublin North East which will involve the use of orthodontic therapists in the treatment of a number of eligible children. In addition to the services provided by HSE staff, orthodontic treatment for certain categories of misalignment will be provided by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years. A national procurement process is currently underway and is due to be ready for commencement in January 2015. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for 4 years or longer. It is expected that these changes will have a positive impact on waiting times.
396. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to set out the position regarding plans for a new helipad for Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9; the cost of same; his views on the current situation of helicopters landing in a nearby field; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49057/14]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE 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 my officials will follow the matter up.
397. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to construct new primary care centres in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49059/14]
View answerThe development of primary care is central to the Government's objective to deliver a high quality, integrated and cost effective health care system. The delivery of primary care centres is a dynamic process, constantly evolving to take account of changing circumstances including the feasibility of implementation using one of the following delivery mechanisms - direct/own-build (by HSE), or by way of the operational lease with the private sector or through the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project.
The HSE will deliver the primary care centres at the following locations by direct build - Finglas, Grangegorman, Corduff and Rowlagh North Clondalkin. Primary care centres at Coolock/Darndale and Summerhill in the north inner city Dublin will be delivered through the public private partnership project. In addition, the HSE's NSP 2015 includes details of the new primary care centres for the Dublin area which are to be delivered over 2015 and early 2016. These are shown at Appendix 4 page 77.
As regards the HSE's plans for other Dublin locations, the mechanism and timescale for delivery of primary care infrastructure is dependent on a number of factors. Regardless of the delivery mechanism, all potential primary care infrastructure is subject to suitable locations being offered/provided/available, to successful planning processes and GP commitment to sharing accommodation and delivering health care services with HSE staff. In addition the operational lease mechanism is subject to market pressures such as the developers' access to sufficient financing. Also there will always be more projects than can be funded by the Exchequer through current and capital expenditure. There is limited funding available for new projects over the next multi-annual period 2015-2019 given the level of commitments and the costs to completion already in place. The HSE is concentrating on applying the limited funding available for capital works in the most effective way possible to meet needs now and in the future.
Your question has been referred to the HSE to provide an update on plans for other Dublin locations. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up on the matter.
398. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline the changes in A Vision for Change that will be made to mental health services in Dublin; if more community mental health teams will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49060/14]
View answerA Vision for Change provides a framework for action to develop a modern high quality mental health service. Since coming into office, this Government has prioritised the reform of our mental health services and it is our intention that access to patient-centred, recovery focused mental health services in the community will be significantly improved.
The additional €35 million provided in Budget 2015 brings to €125 million the total investment for mental health services since 2012. This additional allocation is for the development and modernisation of the services in line with the recommendations of A Vision for Change. The additional funding for mental health will be directed towards the continued prioritised development and reconfiguration of Community Mental Health Teams. It will also permit urgent specialist needs to be addressed.
The level of health services to be delivered within the total available mental health budget has been set out in the recently published HSE National Service Plan (NSP) 2015. The HSE Mental Health Division National Operational Plan, which is currently being developed, will support the implementation of the NSP 2015 and will detail the spectrum of services provided by each Mental Health Service Extended Catchment Area and the priorities for 2015.
399. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans for funding disability services for the remainder of this Government's term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49061/14]
View answerThe Government values the role which people with disabilities play in Irish society and is committed to facilitating the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the life of the community through access to individualised personal social supports and services.
The health service will spend almost €1.5 billion in 2015 on health and personal social services for people with disabilities, including:
- Residential services to over 9,000 people;
- Day services to over 22,000 people,
- Provision of new placements for approximately 1,400 young people who are due to leave school and Rehabilitative Training Programmes in 2015.
- Respite residential support totalling 190,000 overnights;
- 3.9 million hours of personal assistant/home support hours.
Additional funding is provided in the HSE's National Service Plan for 2015 to meet unavoidable cost pressures in the following areas:
- 2015 day places for school leavers: €12m full years costs with €6m relevant to 2015;
- Expansion of therapy services for 0-18 year olds: €6m full year costs with €4m relevant to 2015;
- Pay and general cost pressures within disability services: €6.5m pay and €3.5m general costs.
Further details will be available in the 2015 National Operation Plan for the HSE's Social Care Directorate, which is currently in preparation.
It is not possible to comment on funding for disability services in 2016 in advance of the completion of the Estimates cycle for 2016.
