Michael Healy-Rae
Question:441. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a motorised wheelchair for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23465/16]
View answerMedical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (441)
Written answers
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 you. 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (442)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:442. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for medical equipment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23466/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 you. 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (443)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:443. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for medical equipment by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23470/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 you. 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 Accommodation Provision
Questions (444)
Brendan Smith
Question:444. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the full complement of beds will be in use at a nursing unit (details supplied); when additional staff will be recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23475/16]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Questions (445)
Niamh Smyth
Question:445. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health further to the reply in Parliamentary Question No. 626 of 12 July 2016, if a person (details supplied) is eligible for the treatment purchase fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23486/16]
View answerWritten answers
A key challenge for our health system is ensuring timely access to health services. Every year there are 3.2m outpatient attendances at our hospitals. 100,000 patients have an elective inpatient procedure and 800,000 have a planned day case procedure. Up to the end of May 2016, there has been an increase of over 19,000 scheduled inpatient / daycase procedures, in comparison to the same period in 2015.
The key issue for patients is how long they have to wait. It is important to note that approximately 60% of patients wait less than 6 months for their required outpatient appointment or inpatient/daycase procedure. The HSE seeks to ensure that those whose clinical needs are most urgent are prioritised accordingly, while managing the needs of those who have been waiting longest for routine treatment in chronological order.
The Minister for Health met with the HSE National Director for Acute Hospitals on Friday, 15 July, regarding proposed measures to tackle waiting lists. The Minister for Health requested that the HSE prepare an action plan, setting out specific measures that the HSE will implement, in conjunction with hospitals, between now and the end of 2016 in order to tackle waiting lists.
This Government recognises that a sustained commitment to improving waiting times is required, with a particular focus on those waiting longest. Consequently, the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to €15m funding to the NTPF to address waiting lists in 2017, as part of the Programme’s commitment to a continued investment of €50m per year to reduce waiting lists. This commitment seeks to utilise the expertise of the NTPF to further assist the HSE in addressing specific waiting list pressures. The Department will engage with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE to deliver on this commitment. As outlined in the Programme, this initiative will commence in 2017 and focus on those patients waiting longest.
With regard to access to cross border healthcare, the EU Directive 2011/24/EU on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare aims to ensure EU citizens may access safe and good quality healthcare services across EU borders. The Directive establishes a framework for cross border healthcare between EU/EEA states to facilitate patients to access care in another Member State in accordance with their entitlements in their own country. Under the Directive, known as the Cross Border Healthcare Directive (CBD), insured patients are entitled to have the costs of cross-border healthcare services reimbursed if the healthcare service in question is among the benefits to which they are entitled in their Member State of affiliation. As such, it allows Irish residents to avail of healthcare in other EU or EEA (excluding Switzerland) Member States that they would be entitled to within the public health system in Ireland, which is not contrary to Irish legislation.
Public patients may access the healthcare they require in either the public or private healthcare system of the country abroad under CBD. Access to healthcare abroad is based on patients following public patient pathways - i.e. patients must demonstrate they have followed the equivalent public patient pathways that a patient would follow if accessing public healthcare in Ireland. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other HSE clinicians. The CBD excludes certain health services, e.g. services of public health, long term care, organ transplantation, etc. All persons on public waiting lists, other than for such exempt health services, are eligible for the Scheme.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) operates the CBD in Ireland. The HSE, through the National Contact Point (NCP) office, provides information for patients on the Cross-Border Directive on its website - http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ - and also by phone. The principal function of the NCP is to facilitate exchange of information for patients concerning their rights and entitlements relating to receiving healthcare in another Member State, in particular the terms and conditions for reimbursement of cost and the procedures for accessing and determining those entitlements.
Potential users of the CBD Scheme should note that reimbursement will be at the cost of the treatment availed of abroad or the cost of providing the healthcare in Ireland whichever is the lesser. The NCP is able to inform patients what the cost of their treatments would be in Ireland to allow them make a comparison with the costs they are being quoted for comparable treatment in another Member State. The HSE also advises where a patient is in any doubt as to the need to seek prior authorisation before availing of a consultation or treatment abroad to contact the NCP. The NCP is happy at that stage to advise patients of the reimbursement rate that will apply to the assessment/treatment being accessed.
The HSE endeavours to reimburse the cost of treatment incurred or the cost of providing such healthcare in the State, whichever is the lesser, to the applicant within 30 days of receipt of a claim for reimbursement, in line with Prompt Payment Legislation.
The NCP also has a responsibility to ensure that all enquirers are informed of the right to healthcare, if any, that they may have through the European legislation on the coordination of social security schemes (EU Regulation 883/04) and which may be more beneficial to them.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (446)
James Lawless
Question:446. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the status of a dental appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23531/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Obesity Strategy
Questions (447)
Niamh Smyth
Question:447. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to tackle obesity among school children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23559/16]
View answerWritten answers
Childhood obesity is a major public health issue. In Ireland one in four children is currently either overweight or obese. Overweight and obesity are conditions which develop over a number of years and obesity tends to track into adulthood. Overweight and obesity are not just about the shape or size of the individual. These conditions are associated strongly with chronic diseases such as Type II Diabetes, certain cancers, chronic heart and circulation diseases, musculoskeletal problems and mental health problems. The causes, risk factors and determinants of overweight and obesity are multiple and it is not simply over eating or/and lack of exercise. These risk factors include access and availability of affordable healthy food, safe exercise and leisure activity and facilities, cultural and social norms, education and skills, genetic and biological factors as well as individual lifestyle choices.
The Department of Health has finalised ‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland - Obesity Policy and Action Plan, 2016-2025’ which sets an ambitious but realistic target of reversing the current trends of childhood overweight and obesity. The principles of the Policy are based on the Healthy Ireland Framework. It takes a whole of Government and a whole of society approach where every sector is making a valuable contribution to prevent and reduce the current levels. It is based on best available evidence and benefited greatly from an extensive process of consultation with children and young people. The Policy will be launched later in the year.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (448)
Pearse Doherty
Question:448. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the waiting list in the Mater hospital awaiting a TURP operation with a clinical priority of urgent; his views on the waiting time for such a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23569/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Psychological Assessments
Questions (449)
Pearse Doherty
Question:449. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting assessment in child psychology services in Donegal; the number of these on waiting lists for the years 2014, 2015 and 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23570/16]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (450)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:450. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a placement for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23589/16]
View answerWritten answers
The 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 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, the Deputy can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (451)
Mary Butler
Question:451. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23593/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 National Service Plan
Questions (452)
Billy Kelleher
Question:452. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he expects to receive a five year service plan from the HSE in 2016. [23596/16]
View answerWritten answers
It is not expected that a five year service plan will be received from the HSE this year. Work has commenced on the HSE National Service Planning process for 2017 and the HSE will be expected to submit a National Service Plan for 2017 later this year in line with the legislative requirements set down in the Health Act 2004 (as amended).
General Practitioner Data
Questions (453)
Michael Ring
Question:453. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the amounts paid to general practitioners for 2014 and 2015, in tabular form, (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23599/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, this question 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 the Executive.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (454)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:454. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23604/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (455)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:455. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a dental appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23606/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 Appointments Status
Questions (456)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:456. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23607/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Health Services Access
Questions (457)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a medical appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23608/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Questions (458)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:458. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for medical equipment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23609/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 Appointments Status
Questions (459)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:459. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23610/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (460)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:460. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23612/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (461)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:461. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23614/16]
View answerWritten answers
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 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.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (462)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:462. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for dental work for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23615/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.