Finian McGrath
Question:520. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will deal with the crisis at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9 as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49442/14]
View answerHospital Services
Questions (520)
Written answers
The Government regards trolley waits of over 9 hours as unacceptable and acknowledges the difficulties which the current surge in ED activity is causing for patients, their families and the staff who are doing their utmost to provide safe, quality care in very challenging circumstances.
Beaumont Hospital acknowledges and regrets the difficult conditions experienced by patients and staff at its Emergency Department, which provides services to over 50,000 patients each year, many of whom are older and have complex care requirements. As well as contributing to high levels of ED admissions, these factors can present difficulties in discharging such patients to home or other appropriate care settings. In addition, changes in service provision (e.g. cancer services) have increased the general patient attendance at Beaumont, placing additional pressures on bed capacity.
All hospitals have escalation plans to manage not only patient flow but also patient safety in a responsive, controlled and planned way that supports and ensures the delivery of optimum patient care. Beaumont Hospital has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve the patient pathway both through the ED and the hospital, in addition to working closely with the community. All available bed capacity is open and off-site capacity is also being utilised. Elective surgeries (with the exception of cancer cases) have been cancelled for this week and this option is being kept under constant review. The HSE would encourage patients to contact their GPs in the first instance where they can be directed appropriately to services such as rapid access clinics, day hospital services for older people and acute medical assessment units, as appropriate.
The Government has provided additional funding of €3 million in 2014 and €25 million in 2015 to address delayed discharges. This funding is being targeted at hospital and community services which can demonstrate initiatives to address specific needs of delayed discharge patients most positively and therefore improve timeliness for admissions from Emergency Departments and waiting lists. The Minister convened the Emergency Department Taskforce to find long term solutions to overcrowding by providing additional focus and momentum in dealing with the challenges presented by the current trolley waits. Following an initial meeting in December, the HSE is working on an action plan to be finalised by the end of January to specifically address ED issues with a view to a significant reduction in trolley waits over the course of 2015.
HSE Data
Questions (521)
John McGuinness
Question:521. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the timeframe envisaged for completion of the investigation into the work practices of a person (details supplied); his views that the Health Service Executive informed the Joint Committee on Health and Children that there are 29 expectant mothers, which is at odds with a previous parliamentary question reply; if he has examined the HSE's MOU signed by this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49447/14]
View answerWritten answers
As I advised the deputy on 16 December 2014, I still understand from the HSE that the estimated completion date for the two investigations into this issue will be towards the end of the first quarter of 2015.
My office has been advised by the HSE that 11 mothers of the 12 contracted for Home Births have delivered. One mother to be is contracted for a home birth in 2015. The remaining mothers who were known to the person in question have made contact with the designated midwife officer in the HSE. Of the remaining mothers, some have accepted the services of the Self-Employed Community Midwives (SECM) some are still deciding, some have decided to access private maternity services and some have accessed a maternity hospital for their confinement. I would suggest that if any of the remaining mothers-to-be that are known but not contracted to the person named and to the HSE, have any concerns, they should contact their designated midwife officer.
The memorandum of understanding between the HSE and the person named is an operational matter and not something in which I would have any involvement.
Maternity Services Provision
Questions (522)
Finian McGrath
Question:522. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 266 and 267 of 26 February 2014, if he will publish a copy of the draft report which presents options for the delivery of maternity and gynaecology services in the West-North West Hospital Group which may help inform the new national strategy; and if he will provide a timeframe for completion of the national strategy for maternity services. [49449/14]
View answerWritten answers
The National Maternity Strategy is currently being developed by my Department in conjunction with the HSE. It is intended to finalise and publish the Strategy during 2015.
The draft report to which the Deputy refers was commissioned by the former West-North West Hospital Group, now the Saolta University Healthcare Group. The Deputy will be aware that the HSE Service Plan 2015 commits to a national review and evaluation of maternity services. The work undertaken by the Saolta Group will inform the national review and will also be considered in the context of the development of the Maternity Strategy.
Health Services
Questions (523)
John McGuinness
Question:523. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 381 of 23 September 2014, if he will put in place a long term transport arrangement to suit the needs of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; if a Health Service Executive official will contact the person and work out a transport plan as a matter of urgency. [49457/14]
View answerWritten answers
The question relates to a service delivery matter and I understand that the HSE replied directly to the Deputy on 8 January. It appears that no application for transport was received from, or on behalf of the person. An application would therefore have be submitted.
I hope that this reply clarifies the matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (524)
Billy Timmins
Question:524. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow will be called for an operation in view of the fact that they have been on a waiting list for over 15 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49461/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (525)
Paul Murphy
Question:525. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) in Dublin 24 who is a patient of Tallaght hospital can expect to wait for essential surgery on their upper arm; his views on the length of the waiting list for elective upper limb surgery; and the plans that exist to clear the waiting list. [49468/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (526)
Pat Breen
Question:526. 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. [49469/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Home Care Packages Provision
Questions (527)
Michael Lowry
Question:527. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 165 and 166 of 13 November 2014, if he will provide the information requested as the reply received from the Health Service Executive fails to respond to the issues raised; if his attention has been drawn to the crisis with regards to the funding of home care packages and the unacceptable waiting lists for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49478/14]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
The HSE is continuously working to develop the services provided and to ensure they match the needs of older people as much as possible within the overall level of funding provided. The projected target levels for home help hours and home care packages set out in the 2014 HSE’s National Service Plan are expected to be met or exceeded. The 2015 Service Plan projects the provision of 10.3 million hours help hours this year and that 13,800 people will be in receipt of a home care package.
In addition, €25 million was allocated in budget 2015 in response to the problem of delayed discharges in acute hospitals. This will be applied across community and residential services to alleviate the delayed discharges issue to the greatest extent possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (528)
Billy Timmins
Question:528. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49483/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (529)
James Bannon
Question:529. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the renewal of a medical card application in respect of persons (details supplied) in County Longford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49494/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (530)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:530. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding staffing in the health services (details supplied) in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49501/14]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct response. 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.
Drug Treatment Programmes Policy
Questions (531)
Eric J. Byrne
Question:531. Deputy Eric Byrne asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the drug problem in Dublin City centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49514/14]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a comprehensive range of addiction services to reduce drug-related harm and which encourage problem substance users to engage with, and avail of such services. These services include needle exchange provision, together with evidence-based treatment options such as methadone maintenance treatment, counselling and community-based and residential rehabilitation.
In relation to the drug problem in Dublin city centre, the HSE, in partnership with a local voluntary service provider, Dublin City Council and an Garda Síochána has set up an assertive case management programme to engage with the cohort who are involved in public drug use. The pilot programme, which will be monitored and evaluated, is designed to provide the best possible outcomes for these individuals and address their issues of homelessness and addiction using shared resources. The HSE also cooperate with the local community representatives of the North and South Inner City and with local Gardaí to minimise any negative public order issues that may arise in the vicinity of its treatment centres.
The HSE Service Plan for 2015 includes an additional €2.1 million for measures under the National Drugs Strategy which will benefit vulnerable problem drug users in the Dublin area. These measures include enhanced provision for residential detoxification and rehabilitation facilities and a demonstration project by the HSE, which aims to increase access to naloxone for opioid users. Naloxone is an opioid antagonist which is used to reverse the effects of opioids such as heroin, morphine and methadone and has been proven to be an effective way of reducing the number of opioid overdose deaths.
The introduction of medically supervised injecting centres in Ireland would raise a number of serious issues including patient safety and legal concerns. Therefore, the Government's focus is on providing more opportunities for people to move on from illicit drug use, through drug treatment and rehabilitation, to a drug-free life where that is achievable.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Applications
Questions (532)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:532. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health when a long term illness card will issue in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49517/14]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the primary care schemes, including the Long Term Illness Scheme, therefore the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to you. 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (533)
Billy Timmins
Question:533. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an electric wheelchair in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49520/14]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (534, 610)
Michael McGrath
Question:534. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Laois has been denied access to a certain treatment; if he will arrange to have this matter reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49522/14]
View answerJohn McGuinness
Question:610. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will fund the purchase of the drug eculizumab, Soliris, which has been prescribed in respect of a person (details supplied) to effectively manage their rare and life threatening condition, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1108/15]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 534 and 610 together.
Decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer, are not political or ministerial decisions. These are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and often on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics.
The HSE has been engaging with the manufacturer, Alexion Pharma, for some time in relation to the drug Eculizumab. At a cost of over €400,000 per patient per annum Eculizumab is one of the most expensive drugs in the world and many countries have struggled to accept the pricing point put forward by Alexion.
The engagement with the pharmaceutical company has now been concluded and the HSE is considering the outcome of that engagement. It is regrettable that to date the company has not been able to provide this drug at a more sustainable price to the HSE to reflect the clinical evidence.
I would like to assure the Deputy that the Department, and the HSE, fully understand the concerns of patients regarding the availability of this drug and every effort is being made to seek a satisfactory outcome to this issue. While I appreciate that some may take the view that the taxpayer should reimburse every licensed medicine for whatever price the drug company demands, I hope the Deputy will appreciate that the better interests of the health service require that we reimburse only the most effective medicines and only at a fair price.
Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme
Questions (535)
Michael McGrath
Question:535. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the redress scheme for the survivors of symphysiotomy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49525/14]
View answerWritten answers
The Surgical Symphysiotomy Payment Scheme commenced on 10 November 2014. Applications are being assessed by former High Court Judge Maureen Harding Clark. The Scheme has in the region of €34 million available and participants will receive awards at three levels - €50,000, €100,000 and €150,000. The Scheme was designed to be simple, straightforward and non-adversarial, and aims to minimise the stress for all women concerned. It was designed following meetings with all three support groups, two of which have welcomed its establishment. It was established to give women who do not wish to pursue their cases through the courts an alternative, simple, non-adversarial option.
Applications had to be made within 20 working days of the Commencement Date. The closing date for receipt of applications was therefore Friday 5 December 2014. In exceptional circumstances, Judge Clark has discretion to extend the time for receipt of applications by an additional 20 working days, that is, to Wednesday, 14 January 2015.
Judge Clark has informed my officials that, as of 9 January, 2015:
- 568 applications were received by her office by the closing date of 5 December, 2015;
- 75 offers were made amounting to over €5,250,000;
- 23 late applications were received, between the closing date and 9 January. Of these, 10 were accepted, 4 were rejected and the remainder are currently being considered by Judge Clark.
I understand that no offer that has been made to date has been rejected. It is also important to note that where there was a delay arising in the compilation of a woman's supporting documentation due to difficulty in obtaining medical records, applications were accepted by the Scheme, provided the application was received within the time period set out in the Scheme, with a written explanation of the reasons for the absence of the documentation.
My Department made payments to 29 women before Christmas amounting to €1,850,000, with a further 5 payments imminent.
The Scheme is voluntary and I would like to emphasise that women will not waive their rights to take their cases to court as a precondition to participating in the Scheme. Women may opt out of the Scheme at any stage in the process, up to the time of accepting their award. It is only on accepting the offer of an award that a woman must agree to discontinue her legal proceedings against any party arising out of a symphysiotomy or pubiotomy.
The Government hopes the implementation of this Scheme will help to bring closure on this issue for the women concerned and their families.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (536)
Billy Kelleher
Question:536. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the Health Service Executive will supply size seven Lieber pull-ups to a person (details supplied) in County Cork as they are available at the HSE in Wilton, County Cork where they currently get their supplies. [49539/14]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (537)
Seán Ó Fearghaíl
Question:537. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare who is suffering from continuous pain that requires orthopaedic surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49541/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (538)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:538. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Meath will receive a neurology appointment at Beaumont Hospital, Dublin 9. [49542/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 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.
Medical Card Reviews
Questions (539)
Tom Fleming
Question:539. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite a medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49548/14]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.