Written Answers Nos. 355-376
355. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the conversion of agency staff posts to permanent positions; the number of posts converted in the past six, 12 and 18 months; the approximate savings to the Exchequer of converting these positions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16683/16]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter. 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.
356. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that MRI scans are not currently carried out at Cork University Hospital on weekends; the rationale for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/16]
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.
357. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the waiting time and the number of persons on the waiting list for computed tomography, CT, scans in the Louth hospital in Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16731/16]
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.
358. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite the physiology assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16735/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, 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.
359. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health to expedite an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16752/16]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
360. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health why a person (details supplied) is not allowed to return home where there are qualified persons to provide adequate care. [16753/16]
View answerThe Health Information and Quality Authority is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland’s health and personal social care services. Since 2009 all nursing homes - public, voluntary and private have been registered and inspected by HIQA.
The functions of the Minister for Health in relation to HIQA, and the Chief Inspector of Social Services are prescribed in the Act, and in this respect the Chief Inspector is independent in the exercise of these functions.
It would not be possible to comment on any individual case without knowing the full circumstances of that case.
However, the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013, as amended, include provisions governing the contract for provision of services, including a requirement that a discharge shall be discussed, planned for and agreed with a resident and, where appropriate, with their family or carer, and in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract.
Registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. Concerns should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.
361. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will provide adequate funding for the ambulance service in County Kerry as it is clearly evident that emergency time targets are not being met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16756/16]
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.
362. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when patients with type 1 diabetes will be able to avail of dose adjustment for normal eating courses or any carbohydrate counting courses in Waterford city and county either at University Hospital Waterford or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16771/16]
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.
363. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of diabetes adult dieticians employed at University Hospital Waterford; his plans to make new posts available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16772/16]
View answer364. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the waiting times and number of patients in the bands zero to three months, three months to six months, six months to one year, one year to two years, two years and above to see an endocrinologist at University Hospital Waterford by type 1 and type 2 diabetics in each of the years 2013 to 2016 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16773/16]
View answer365. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of cardiac patients in University Hospital Waterford who are diabetics awaiting an appointment with an endocrinologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16774/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 363 to 365, inclusive, together.
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.
366. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if a nurse is permitted to discharge a person from psychiatric care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16779/16]
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.
367. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16791/16]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
368. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health why there has been a delay in publishing the report on the ophthalmic clinical development programme; his plans for same and his views in respect of this programme. [16795/16]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to the HSE's National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology's model of care. I am informed by the HSE that this is a work in progress and has not been delayed. The aim of the National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology is to ensure equitable and high quality care for ophthalmic patients and to minimise the incidence of needless blindness. The Programme has devised a high level strategy for the delivery of eye care and is of the view that a community based model is most appropriate. This is supportive of the aims of the Primary Care Eye Services Review Group, which was established by the HSE’s Primary Care Division. This Review Group is currently preparing an implementation plan to support its Review. The overall aim of the Review Group is to shift the management of many eye conditions from acute care services to primary care and community services, as appropriate. The Government is committed to updating the national eye care plan, including evaluation of the Sligo model for cataract surgery. These are matters which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
369. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health based on the Health Products Regulatory Authority adverse reactions database, the ten worst drugs for suicide related reactions, that is, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt or self-harm and completed suicide based on the number of reported suicide related cases expressed as a percentage of the total number of all reported adverse reaction cases for each drug listed; and to provide the actual percentage for each of the drugs. [16799/16]
View answer370. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health based on the Health Products Regulatory Authority adverse reactions database, the ten worst drugs for completed suicide based on the number of reported completed suicides expressed as a percentage of the total number of all reported adverse reaction cases for each drug listed; and to provide the actual percentage for each of the drugs. [16800/16]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 369 and 370 together.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has informed me that initial searches have indicated that this is a large piece of work. The HPRA will collect the data and revert directly to the Deputy. It will take 2 to 3 weeks to retrieve and review the information requested by the Deputy.
371. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his plans to set up a dedicated clinic for diagnosis and treatment of myalgic encephalomyelitis, ME, chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16801/16]
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.
372. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount he invests in the research of myalgic encephalomyelitis-chronic fatigue syndrome; his plans to provide an increased investment in research; if so, when and the amount; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16802/16]
View answerThe Health Research Board is the statutory agency under the aegis of my Department responsible for supporting and funding health research, information and evidence. It funds research in all areas including clinical, population health and health services research. All applications received are peer reviewed by international experts and recommendations are made for funding based on a number of parameters; these include excellence, originality, track record of research team, relevance and potential impact.
The Health Research Board has advised my department that it has no record in the last number of years of funding research of the type referred to by the deputy; the one application related to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome that it received in this time was not successful in obtaining funding following peer review. The board has also emphasised that the provenance of any proposal for a research topic is the researcher concerned; and that it would welcome applications from any disease area - including Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
373. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health why he has not ensured the provision of physiotherapy, occupational therapy as well as speech and language therapy for students regarding a school (details supplied); if he is aware that this purpose built school is under-resourced compared to mainstream schools and the huge pressure that this places on the school to provide the basics for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16812/16]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly 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 up the matter with the HSE.
374. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health to arrange an urgent appointment for a person (details supplied). [16823/16]
View answerUnder 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 HSE, 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.
375. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the financial exemptions available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16848/16]
View answerMedical card holders are entitled to a range of health services free of charge. These services include:
- a range of family doctor or GP services from a local doctor;
- the supply of prescribed approved medicines, subject to a prescription charge;
- certain medical aids and appliances;
- all in-patient services in public wards in public hospitals, including public consultant services;
- all out-patient services in public hospitals, including public consultant services;
- certain Dental, Ophthalmic, and Aural health services;
- some personal and social care services; for example, public health nursing, social work services and other community care services based on client need.
Medical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.50 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists under the General Medical Services scheme. This charge is subject to a monthly cap of €25 for each person or family.
The prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
376. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the rationale for the location of the new children's hospital; the criteria his Department used in the decision process; the evidence and criteria it used to specifically demonstrate that adult co-location was necessary and optimal; the evidence of improved clinical outcomes in respect of adult co-location it used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16868/16]
View answerPlanning permission was granted on 28 April last by An Bord Pleanala for the new children's hospital development at the St James's campus, for satellite centres of the hospital to provide urgent and outpatient care on the campuses of Tallaght and Connolly hospitals, and for a Children's Research and Innovation Centre at the St James's campus and a family accommodation unit adjacent to the children's hospital. It is intended that the first phase of building works will commence in the coming weeks.
The Government decision that the new children's hospital should be co-located with St James's on its campus in Dublin 8 was clinically led. In 2006, the McKinsey report, Children’s Health First, recommended that the population of Ireland and projected demand could support only one world-class tertiary paediatric centre, that this should be in Dublin and that it should ideally be co-located with a leading adult academic hospital, to ensure relevant sub-specialty and academic linkages. The McKinsey report recognised the importance for quality of healthcare of having a critical mass of sub-specialist skills in a tertiary centre and stated this could be achieved firstly, by serving a large enough population to support a full complement of sub-specialists and secondly, by co-locating with an adult teaching hospital thus enabling access to specialties that encompass both adult and paediatric patients, facilitating clinical and academic “cross fertilisation”, and attracting the top staff.
Reviews since 2006 have reaffirmed the importance of co-location with a major adult academic teaching hospital. In 2011, Minister Reilly established an Independent Review Group to examine the project at the Mater. The clinical aspect of this review was carried out by a team of four Chief Executive Officers drawn from the National Association of Children’s Hospitals (NACHRI) and the Children’s Hospitals International Executive Forum (CHIEF). Their report stated that “co-locating with tertiary adult and maternity hospitals is essential to the development of an excellent paediatric service. This has become best practice internationally and was recognised in the McKinsey report.”
In 2012, following the refusal of planning permission for the project at the Mater campus, Minister Reilly established the Dolphin Review Group to advise on next steps. Their report stated that “Having reviewed the reports already prepared and considered their analysis and opinions, and having also consulted with a wide range of professionals in the field, we are also of the view that co-location is essential and tri-location optimal. We recommend that the Minister remains on this path." It identified St James’s as the most suitable adult partner for the new children’s hospital, from a clinical and research perspective.
The Government decision to co-locate the hospital with St James's was announced on 6 November 2012. In identifying the location, the Government carefully considered the report of the Dolphin Group, established earlier that year to advise on next steps following refusal of planning permission for the hospital at its previous location. The Government also considered detailed supplementary information on cost, time and planning which was subsequently sought from those members of the Group with the relevant technical expertise. The decision was clinically led, and was made in the best interests of children, with clinical considerations paramount in the decision. As announced in June 2015, the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital will relocate to the campus in time, achieving tri-location of adult, paediatric and maternity services. Tri-location has benefits for children, adolescents, newborns and mothers. In all cases, the benefits of tri-location are maximised where the adult hospital provides the broadest possible range of clinical sub-specialties and expertise, which are readily accessible for paediatric and maternity patients on the shared campus. Also, tri-location that delivers the most significant breadth and depth of clinical and academic research on site will enhance the potential of research to drive best clinical outcomes. St James’s Hospital has the broadest range of national specialties of all acute hospitals, as well as strong and well established research and education infrastructure, making it the hospital that best meets the criteria to be the adult co-location partner.
