Barry Cowen
Question:421. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive a hospital appointment. [31644/16]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (421)
Written 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (422)
Barry Cowen
Question:422. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment in the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin. [31645/16]
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.
Hospitals Capital Programme
Questions (423)
Róisín Shortall
Question:423. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans for the future use and development of the three community hospitals in Lifford, Ramelton and St. Joseph's, Stranorlar; the amount of funding he proposes for these hospitals in the current and coming years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31651/16]
View answerWritten answers
The beds provided by public nursing homes are an essential part of our healthcare infrastructure, and without them many older people would not have access to the care that they need. These beds will continue to be very much needed over the coming years as the number of older people increases in line with demographic trends. It is therefore essential that they are put on a sustainable footing and that the fabric of the buildings from which they operate is modernised and improved.
The Capital Programme announced earlier this year provides for the replacement and refurbishment of public nursing homes across the country over the next five years. Significant work was undertaken by the HSE in determining the most appropriate scheduling of projects over the 5 year period from 2016 to 2021, within the phased provision of funding, to achieve compliance and registration with the Health Information and Quality Authority.
Under this Capital Programme it is proposed to deliver a 130 bed unit at Letterkenny to replace the 3 units referred to by the Deputy in Donegal. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with relevant Public Sector Guidelines and EU Directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. This includes appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, and finalisation of financing and review of costing estimates.
There has been no proposal to close any of the units in question. However, they may not be suitable for upgrading to the Standards required by HIQA for long stay residential care. Given the requirement for additional services to provide for the needs for older persons right around the country, including Donegal, there will, in parallel with residential beds, be an on-going need for the provision of short stay services, such as rehabilitation, respite, step up, step down facilities, all with a view of maintaining older people in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. It is in the context of this planning for the coming years that the future use and purpose of the current buildings in Ramelton, Lifford and Stranorlar will be considered in order to ensure that an appropriate service is provided for the older people living in their own community in Donegal.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Questions (424)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:424. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a unit (details supplied) is to be staffed; if a recruitment process has started; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31661/16]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
Questions (425)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Question:425. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if further information has been submitted to his Department by the suppliers of a drug (details supplied) in order to make a decision to support the reimbursement of the drug; if such information has been received, when he expects a decision to be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31676/16]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products under the community drug schemes in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (426)
Pearse Doherty
Question:426. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect an appointment for an MRI scan from Crumlin hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31719/16]
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.
Health Services Provision
Questions (427)
Pearse Doherty
Question:427. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal was informed of ineligibility for funding from the HSE for a treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31720/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, the Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (428)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:428. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange a dental operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31721/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Dental Services Provision
Questions (429)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:429. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the position regarding dental operations in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; the waiting list for same for the past three years; the number of operations carried out; the number of operations cancelled; the detail of the numbers on the waiting lists for children and adults including average waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31722/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Questions (430)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:430. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the staff vacancies in the Cottage Hospital in Drogheda and St. Olivers in Dundalk that are affecting the number of beds available for use in both facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31723/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (431)
Pat Buckley
Question:431. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his contingency plan regarding the closure of St. Raphael's Centre, Youghal, County Cork, in view of the fact that if all residents are not allocated by March 2017, a court granted extension will be required; and if there are any additional measures being put in place to prepare the residents for this life changingtransition. [31724/16]
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.
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (432)
Pearse Doherty
Question:432. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 430 of 11 October 2016, if fewer beds are available for persons with an intellectual disability; if this is the case, the number of beds available to such patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31737/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (433)
Gerry Adams
Question:433. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the detail of the attendance at domestic and international recruitment events of Louth HSE nursing management staff; the locations of all recruitment events attended during the past year; the cost of attendance at these events; the numbers of new staff recruited though attendance at such events; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31738/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (434)
Gerry Adams
Question:434. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if Louth HSE nursing management staff attended a medical and nursing recruitment event in the RDS, Dublin on 15 October 2016. [31739/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
HSE Funding
Questions (435)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:435. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will make available ring-fenced funding to be allocated to the HSE in County Louth to provide appropriate, regular and planned respite care for families with adult children with a disability in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31740/16]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (436)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:436. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the plans the HSE has to provide new long-term appropriate residential placement for persons with disabilities outside of congregated settings which are closing; the number of persons who are awaiting such in County Louth; the budget for same in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31741/16]
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.
The HSE's 2016 National Service Plan has set a target of 165 people to move from institutions in 2016 into suitable accommodation. Earlier this year, I announced that we are providing €100 million in capital funding from now until 2021 in respect of acquiring and renovating properties in priority institutions identified by the HSE. This will ensure that people are able to move out of congregated settings, and into their own homes in the community. I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres.
In addition, I am pleased to note that the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government 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 Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government 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 focussed on large institutional settings at high risk of not meeting HIQA Standards;
- Strand 2- is focussed on moving people into suitable social housing in the community through the Department of Environment schemes; and
- Strand 3- is focussed on remaining service users in congregated settings who could move to suitable accommodation.
This process of moving people to more suitable accommodation in the community will take place over a number of years, and will be done in full consultation with all residents and their families.
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 questions regarding Co. Louth to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
Questions (437)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:437. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding given to the mid-west regional drug and alcohol forum, formerly known as drugs taskforce, per annum from 2008 to 2016; the amount budgeted for 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31776/16]
View answerWritten answers
In line with the National Drugs Strategy, the Government is committed to continuing support for initiatives to tackle the drug problem. The Mid West Drugs and Alcohol Task Force/Forum is responsible for coordinating the implementation of the Strategy in Clare, Limerick, North Tipperary and Limerick City.
The following table shows the funding for the Drug and Alcohol Forum from 2009 to 2016. It should be noted that from 2009 to 2013 the Mid West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force/Forum was funded by my Department under the Drugs Initiative Fund. The reduction in the budget allocated from the Drugs Initiative Fund in the years 2014, 2015 and 2016 reflects the fact that my Department transferred funding of approximately €1.26 million in respect of a number of projects in the Mid West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Force/Forum to the HSE in 2014. The HSE maintained this allocation in 2015 and 2016.
Mid West
|
Allocation |
Year |
|||||||
|
- |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
|
DoH Allocation |
1,548,888 |
1,576,095 |
1,533,540 |
1,496,428 |
1,451,535 |
147,982 |
147,982 |
147,982 |
|
HSE Allocation |
|
|
|
|
|
1,260,007 |
1,260,007 |
1,260,007 |
|
Total |
1,548,888 |
1,576,095 |
1,533,540 |
1,496,428 |
1,451,535 |
1,407,989 |
1,407,989 |
1,407,989 |
The Department of Health will shortly be writing to Task Forces to invite them to submit their recommendations for funding of drugs initiatives in 2017. It is a matter for Task Forces to ensure that their budget is effectively deployed to address current priorities and locally identified needs.
Fire Safety
Questions (438)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:438. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if a fire safety certificate exists at the emergency department at Limerick University Hospital, particularly in respect of the number of persons continuously on trolleys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31778/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Nursing Staff Provision
Questions (439)
Dessie Ellis
Question:439. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a shortage of nurses in the Ballymun health clinic and that recently two nurses resigned due to the stressful work environment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31787/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (440)
Pearse Doherty
Question:440. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the waiting times for persons to receive an appointment, in respect of both inpatient and outpatient appointments, at the rheumatology department at Our Lady's Hospital in Manorhamilton, County Leitrim, specifically for those waiting three months, six months, nine months, 12 months or greater than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31789/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (441)
Carol Nolan
Question:441. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the current waiting lists for occupational therapy and speech and language therapy in counties Laois and Offaly by persons waiting less than six months, persons waiting less than one year, persons waiting less than 18 months and the remainder in tabular form; if he will provide a breakdown of this by age groups of zero to four years of age, four to 12 years of age, 12 to 18 years of age, and the remainder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31848/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (442)
Carol Nolan
Question:442. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for all procedures at Tullamore hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31849/16]
View answerWritten answers
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is responsible for the collection, collation and publication of Inpatient and Day Case waiting lists. Waiting list information is published on the NTPF website at the end of each month. The information is presented in different report formats, i.e. by National/Trend, by Hospital/Group, and by Specialty on www.ntpf.ie.
In relation to the specific query raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.