Written Answers Nos. 26-42
26. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the status of the new labour unit in County Waterford; when it is due to open; if funding has been allocated to provide equipment for it; if staff have been allocated to work in it; the reason for the delay in opening it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36367/15]
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.
27. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason there was no new agreement on drugs pricing in 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36586/15]
View answerOfficials in my Department are working with their colleagues in the HSE, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the Office of Government Procurement to ensure that the State achieves the best possible deal in terms of value for money regarding the pricing and supply of medicines. Preliminary discussions have taken place with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) regarding a possible successor agreement to the existing drugs pricing and supply Agreement between the IPHA, the Department of Health, and the HSE. The focus is on achieving the best possible deal in terms of value for money over the next three years.
The current Agreement, which runs until the end of this month, will remain in place until discussions on a new agreement are concluded.
28. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason parents are not provided with a copy of the patient information leaflet prior to signing the consent form for the human papilloma virus vaccine given the serious side effects outlined in the leaflet; if he agrees that not all parents have Internet access to investigate possible side effects; given that it is medically accepted that there are risks with all vaccines, the supports he plans to put in place for girls who become ill as a suspected result of receiving the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36264/15]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
29. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the reason University Hospital Waterford has seen its inpatient or day case waiting list increase by more than twice the national average and by four times the rate of increase in the South-South West Hospitals Group as a whole since it became part of that group in May 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36581/15]
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.
30. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the measures he will take to improve dental services, especially for children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36587/15]
View answerThe first results of the Fluoride and Caring for Children's Teeth (FACCT) survey, just published, show that 73% to 76% of children living in fluoridated areas show no evidence of dental caries. This compares very well with other European countries and is clear evidence of a substantial improvement in the oral health of children in Ireland. Future service provision will be informed by the National Oral Health Policy, which the Department of Health is currently developing. This three-year project commenced in 2014 and is being led by the Chief Dental Officer. The project includes a needs assessment, a review of resources and involves consultation with stakeholders, including dental professionals and the public.
Dental services for children up to 16 years of age and persons of all ages with special needs are provided by the Public Dental Service of the HSE through its dental clinics. HSE dental clinics provide a screening and fissure sealant programme for children at key stages of development, aged 6 to 8 and 11 to 13. The service includes referral for further treatment, including orthodontic treatment, where necessary. Emergency care for children up to 16 years of age and treatment for special needs patients is also provided. Resources have been released in 2015 and into 2016 to improve dental services in areas where there have been difficulties. The HSE is also commencing a pilot scheme for 0-3 year old children to assess what advice should be given to parents regarding best care of their teeth.
With regard to orthodontic services, the HSE has 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. Consideration will be given to expanding this scheme to other HSE areas in the future. In addition, a national procurement process is currently underway to provide treatment for certain categories of misalignment by a panel of independent practitioners under contract to the HSE over the next three years, with consideration of an extension to four years. This initiative will especially focus on those waiting for four years or longer. It is expected that this initiative will commence later this year and will have a positive impact on waiting times.
It is the policy of the HSE that general anaesthesia should, if possible, be avoided in the practice of dentistry. Since 2012 the HSE has been upskilling dental teams in conscious sedation as an alternative. These developments, together with regular validation of waiting lists, will result in more appropriate and timely access for patients who require these specialised services. General anaesthetic services will continue to be provided on determination of clinical need. The HSE has undertaken to commence a national audit on dental general anaesthetic waiting lists for children and for those requiring special care.
The Dental Treatment Service Scheme (DTSS) provides access to dental treatment for medical card holders over the age of 16. All medical card holders are entitled to specific dental treatments e.g., an annual dental examination, two fillings in each calendar year, extractions as necessary. Additional treatments are available to persons with specific medical conditions, such as diabetes, including persons in receipt of care or services for a disability and persons on a register of disability. In 2010 the HSE introduced measures to cap expenditure on the Scheme at the 2008 expenditure level of €63m. Since then the budget for the DTSS has been increasing and is €76m this year.
31. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health if his Department will take action to expedite the processing of nurse registration applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36565/15]
View answerI am pleased to report that progress has been made in relation to the registration delays in the NMBI. To 13 October 2015, 1,495 applicants have been registered this year, the highest in many years, of which 758 were Irish-trained applicants. The number of applications received to 13 October this year is up 139% on the same period in 2014. I would like to advise the Deputy that, to 13 October, the number of people registered in 2015 was 1,495 and when this is compared to the same period in 2014, the number of people registered is 967 - this represents an increase of 55%.
The latest figures from the NMBI indicate that they have 1,980 open applications, of which:
- 1,348 have documentation outstanding (61%);
- 81 have been approved and a fee is awaited by the NMBI; and
- 168 further cases are waiting review.
The Department has approved the filling of 16 posts and temporary measures have been put in place to ensure all applications received are dealt with in a timely manner. NMBI informed the Department on the 24 September that there are currently no backlogs in processing the post.
Seven adaptation programmes have been held for the nursing home sector since 2014 in order to allow overseas nurses to register in Ireland. One adaptation programme has commenced and a further programme is scheduled later in the year. I understand that five adaptation programmes will be held in 2016. At 23 September 2015, some 405 places have been made available so far on these courses.
The NMBI has approved, on a pilot basis, a new aptitude test with RCSI as an alternative method to assess candidates for registration. Nurses are currently being advised of the availability of this test and all who have a letter for adaptation are being contacted to advise them of this development. This test will be provided in November 2015 when a minimum cohort of 25 nurses is secured. Successful candidates will be recommended for registration to NMBI by RCSI.
On 8 October 2015, a new overseas call centre service was launched by NMBI in response to the significant increase in applications for registration from overseas nurses and midwives. NHI and other key stakeholders were informed of the new overseas call centre service on 7 October. The website has been updated to inform the wider audience. On 16 October 2015, 684 calls were received by this call centre.
32. Deputy John Halligan asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently waiting for a full diagnostic assessment for autism in University Hospital Waterford; the composition of the team; if all the positions are covered; the number of psychologists on the autism team who will provide a full diagnostic assessment; the length of time it will take to recruit staff; the Health Service Executive plan in the absence of a fully trained psychologist to undertake the assessment procedure; if he will make reference in his reply to a specific case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36371/15]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
33. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed national office for rare diseases; if he will confirm the address and the contact details, if established, and the staffing approval involved; the steps he will take or that will be taken to ensure the widest possible public awareness of this key service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36363/15]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
34. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of staff shortages within the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, which is causing a backlog in the number of nursing applications being processed; his views on whether this is having a knock-on effect on hospitals which desperately need to recruit nurses to deal with the overcrowding issue; his plans to deal with this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36265/15]
View answerI am pleased to report that progress has been made in relation to the registration delays in the NMBI. To 13 October 2015, 1,495 applicants have been registered this year, the highest in many years, of which 758 were Irish-trained applicants. The number of applications received to 13 October this year is up 139% on the same period in 2014. I would like to advise the Deputy that, to 13 October, the number of people registered in 2015 was 1,495 and when this is compared to the same period in 2014, the number of people registered is 967 - this represents an increase of 55%.
The latest figures from the NMBI indicate that they have 1,980 open applications, of which:
- 1,348 have documentation outstanding (61%);
- 81 have been approved and a fee is awaited by the NMBI; and
- 168 further cases are waiting review.
The Department has approved the filling of 16 posts and temporary measures have been put in place to ensure all applications received are dealt with in a timely manner. NMBI informed the Department on the 24 September that there are currently no backlogs in processing the post.
Seven adaptation programmes have been held for the nursing home sector since 2014 in order to allow overseas nurses to register in Ireland. One adaptation programme has commenced and a further programme is scheduled later in the year. I understand that five adaptation programmes will be held in 2016. At 23 September 2015, some 405 places have been made available so far on these courses.
The NMBI has approved, on a pilot basis, a new aptitude test with RCSI as an alternative method to assess candidates for registration. Nurses are currently being advised of the availability of this test and all who have a letter for adaptation are being contacted to advise them of this development. This test will be provided in November 2015 when a minimum cohort of 25 nurses is secured. Successful candidates will be recommended for registration to NMBI by RCSI.
On 8 October 2015, a new overseas call centre service was launched by NMBI in response to the significant increase in applications for registration from overseas nurses and midwives. NHI and other key stakeholders were informed of the new overseas call centre service on 7 October. The website has been updated to inform the wider audience. On 16 October 2015, 684 calls were received by this call centre.
With a recovering economy, the Health Service Executive is now in a position to offer full-time jobs to nurses and midwives. There are many initiatives currently underway to improve nursing staff levels throughout the country. These include offering full-time permanent contracts to the 2015 degree programme graduates. In addition, the conversion of agency usage to permanent staffing in line with agreed processes is a key objective of the National Service Plan 2015.
In July, the HSE launched an International Staff Nurse Recruitment Campaign which focused on the UK to attract Staff Nurses to jobs in Ireland. In this campaign, there was a particular emphasis on targeting Irish Nurses who have left Ireland in recent years and want to return home. The HSE is currently in the process of expanding this recruitment initiative outside the UK and Europe in order to fill service vacancies.
35. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health if there will be an increase in the number of home help hours in County Louth in 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36573/15]
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.
36. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting more than 18 months for an outpatient appointment at the Midland Regional Hospital at Tullamore, in September 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36657/15]
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.
37. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently waiting for an outpatient appointment with an orthopaedic consultant in the Ireland East Hospitals Group; and in the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland Hospitals Group. [36580/15]
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.
38. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason the projected outturn in home help hours for County Galway in 2015 is 64,000 behind target for 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36568/15]
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.
39. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his Department's assessment of the effectiveness of the State's adherence to Directive 2011/24/EU on patients' rights in cross-border health care; if he will confirm that it is possible for general practitioners to refer patients to a hospital abroad within the European Union and European Economic Area for a refundable clinical assessment to determine the medical necessity of a procedure covered under the treatment abroad scheme; if he is aware that this option is not readily communicated to patients, who may require urgent clinical assessment; if he will provide statistics relating to the number of procedures carried out in 2013, 2014 and in 2015 to date under the treatment abroad scheme, the associated cost and the number of refunds issued in respect of clinical assessments carried out overseas following Irish general practitioner referral in each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36654/15]
View answerThe Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive 2011/24/EU on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland, known as the Cross Border Healthcare Directive (CBD). Additionally, the HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) under the provisions of (EC) Regulation No 883/2004 on the coordination of social security systems. The TAS and the CBD are distinct schemes. The rules that apply under the Directive and the Regulation are not interchangeable. However, the HSE automatically informs patients of their rights under the Regulation if they have applied under the Directive and vice versa.
The CBD operates as per the public referral pathways in Ireland and, in line with this, a referral by a GP to a consultant abroad is permissible under the CBD. In general, the CBD allows a public patient to access care in another EU/EEA country in either a public or private setting. The healthcare must be healthcare which is available and funded in the public healthcare system in Ireland. Applications under the CBD are not subject to independent medical assessment or a necessity to demonstrate undue delay. Prior approval is not always required.
The measures employed by the HSE ensure Irish patients who seek to have healthcare abroad under the terms of the CBD are assisted with access to the information they need to make an informed choice, and following any episode of healthcare abroad in line with the CBD, they are promptly reimbursed for the cost of the healthcare upon return to Ireland. I am satisfied that the HSE's CBD application procedures are proportionate and that the prior authorisation process provides patients seeking hospital care which requires overnight accommodation with an assurance on the level of reimbursement they will receive.
All applications to the TAS are subject to prior authorisation and independent medical assessment. In general, the TAS allows for a public patient in Ireland to be referred, to the public health system of another EU/EEA country or Switzerland, for a treatment which is not available in Ireland. Referral for an assessment with a view to a treatment under the TAS may only be made by a treating Irish based consultant, who is in best position to know as to the availability, or otherwise, of the necessary treatment in Ireland. Any application to the TAS for treatment which is available in Ireland but for which the applicant is claiming undue delay is subject to the referring consultant demonstrating how the individual case meets TAS guidelines on the provisions of the European Court of Justice rulings.
The HSE Treatment Abroad Scheme issues Form E112 (IE) for specific episodes of care which an approved patient receives in a public hospital in the EU, EEA or Switzerland. The payment mechanism for these episodes of care is directly between public health systems by way of EU/EEA Model Form E125. These forms/invoices are received in arrears, often up to 2 years in arrears. Therefore the figures detailed in the following table are the current costs as known and are liable to change as invoices for previous years are received and paid, and should be read in that context.
|
Year |
Approved Applications |
Cost |
|
2013 |
640 |
€7,866,682.10 |
|
2014 |
586 |
€8,286,289.47 |
|
Year to 30 September 2015 |
486 |
€7,419,807.00 |
Information on the number of refunds issued, under the Cross Border Healthcare Directive, in respect of clinical assessments carried out overseas following Irish GP referral is not gathered in that format. However, I can confirm that 17 patients were issued with refunds for consultations outside the State following referral from a GP.
40. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when the outreach rheumatology clinic will be reinstated in Letterkenny General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36255/15]
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.
41. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will address the length of time old age pensioners are on waiting lists for knee, hip and cataract procedures, and other treatments generally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36564/15]
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.
42. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if more funding will be allocated to provide adequate respite facilities for carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36471/15]
View answerThe vision for the Health Service Executive's (HSE) Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.
Respite care for children and adults with disabilities is provided by the HSE directly in some instances, or by agencies funded by the HSE to provide services on its behalf. In many instances respite services are part of the overall suite of services provided by voluntary service providers to people with disabilities under their service level agreements with the HSE. The HSE remains committed to working with all voluntary disability service providers to ensure that all of the resources available for specialist disability services, including respite services, are used in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The HSE's Social Care Operational Plan for 2015 aims to provide 190,000 overnight stays in centre-based respite services to almost 5,300 people. The HSE is also committed to continuing to explore methods of community respite care as an alternative to centre-based respite care, including advancing the Host Family Support Model.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 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.
