Written Answers Nos. 148-155
148. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which early alert procedures exist to identify children and youth deemed to have a disposition towards self-harm; the extent to which adequate supports are in place to address these issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27973/15]
View answerAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
149. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason ambulance drivers were directed to bring a child (details supplied) with emergency cardiac problems to the emergency department of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, County Louth, against protocol, when the emergency originated two minutes from Our Lady's Hospital in Navan, County Meath. [27734/15]
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.
150. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the current location of the obstetric records, including the birth registers and the maternity theatre registers, and detailing the types of records held, both on-site and off-site for each year from 1960 onwards relating to maternity services provided at St. Luke's Hospital, County Kilkenny, under arrangements pursuant to maternity services legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27737/15]
View answer151. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health the current location of the obstetric records, including the birth registers and the maternity theatre registers; and detailing the types of records held, both on-site and off-site for each year from 1940 to 1987, inclusive, relating to maternity services formerly provided at St. Columcille's Hospital in Loughlinstown in County Dublin, under arrangements pursuant to maternity services legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27738/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 150 and 151 together.
With regard to the detailed queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, 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.
152. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine and expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry, given that the person has submitted all the relevant information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27740/15]
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.
153. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home help hours in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27750/15]
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.
154. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a minor ailment scheme, similar to a scheme which is running in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27754/15]
View answer155. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the Pharmacy First scheme in the United Kingdom; his plans to introduce a similar scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27755/15]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 154 and 155 together.
The development of primary care services is an essential component of the health reform process. In a developed primary care system, up to 95% of people's day-to-day health and social care needs can be met in the primary care setting. Pharmacy services are well placed within the community to provide essential health advice and to support effective care at the lowest level of complexity.
As we continue to experience increased pressure on resources within the health system, it is necessary to consider new and innovative ways to provide the services required. Expanding the role of the community pharmacist to include provision of services such as a Minor Ailments Scheme is worth exploring as we seek to further expand and develop the primary care sector. A Minor Ailments Scheme can offer patients real benefits in terms of improving patient access and choice in the delivery of primary care services. It is however important that such proposals generate real savings on existing public expenditure, as the health service continues to operate within tight budget constraints.
My Department has engaged the services of the Health Research Board to undertake a review of the evidence base for such a service, including the application of such schemes in other countries. It is expected that the evidence review will be completed by the autumn. This piece of research will further inform the Department's consideration of this policy proposal, including any contractual or funding implications that may arise.
