Billy Kelleher
Question:621. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of community health care organisations that have established waiting lists for home care on a standardised basis. [23952/16]
View answerCommunity Care
Questions (621)
Written 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.
Community Care
Questions (622)
Billy Kelleher
Question:622. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of community health care organisations that have comprehensive implementation plans for the 11 centres identified at highest risk by the HSE in conjunction with HIQA for improving compliance with national residential standards as regulated by HIQA. [23953/16]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (623)
Billy Kelleher
Question:623. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if an information technology solution to deliver a national information system for integrated disability services has been designed and implemented. [23954/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (624, 625)
Billy Kelleher
Question:624. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a business case for an information technology solution for children’s disability network teams has been developed. [23955/16]
View answerBilly Kelleher
Question:625. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if information technology services and an information management system have been rolled out to all newly reconfigured children’s disability network teams which do not currently have access to information technology services; the details of the children’s disability network teams that currently do not have such information technology access, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23956/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 624 and 625 together.
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, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow the matter up with the HSE.
Congregated Settings Report
Questions (626)
Billy Kelleher
Question:626. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the community health care organisations that have identified and appointed a named lead person to have oversight of the implementation of Time to Move on from Congregated Settings actions across community health care organisations and to link with the local service providers and national working group; and the date on which each appointment was made, in tabular form. [23957/16]
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.
Congregated Settings Report
Questions (627)
Billy Kelleher
Question:627. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the actions to be completed in Q1 and Q2 of 2016 regarding the community health care organisations' specific actions to implement Time to Move on from Congregated Settings and provide an update on each, in tabular form. [23958/16]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” (2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. Currently, 2725 people live in congregated settings and our objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings.
The HSE has established a subgroup, under ‘Transforming Lives’, the Programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions. I welcome the fact that the needs of people moving from congregated settings will be fully taken into account during this process as the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan.
In terms of housing, the Department of Health and the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government are working in collaboration to support the transition of people with a disability from institutions to social housing in the community under the Government's National Housing Strategy for People with Disability 2011 to 2016.
The HSE's 2016 National Service Plan has set a target of 165 people to move from institutions in 2016 into suitable accommodation. This is being supported by €20 million in capital funding from the Department of Health in respect of acquiring and renovating properties in priority institutions identified by the HSE.
In addition, I am pleased to note that the Department of the Environment is providing €10 million under the Capital Assistance Scheme to provide suitable accommodation for people transitioning from institutions in 2016. The HSE estimate that a further 100 people could benefit from this initiative. €1 million in ring-fenced leasing funding is also being made available by the Department of the Environment in 2016 to support people moving from institutions into suitable social housing in the community. This demonstrates the joined up commitment of both Departments to support the de-congregation programme.
The HSE has developed a three strand approach to accelerate transitions from institutions in the period 2016-2021, with a target of 900 people to move to more suitable accommodation in this period.
- Strand 1- is focused on large institutional settings at high risk of not meeting HIQA Standards;
- Strand 2- is focused on moving people into suitable social housing in the community through the Department of Environment schemes; and
- Strand 3- is focused on remaining service users in congregated settings who could move to suitable accommodation.
As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", 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.
Tobacco Control Measures
Questions (628)
Billy Kelleher
Question:628. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the percentage of existing disability residential houses and units that are compliant with the HSE tobacco free campus policy. [23959/16]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Question No. 629 answered with Question No. 618.
National Dementia Strategy Implementation
Questions (630)
Billy Kelleher
Question:630. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the actions from the dementia strategy implementation programme to be implemented in the first two quarters of 2016 which have been completed, in tabular form. [23961/16]
View answerWritten answers
The aim of the Irish National Dementia Strategy which was published in December 2014 is to improve dementia care so that people with dementia can live well for as long as possible and can have services and supports delivered in the best way possible. The strategy emphasises that most people with dementia live in their own communities and can continue to live well and to participate in those communities.
However, the Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme refers specifically to a set of actions which have been identified and are agreed with Atlantic Philanthropies and co-funded by Atlantic Philanthropies and the HSE.
The Programme provides for:
- The roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Homecare Packages for people with dementia;
- The provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, who are the critical and initial point of contact with the health system for those with dementia; and
- Measures to raise public awareness, address stigma, and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia.
Progress to date on the implementation of these measures is set out in the following table.
|
PRIORITY AREA |
UPDATE |
|
Establish a Dementia Strategy Implementation Office |
A National Dementia Strategy Implementation office has been established. A Programme Manager and Projects Manager have been appointed. (Completed April 2016) Communication to the wider HSE family has commenced (for example a newsletter has been circulated) and work is underway to set up a website for the National Dementia Office. Presentations have been made at numerous conferences in 2015/2016 to promote the office and disseminate information about the strategy. A Cross-Divisional working group has been established within the HSE, to provide leadership and integration at the system level. |
|
Prepare an Implementation Plan for the National Dementia Strategy |
Completed. This is a “live” document and will evolve over the life of the project. It is updated monthly and presented to the Monitoring Group at quarterly meetings. |
|
Establish an NDSIP monitoring group, chaired by the HSE |
Monitoring Group established, first meeting held 01/04/2015. There have been 5 meetings to date (including the 9th June 2016). Next meeting October 2016 |
|
Establish a joint oversight committee with DoH, Atlantic Philanthropies and HSE |
Established with first meeting held in June 2015. Meeting held in June 2016 |
|
Develop an evaluation Framework to capture learning of the overall impact of the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme and the outcomes from the 3 investment priority activities. |
An expert panel has been established to oversee the process of evaluation. Chairperson has been appointed. First meeting to take place in September |
|
Intensive Home Supports for People with dementia (IHCP) GENIO Delivery of IHCPs, HSE/Genio Standard Operating Procedures, HSE/Genio Integrated Working, Genio |
The roll out of Intensive home care packages commenced in January 2015 and monitoring of the allocation and uptake of these packages to persons with dementia is ongoing. A suite of Key Performance Indicators to measure impact have been developed, and are ready to be used in the reporting and verification process. A standard operating procedure for home care packages including for those living with dementia have also been developed and are in use. Work has begun on developing integrated working through consortia, in two initial sites (North Dublin and Cork). The lead and key stakeholders have been identified, the first meeting has been held and objectives have been set. To date 133 people living with dementia have benefitted, with 85 currently active. |
|
Dementia Awareness Programme and Attitudes to dementia survey |
HSE Health and Well-being and HSE Communications divisions have developed a nationwide support campaign. This is aimed at people with dementia and their carers, working in collaboration with a range of partners. The campaign strategy entitled “Dementia Friendly Ireland” has established a steering committee, chaired by Professor Brian Lawlor. This committee has completed a literature review, an attitudes survey and both qualitative and quantitative research including a sounding board event inclusive of People With Dementia and Carers. This research will inform the campaign which is envisaged as being launched in September 2016. |
|
Education and training in dementia care for primary care teams and GP’s |
A research collaboration agreement has been signed between University College Cork and Primary Care Education, Pathways & Research of Dementia (PREPARED) project collaborators Dublin City University and Irish College of General Practitioners. A Service Level Agreement has been signed between PREPARED and HSE, 22/05/2015. A steering committee has been established, a project manager has been appointed. Dr Aisling Jennings, GP, has commenced a PREPARED related PhD focusing on dementia care pathways. To date the PREPARED project has produced a dementia reference guide for GP’s, a training/facilitators manual which is currently being piloted with a group of allied health professionals with plans to roll out nationally being worked up with the HSE. A website www.primarycare.ie has been launched for all Health Care Practitioners & GPs. 7 GPs have been recruited in regional hubs to deliver training. (May 2016) |
Additional Actions Completed to Date: 2016
1. A medication management working group has been established.
2. The single assessment tool will be used to enable provision of targeted supports. A working group is in operation to develop this further.
3. A dementia and delirium care pathway has been devised with input from the National Dementia Office.
4. Best practice in dementia care design guidelines for HSE community nursing units have been signed off.
5. Work has commenced as part of a Health Research Board research grant on developing guidelines for the Environment for the Acute Sector.
6. The National Dementia Office continues to support current initiatives in the provision of dementia specific training such as the HSE Dementia Education Programmes and the Elevator Programmes, as well as the development of training for GP’s and Primary Care Teams.
7. The National Dementia Office continues to maintain links with the Health Research Board.
Evaluation:
The HSE has taken initial steps to set up an Expert Panel to oversee and advise on the evaluation of the National Dementia Strategy Implementation Programme and on the outcomes achieved. Dr Mary Rose Day has agreed to chair this group. Terms of reference and proposed membership are being drawn up at present. It is proposed that the group will develop an evaluation framework that will be put out as part of a procurement process later in 2016.
It is planned to evaluate the National Dementia Strategy on three levels:
- Whole System Level: Data will be agreed to evaluate the impact of the overall strategy on people with dementia and their family/carers.
- Programme Evaluation Level: This will assess the effectiveness of the National Dementia Implementation Programme.
- Project Level: Each of the funded streams has evaluation processes set out as part of their programmes. These will inform part of the overall strategy evaluation. In addition, an evaluation of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland Dementia Advisors will be supported to inform future actions under the National Dementia Implementation Programme after year 3.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (631)
Robert Troy
Question:631. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card for a person (details supplied). [23971/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently issued to Oireachtas members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (632)
Robert Troy
Question:632. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a medical card for a person (details supplied). [23972/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently issued to Oireachtas members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
Grant Payments
Questions (633)
Michael Ring
Question:633. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the details of grants paid (details supplied) in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23975/16]
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 Beds Data
Questions (634)
Catherine Murphy
Question:634. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of critical care beds available within the State by location; the number of those beds that are fully staffed; the optimum number that should be available and their locations; if beds exist and the locations require staff; if so, the recruitment that is planned; the budget that is available for such recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23977/16]
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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (635)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:635. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of orthopaedic surgical procedures that have been carried out (details supplied) in each of the past three years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23984/16]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (636)
Tony McLoughlin
Question:636. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently placed on a waiting list for assessment or a waiting list for specific surgical procedures (details supplied); the average waiting time on those lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23989/16]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (637)
Robert Troy
Question:637. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied). [23990/16]
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.
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (638)
Robert Troy
Question:638. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied). [23991/16]
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.
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 Card Eligibility
Questions (639)
Bernard Durkan
Question:639. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a medical card will be offered in their sole name to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24017/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently issued to Oireachtas members.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
National Drugs Strategy Publication
Questions (640)
Brendan Smith
Question:640. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when the new national drugs strategy will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24057/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Health is developing a new National Drugs Strategy, which will take effect in 2017, when the current policy expires. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the process and to advise on how the new Strategy should address problem drug use, including the structures through which this should be done and incorporating key performance indicators to measure the future effectiveness of the new policy.
I will shortly be announcing details of the consultation process on the new Strategy, which I intend to be as broad, comprehensive and inclusive as possible. I am expecting the final report of the Steering Committee by the end of the year. The report will be considered by the Oversight Forum on Drugs, which I chair. I will then submit my proposals for a new Strategy to Government for approval.