Written Answers Nos. 1306-1333
1307. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate a transfer within a service in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25670/16]
View answerTo what promised legislation is the Deputy referring?
1308. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [25671/16]
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.
1309. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the drug Respreeza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25674/16]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. Prior to deciding whether to reimburse a medicine, the HSE considers a range of statutory criteria, including clinical need, cost-effectiveness and the resources available.
The decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) of pharmaceutical products for the HSE, and can make recommendations on reimbursement to assist the HSE in its decision-making process.
As the Deputy has noted, the NCPE is currently conducting an assessment of Respreeza as maintenance treatment of emphysema in adults with documented severe alpha1-proteinase inhibitor deficiency. Once this assessment is completed, a summary report will be published on the NCPE website. The HSE will then consider the NCPE assessment as part of its decision-making process when considering the drug for reimbursement.
As the NCPE's assessment of Respreeza is ongoing, it is not possible to provide further details at this time.
1310. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his plans to make resources available to allow the HSE provide a full-time permanent nurse for a school (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25685/16]
View answerThere are no specific plans to make additional resources available for the appointment of a nurse to this school. It is a matter for the HSE to determine whether or not the school would require a full-time permanent nurse and to make provision for such an appointment if it is considered necessary.
1311. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department has considered or would consider the establishment of family care co-ordinator positions in hospitals to assist families diagnosed with genetic illnesses or who have other complex care needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25686/16]
View answerHospitals have arrangements in place to support families with complex care needs. In relation to the establishment of family care co-ordinator positions in hospitals services, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1312. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in Cork University Hospital in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25687/16]
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.
1313. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his plans for residents of a facility (details supplied) in County Cork if the housing units being prepared for them will not be available for occupation by the closure order date. [25692/16]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1315. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who is on the orthodontic waiting list for referral to Cork can instead avail of treatment in Limerick. [25701/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
1316. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been brought to a situation (details supplied) at University Hospital Kerry; the measures being taken to prevent such an outcome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25702/16]
View answerWith regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1317. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that applied for the home care package in County Wexford in 2016; the number that have been processed; the number that have been refused; the number that have been approved but are awaiting resources; the number that have been approved and are in receipt of resources; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25703/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1318. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25704/16]
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.
1319. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list will receive the hospital treatment they require. [25705/16]
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.
1320. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list will receive the hospital treatment they require. [25706/16]
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.
1321. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list will receive the hospital treatment they require. [25707/16]
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.
1322. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive the medical items they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25712/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1323. 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. [25713/16]
View answerScoliosis affects approximately 1% of children and adolescents in Ireland. The management of scoliosis is complex and is determined by the severity of the curvature and skeletal maturity.
Long waiting times for scoliosis surgery are not acceptable, and my Department has been working closely with the HSE to address services pressures, particularly in Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC), which is the largest provider of scoliosis surgery for children and young people. Additional funding of €1.042m was allocated under the 2015 Service Plan to increase capacity at OLCHC, and an additional orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, and support staff, are now in place with recruitment of a further additional orthopaedic surgeon underway. Capital funding was also provided for a new theatre on site to expand theatre capacity further, and this is currently being commissioned. The Children's Hospital Group is proactively working on nurse recruitment to support the opening of the new theatre.
The recently announced €40 million additional funding for the HSE Winter Initiative 2016/2017 also includes €2m provided specifically for scoliosis patients to treat 39 adolescent patients on the Tallaght waiting list and an additional 15-20 paediatric patients by year end. My Department will continue to work with the HSE and the relevant hospitals to ensure improvements in access to spinal surgery.
The scheduling of appointments is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. In relation to the specific case raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1324. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital bed days required by the number of patients undergoing full and partial lower limb amputation procedures in 2014 and 2015 by county; the number of these patients who had diabetes and the number of bed days they required, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25717/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1325. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 415 of 21 June 2016, if a letter dated 4 May 2009 from an organisation (details supplied) was received by a HSE official; if the relevant attachments were received with the letter; the subsequent status of those letters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25724/16]
View answerThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
1326. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25730/16]
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.
1327. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are wait listed for home help by health centres in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25732/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1328. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who are wait listed for home help for less than three months, between three and six months, between six and 12 months, between one and two years, between two and three years and for over three years, by health centre, in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25734/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1329. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the recruitment plans for home help in counties Laois and Offaly in view of the fact that a number of home help personnel are scheduled to retire in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25735/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1330. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if the lack of provision of home help services to elderly persons who are in serious need of home help is considered elder abuse by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25737/16]
View answerI would not argue that the resources now available for home care services are adequate and both I and the Government have committed to addressing this situation. However, there are many areas where constraints on resources limit the levels of service that can be given and homecare is no different. This is unfortunate but it is going very much too far to suggest that this constitutes abuse of the elderly by the state.
Home support services across the country are being stretched by demands from more people, and for more hours in the evenings and at weekends, all of which cost more. Activity in the first quarter of 2016 was ahead of the same period last year as efforts continued to alleviate pressure on the acute hospital system. Without additional funding this could not have been sustained and the allocations for the rest of the year would have had to be reduced.
However, the Government has been able to respond to this situation by providing an extra €40m for home care in 2016. As a result, not only are we maintaining home care services at 2015 levels, but increasing them in 2016. This will ensure that the HSE will provide 270,000 extra home help hours and 2,000 Home Care Packages more than what was planned for in 2015.
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits to increasing provision for home care in the years ahead. The planning and management of future health expenditure will be considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all of service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users.
1331. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the provision of a primary care centre for Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25740/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1332. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the provision of a primary care centre for Laytown and Bettystown in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25741/16]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1333. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who were waiting for access to an ICU bed during June 2016; the duration of these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25742/16]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
