Written Answers Nos. 138 to 145
138. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the reason allegations of psychological and financial abuse of a vulnerable resident (details supplied) in a Health Services Executive residential unit were not passed by the designated reporting person in the unit to the appropriate authorities, including the Health Information and Quality Authority. [4129/15]
View answer139. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health the reason allegations of psychological and financial abuse of a vulnerable resident (details supplied) in County Sligo in a Health Services Executive residential unit were not investigated by the Health Information and Quality Authority; if the allegations were investigated, the reason HIQA did not meet and discuss details with the person. [4130/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 138 and 139 together.
I have been informed that the Health Information and Quality Authority is aware of the matter referred to in the details supplied and can confirm that the matter was reviewed and the appropriate actions have been taken, in compliance with the Regulations and National Standards.
I have also referred the matter to the HSE for investigation under its new National Policy and Procedures for Safeguarding Vulnerable Persons at Risk of Abuse that I launched with the HSE on 5 December 2014, which clears the way for staff members in HSE and non-HSE facilities, and members of the public, to refer allegations of abuse to designated reporting individuals.
141. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the details of all unfilled posts by specialty and profession in all hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4144/15]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he should contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the executive.
142. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a date for an appointment with an ear, nose and throat specialist will be provided in respect of a child (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4145/15]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If he has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days he should contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.
143. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will amend section 12(1)(b) of the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009, to allow for the provision of refunds to go directly to the resident or their representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4150/15]
View answerUnder Section 12 (1) (b) of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 any refunds which are due to an applicant under the Scheme can only be paid to the proprietor of the approved nursing home. The HSE is precluded from making payments directly to residents of nursing homes under Section 12 (1).
The forthcoming Review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme which will be completed shortly, will consider the operation and management of the Scheme, including the current position regarding refunds of this nature.
144. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on a plan for extending the Health Information and Quality Authority regulation to other health and social care sectors, commencing in 2015 with private healthcare providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4152/15]
View answerGovernment for National Recovery, 2011-2016 commits to developing and implementing national standards for home support services which will be subject to HIQA inspection. Primary legislation and resources will be required for the introduction of a statutory regulation system for home care services. This will be considered by Government on a prioritised and phased basis as resources, legislative and planning processes allow.
Minister Varadkar and I have recently published our Health Priorities for the development of health services and policy in 2015, one of which is to agree a plan for extending HIQA regulation to other health and social care sectors, commencing with private healthcare providers.
In the meantime the HSE is progressing a range of measures to improve Home Care provision overall, to standardise services nationally and to promote quality and safety.
145. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4207/15]
View answerThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.
