Tuesday, 19 Jan 2016

Written Answers Nos. 323-341

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Questions (323)

Billy Timmins

Question:

323. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health if he will examine correspondence sent of behalf of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1910/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

With regard to specific complaints in relation to experiences of individuals in our hospitals, there is a formal complaints policy, entitled “Your Service Your Say”,details of which are on the HSE website, at: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/feedback/complaints/. In accordance with this procedure, a complaint must be made in the first instance to the hospital in which the incident causing the complaint occurred.

If an individual is not satisfied with the response from the hospital, a review can be sought from the HSE Director of Advocacy and the Ombudsman, whose details are set out below.

HSE Director of Advocacy

Oak House

Millennium Park

Naas

Co Kildare

Tel [phone].

Office of the Ombudsman

18, Lower Leeson Street

Dublin 2

Tel [phone]

Email: [e-mail].

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.

Hospital Services

Questions (324)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

324. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will revert to this Deputy on a matter (details supplied) regarding University Hospiital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1911/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (325)

Tom Fleming

Question:

325. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will urgently examine a referral for a procedure to Cork University Hospital for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry who is on a waiting list for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/16]

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 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.

Health Services Access

Questions (326)

Noel Coonan

Question:

326. Deputy Noel Coonan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1932/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, it has been 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.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (327)

Pat Breen

Question:

327. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be facilitated with required hospital treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1979/16]

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 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 should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.

HSE Properties

Questions (328)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

328. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the Health Service Executive-operated training facility (details supplied) for persons with disabilities in County Donegal will be relocated to a new premises. [1988/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The HSE is in the process of finalising arrangements to lease the Victor Building as an alternative to the Cleary Centre. A decision on the fire certification application, and some additional clarifications, is awaited by the landlord from Donegal County Council. On the basis that these are resolved the landlord will proceed with the renovations to the Victor building which will take a number of months to complete. The HSE will then transition services to the Victor building and will engage with the Parents/Guardians regarding long term plans for the Cleary Centre Site.

Emergency Departments

Questions (329)

Noel Grealish

Question:

329. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health given an Taoiseach’s acknowledgement in Dáil Éireann that the emergency department at University Hospital Galway is unfit for purpose, the plans in place for replacing the Department, including cost and expected completion time; when it will be funded; why it was not included in the Government’s capital spending plan; if it will now be added as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1992/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE Capital Plan 2016 includes funding for a full option appraisal and Cost Benefit Analysis to inform planning and funding requirements for a new ED at GUH. A cost benefit analysis in relation to a new ED in GUH is currently underway and it is anticipated that this will be completed by March 2016. If favourable, this will go to design phase in 2016.

Pending the development of a new ED in GUH, in order to alleviate pressures and to ensure that patient experience in the existing GUH ED is improved, there are two major developments currently underway in Galway. The HSE made over €2m available in 2015 to develop an additional 30 beds in GUH in order to reduce overcrowding. Structural work is progressing well to create a new Emergency Ward within the existing hospital footprint, which will allow for these 30 extra patient spaces. The first phase of this development became operational on 4 January, 2016 and the second phase is now underway.

Construction work is also ongoing on the new 75 bed ward block which will provide single room in-patient accommodation.

The additional 30 beds and the construction of the new 75 bed ward block demonstrates this Government's commitment to providing more beds and upgrading facilities.

Charitable and Voluntary Organisations

Questions (330)

Noel Grealish

Question:

330. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if funding or grant-aid is available from his Department for a charity called Special Heroes Ireland, which supports siblings of special needs children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1999/16]

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 Provision

Questions (331)

Finian McGrath

Question:

331. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence regarding the available services for a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2007/16]

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.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (332, 380)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

332. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the administration of the human papilloma virus vaccine (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2014/16]

Finian McGrath

Question:

380. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health to support a matter (details supplied) regarding vaccine concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2254/16]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 332 and 380 together.

The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice.

Immunisation is regarded as one of the safest and most cost-effective of health care interventions. The HPV vaccine, which was introduced in 2010, protects girls from developing cervical cancer when they are adults. The vaccine is available free of charge from the HSE for all girls in 1st year of secondary school. This is in accordance with the recommendation received from the NIAC which indicated that the HPV vaccine should be offered on an annual basis to all girls aged 12. The advice, based on public health considerations and supported by the cost-effectiveness analysis, is that HPV vaccines confer maximum benefit both individually and on a population basis if administered prior to HPV exposure. The vaccine protects against two high risk types of HPV (16 & 18) that cause 73% of all cervical cancers. Vaccinated women and girls will still be at risk from other high risk types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer and will therefore need to continue to have regular cervical smear tests.

In Ireland, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the regulatory authority for medicines in Ireland. There are 2 licensed HPV vaccines available in Ireland (Gardasil and Cervarix). Gardasil is the vaccine used by the HSE in the School Immunisation Programme and over 100,000 girls have received this vaccine since its introduction. Decisions on the supply of vaccines into the market are undertaken by specific expert agencies rather than being the responsibility of the Minister of the day.

Gardasil is a fully tested vaccine which was licensed by the European Medicines Agency in 2006. No medicine, including vaccines, is entirely without risk, there is therefore on-going pharmacovigilance and monitoring of medicinal products once they are authorised for use. The safety profile of Gardasil has been continuously monitored since it was first authorised.

As part of its monitoring of the safety of medicines, the HPRA operates an adverse reaction reporting system, where healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse reactions they consider may be associated with their treatment, through the range of options in place for reporting. All reports received are evaluated and considered in the context of the safety profile of the product concerned, with reports followed up as necessary for further information, that may assist in the assessment of the case.

As of the 8 January, the HPRA has received 961 reports of suspected adverse reactions or events notified in association with the use of HPV vaccines. Of the 961 reports received, 958 were associated with use of Gardasil and three were associated with Cervarix. The vast majority have been consistent with the expected pattern of adverse effects for the vaccines, as described in the product information, such as gastrointestinal symptoms, malaise, headache, dizziness and injection site reactions.

The HSE provides information for parents about diseases, the vaccines to prevent them and side effects to allow them to choose whether or not to give consent to vaccination.

All vaccination information provided to parents is prepared from the available licensed documentation for each vaccine, the Summary of Products Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet. The information is presented in clear simple language and approved by the National Adult Literacy Agency so that it can be understood by all adults as the average reading age in Ireland is 12 years of age.

Prior to all school immunisation parents receive an information pack in a sealed package which contains an information leaflet, consent form and cover letter. Information packs for all immunisation are standardised nationally. The information booklets include information on the most common adverse events that can occur after each vaccination. Parents are also given contact details for their local immunisation office and advised to speak to a member of the school immunisation team if they have any further questions.

Should parents require additional information about vaccines the immunisation leaflet refers to the HSE’s national immunisation website (www.immunisation.ie) where further information is available. The national immunisation website has been accredited by the World Health Organisation for credibility, content and good information practices. The website allows members of the public to contact the National Immunisation Office to ask a question if they require further information. These questions, when possible, are answered by the staff of the National Immunisation Office within one working day.

Parents of any child with a suspected adverse reaction following administration of a vaccine are advised to contact the HSE vaccination teams or their general practitioner for advice and are referred for further management if required.

In November 2015 the European Medicines Agency completed a detailed scientific review of the HPV vaccine. The review which the HPRA participated in, specifically focused on rare reports of two conditions, complex regional pain syndrome and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome associated with heart rate increase. The outcome of the review which was carried out by the EMA Pharmacovigilance and Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) found no evidence of a causal link between the vaccine and the two conditions examined.

The European Medicines Agency has advised healthcare professionals that available data does not warrant any change to the use of HPV vaccines as there are no new safety concerns regarding HPV vaccines. Healthcare professionals should therefore continue using the vaccines in accordance with the current product information.

HSE Funding

Questions (333)

Gerry Adams

Question:

333. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the funding that was allocated by the Health Service Executive to the early intervention home teacher programme and the Down's syndrome Louth-Meath branch in Counties Louth and Meath for the years 2011 to 2015. [2021/16]

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 HSE 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.

HSE Funding

Questions (334, 336, 338, 339, 340, 341)

Gerry Adams

Question:

334. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health why the Health Service Executive in County Louth has decided not to allocate funding to the early intervention home teacher programme and the Down's syndrome Louth-Meath branch, deeming them not to meet funding criteria, yet it allocated funding in County Meath for the same services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2022/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

336. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health how many preschool children avail of places in the early intervention home teacher programme and the Down's syndrome Louth-Meath branch; and how many children have availed of these services from 2011 to 2015. [2024/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

338. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of total funding allocated by the Health Service Executive to the early intervention home teacher programme from 2011 to 2015. [2026/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

339. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the current providers of the early intervention home teacher programme; how long each programme has been in operation; and how many children avail of each programme. [2027/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

340. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify which early intervention home teacher programmes are fully funded by the Health Service Executive and the catchment areas they serve; how many children avail of the service; how many years have they received full Health Service Executive funding; and a breakdown of this funding by year. [2028/16]

Gerry Adams

Question:

341. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health which early intervention and home teacher programmes receive part-funding from the Health Service Executive by the catchment areas they serve; how many children avail of the service; how many years have they received part Health Service Executive funding; and a breakdown of this funding by year. [2029/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 334, 336 and 338 to 341, inclusive, together.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE 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.

HSE Funding

Questions (335)

Gerry Adams

Question:

335. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the decision made by Health Service Executive in County Louth regarding funding for the early intervention, the home teacher programme and the Down's syndrome Louth-Meath branch, and seek to have funding reinstated as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2023/16]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of 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. 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.

Question No. 336 answered with Question No. 334.

Preschool Services

Questions (337)

Gerry Adams

Question:

337. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the cost per preschool child of providing the early intervention home teacher programme. [2025/16]

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 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.

Questions Nos. 338 to 341, inclusive, answered with Question No. 334.