Wednesday, 6 May 2015

Written Answers Nos. 294-316

Health Services Expenditure

Questions (294)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

294. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the spend per capita in each of the 26 counties in primary care, social care and mental health for each of the past five years. [17214/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

Departmental Contracts Data

Questions (295)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

295. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) by his Department. [17219/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

My Department has not awarded contracts to the company (details supplied).

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (296)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

296. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, broken down by Health Service Executive area, the number of paramedics the HSE plans to hire in 2015; the number of positions that have currently been filled; the number that are currently in the recruitment process; if all these positions will be opened to external candidates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17220/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Questions (297)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

297. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Kilkenny will be considered for a wheelchair, to assist with that person's quality of life. [17267/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.

Health Services Staff Recruitment

Questions (298)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

298. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health posts due, under the budget 2015 allocation of €35 million, to be advertised at the end of quarter 1 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17287/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The National Service Plan 2015 provides funding of €792 million for HSE Mental Health Services. This includes additional funding of €35 million held by the Department of Health pending agreement with the HSE on how this will be spent.

Discussions are currently taking place between the Department and the HSE on the final allocation of these funds. In line with the priority areas for development of mental health services, set out in A Vision for Change, I announced in Budget 2015 that the additional funding would be directed to the continued prioritised development and reconfiguration of both General Adult and Child and Adolescent Community Mental Health teams, and also to more specialist areas within the Mental Health Services. I hope to finalise the allocation of the additional 2015 funds with the HSE in the very near future.

HSE Staff

Questions (299)

Joe Carey

Question:

299. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a voluntary redundancy scheme, offered to administration staff working in the Health Service Executive, similar to that offered in 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17288/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In 2013 my Department introduced a Targeted Voluntary Redundancy (VR) Facility for the HSE, and in organisations funded by the HSE under Section 38 of the Health Act 2004. The purpose of this VR Facility is to achieve a permanent reduction in numbers and to facilitate ongoing health sector reform. Voluntary redundancy will give many managers greater flexibility in implementing the measures needed to remain within budget. It will provide scope to reduce employee numbers in the context of changing health sector structures and health reforms. The VR Facility was made available by the HSE with effect from 1st January 2014.

The VR Facility will be implemented on a rolling basis as appropriate areas and functions are identified. It is important to emphasise that there is no automatic right to voluntary redundancy; staff may be offered voluntary redundancy in the context of current and future business needs and service provision priorities. The HSE will continue to operate the Targeted VR Facility as a key element in the reform of the health service. It will enable the HSE and other service providers to maximise the quantum and quality of services provided within the resources available.

I have no plans to introduce any other redundancy measures at this time.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (300)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

300. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if and when a medical card will be renewed in the case of a person (details supplied) in County Kildare, who is epileptic and reliant on medication, and who has already submitted all the documentation requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17348/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 the HSE.

Financial Irregularities

Questions (301, 302)

Clare Daly

Question:

301. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the steps he took in relation to correspondence received from a person (details supplied), in relation to financial concerns regarding the running of St. Michael's House. [17350/15]

Clare Daly

Question:

302. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will organise a meeting with a person (details supplied), in relation to financial irregularities with regard to the running of St. Michael's House. [17351/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 301 and 302 together.

As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions 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, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility

Questions (303)

Michelle Mulherin

Question:

303. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health if dementia is covered under the heading of mental handicap, as qualifying for the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17355/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Dementia is not covered under the heading of mental handicap as qualifying for the Long Term Illness Scheme.

HIQA Inspections

Questions (304, 305)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

304. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the Health Information and Quality Authority report on St. Anne's Care Facility in County Tipperary; the measures he will take to ensure there are improvements made in that facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17359/15]

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

305. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health in view of the fact that two out of 60 disability care homes passed recent inspections by the Health Information and Quality Authority; and the measures he will take to improve the standards in disability care homes. [17360/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 304 and 305 together.

It is always disturbing when incidents of mistreatment are reported.

The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) commenced regulation of residential services for people with disabilities on 1 November 2013, pursuant to S.I. No. 366 of 2013 and S.I. No. 367 of 2013, which assign responsibility to HIQA for registering and inspecting residential services for children and adults with disabilities, including respite services.

All HIQA findings are detailed in the reports as are the actions that must be taken by the provider or person in charge of a designated centre to ensure compliance with HIQA's National Standards for Residential Services for Children and Adults with Disabilities.

HIQA published more than 550 inspection reports in respect of disability residential services in 2014. The lessons learned from these inspections are continuing to improve the quality of services. Clients and their families can be assured that this regulatory regime is being rolled out across all residential facilities for people with a disability.

By the end of March 2015, HIQA inspectors had inspected 66.5% of designated centres. In general, inspectors have seen examples of very good service provision where the support and care needs of residents have been clearly prioritised and there is evidence of a focus on the needs of service users. However, I am also aware of the serious concerns raised by HIQA regarding the level of care that people with a disability are receiving in a number of disability centres, including St. Anne’s in Tipperary. The HSE is fully engaged with the Daughters of Charity and other service providers, to address the issues raised in the reports.

The purpose of the regulations is to safeguard and support the delivery of person-centred care to vulnerable people of any age who are receiving residential care services and ensure that their health, well-being and quality of life is promoted and protected. Over 670 inspections have taken place to date. Compliance with HIQA standards is a requirement under the Service Level Arrangements between the HSE and voluntary service providers under Section 38 and 39 of the Health Acts.

The HSE is implementing a comprehensive change programme of measures to improve the quality and safety of residential services for people with disabilities. Much work remains to be carried out to ensure all facilities comply with Disability Residential Standards. While this is challenging, we must remember that the objective is to safeguard vulnerable people.

I have asked the National Disability Authority (NDA) to carry out an independent review of the experience of interested stakeholders involved in the registration and inspection system, since it commenced in November 2013. This will capture learning to date in order to ensure any issues emerging can be addressed and to promulgate good practice around the system. The NDA is expected to have completed its final report in June 2015.

HSE Reports

Questions (306)

Ruth Coppinger

Question:

306. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the implementation of recommendations in the Health Service Executive's 2011 report Time to Move On from Congregated Settings: a Strategy for Community Inclusion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17361/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE’s report "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion" (2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community, over a seven year time frame. The plan will be rolled out at a regional and local level and will involve full consultation.

In terms of housing, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are working in collaboration to support the transition of people with a disability from institutions to social housing in the community under the Government's National Housing Strategy for People with Disability 2011 to 2016.

As part of the implementation process, in 2013 and 2014 one million euro was transferred from the Department of Health’s Vote to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government’s (DECLG) Vote to provide for the ring-fenced social housing costs of up to 150 people leaving disability or mental health institutions. At the end of December 2014, it is estimated that there were circa 3,000 people with a disability living in congregated settings. The HSE has prioritised the transition of 150 people from congregated settings in 2015. In 2015, one million euro has been allocated to the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government to continue this process.

As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion”, 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, she can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (307)

Colm Keaveney

Question:

307. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway can expect to receive an appointment for a long awaited medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17368/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

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 the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Health Services Funding

Questions (308)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

308. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide financial assistance to the Irish Children's Arthritis Network to help support the voluntary work it provides, on a national level, supporting children and their families on a practical, factual and emotional basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17391/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Health Services Staff Data

Questions (309)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

309. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the hiring of paediatric rheumatologists to ease the workload and combat the current waiting list; the timeframe involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17392/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. If the Deputy has 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 (310)

Pat Breen

Question:

310. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be provided with a shoebrace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17401/15]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the particular issue raised relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Infectious Disease Incidence

Questions (311, 312)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

311. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if training on Lyme disease and its effects on children and adults will be offered to general practitioners and public health nurses, as part of their continuing professional development; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17406/15]

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to appointing a rapporteur to carry out a detailed examination, and report on the situation regarding Lyme disease, and for patient representatives to be consulted as part of the process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17408/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 311 and 312 together.

Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and debilitating.

Lyme borreliosis is a notifiable infectious disease, the notifiable entity being the more severe neurological form, Lyme neuroborreliosis. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects and collates surveillance data on the condition. 20 cases of the condition have been provisionally notified in 2014. This number is likely to fall following validation.

Lyme borreliosis can be asymptomatic or have a range of clinical presentations. Current best advice is that diagnosis should be made only after careful examination of the patient's clinical history, physical findings, laboratory evidence and exposure risk evaluation. Exposure to ticks prior to disease manifestations is necessary for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Since an awareness or recollection of a tick-bite is not always present, however, this should not exclude the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Later stages require the use of antibody detection tests (or advanced DNA detection techniques). Testing for Lyme Disease is undertaken in most of the larger hospitals in Ireland. In undertaking Lyme testing, it is essential that the results are interpreted in the light of the clinical condition of the patient. If the result of this initial screen is equivocal, the patient's samples are referred to the U.K.'s Public Health England Porton Down facility which uses a two-tier system recommended by American and European authorities. This involves a screening serological test followed by a confirmatory serological test. Because of the general availability of initial screening for Lyme disease in Ireland and the provision of a confirmatory testing service in the UK, there is no need for Irish citizens to travel abroad for testing.

Common antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin are effective at clearing the rash and helping to prevent the development of complications. They are generally given for up to three weeks. If complications develop, intravenous antibiotics may need to be used. Anyone who suspects they may have contracted Lyme Disease should consult their GP who will arrange appropriate testing and treatment.

The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee. The aim of this Sub-Committee is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. These strategies will be published in a Final Report. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency and an Environmental Health Officer. A representative from the Patients' Association is also being sought. The Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committee are:

- To raise awareness in Ireland of Lyme Borreliosis amongst clinicians and the general public;

- To identify and highlight best international practice in raising awareness about Lyme Borreliosis for the General Public;

- To develop policies of primary prevention of Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland based on best international evidence;

- To explore ways in which to improve surveillance of neuroborreliosis in Ireland;

- To develop strategies to raise awareness among the public particularly in areas of higher tick populations;

- To produce a Final Report covering all the above areas.

The Sub-Committee will hold its inaugural meeting today.

With regard to continuing professional development, the content and composition of professional competence schemes for general practitioners is a matter for the Medical Council and the recognised postgraduate training bodies. In line with the provisions of the Medical Practitioners Act, as of May 2011, doctors are legally obliged to maintain their professional competence by enrolling in approved professional competence schemes and following requirements set by the Medical Council. In this context, the Council has established a range of professional competence schemes through formal arrangements with the recognised postgraduate training bodies. Schemes are operated by the postgraduate training bodies and have been developed to drive good professional practice, which is centred on patient safety and quality of patient care.

Should a specific service need for continuing professional development for public health nurses be identified, it would be addressed and delivered utilising a collaborative approach involving the registrant, health service provider/employer and educators. Stakeholders include the HSE-Office of Nursing and Midwifery Services Director, the Centres for Nursing and Midwifery Education and School of Nursing and Midwifery within the higher education sector.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (313)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Question:

313. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the number of persons waiting for colonoscopies in each hospital, for the months of November and December 2014, separately, for less than three months, more than three months and less than six months, more than six months and less than nine months, more than nine months and less than 12 months, and greater than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17409/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

HSE Agency Staff Data

Questions (314)

Helen McEntee

Question:

314. Deputy Helen McEntee asked the Minister for Health the conditions and employment contracts of carers employed by carer companies (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17410/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The employees concerned provide services on behalf of the HSE.

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the matter. If the Deputy has 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.

Health Services

Questions (315)

Seán Kenny

Question:

315. Deputy Seán Kenny asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve paediatric cardiologist services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17416/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the provision of paediatric cardiology services is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days will he please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Hospital Services

Questions (316)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

316. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the outcome of discussions which he has had with various consultants, regarding the possibility of hosting yearly and twice-yearly clinics in Letterkenny General Hospital, County Donegal, for children with rare diseases, which at present take place in both Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin 12 and in Temple Street Children's University Hospital, Dublin 1; when such clinics are expected to commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17420/15]

Written answers

Minister for Health

At a meeting on 4th February with Deputy Joe McHugh and parents of children with rare diseases, I expressed my willingness to explore the possibility of Dublin-based consultants travelling to Letterkenny to host clinics for this cohort of patients. My Department has requested that the HSE engage with the appropriate consultants to assess the feasibility of this approach and report on the matter as soon as possible.

I consider that there is a strong case for us to look at the health care needs of patients in West Ulster, given that travelling distances are so far to Galway and Dublin.