Frank O'Rourke
Question:567. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when an adolescent psychologist will be appointed in Kildare North. [37388/16]
View answerPsychological Services
Questions (567)
Written answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Occupational Therapy
Questions (568)
David Cullinane
Question:568. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the parents of children in Waterford city and county with complex needs are being informed that their children will not be seen by an occupational therapist, OT, on a regular basis as the waiting lists are too long; the average waiting times in Waterford; the number of OT positions in place; the numbers needed; his plans for recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37424/16]
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.
Occupational Therapy
Questions (569)
David Cullinane
Question:569. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that cover for sick leave and maternity leave in respect of occupational therapists in Waterford city and county is not being provided; his plans to address the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37425/16]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (570)
David Cullinane
Question:570. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if care plans are put in place for children with complex needs in Waterford to deal with the child's specific needs and access to therapies and other supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37426/16]
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.
Psychological Services
Questions (571)
David Cullinane
Question:571. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of child psychologist posts in situ in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37427/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Psychological Services
Questions (572)
David Cullinane
Question:572. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE are experiencing difficulties in recruiting child psychologist posts in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37428/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (573)
David Cullinane
Question:573. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the redress available to a person (details supplied); the best practice relating to the use of electro-convulsive therapy, ECT, then and now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37430/16]
View answerWritten answers
A programme of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) can only be administered to a patient in accordance with the provisions of section 59 of the Mental Health Act 2001 and rules governing its use drawn up by the Mental Health Commission.
Version 3 of the ‘Rules Governing the Use of Electro-Convulsive Therapy’ were published on 10 February 2016 and are available on the Commission’s website. Among other things, these rules provide that there must be a named consultant psychiatrist with overall responsibility for the management of ECT. They also state that an approved centre where ECT is administered to patients must have written operational policies and procedures concerning ECT and must ensure that such procedures comply with these Rules. Such written operational policies and procedures concerning ECT must be reviewed annually, in line with best international practice.
In relation to complaints about treatment against a hospital or individual Consultant, such complaints should first be addressed to the relevant hospital concerned. Most hospitals have a Complaints Officer who will take complaints in person, over the phone or in writing. Contact details are normally available on the hospital’s website.
If a complaint relates to a doctor's fitness to practise medicine, then such complaints should be directed to the Medical Council which can take action where it is believed that a doctor has serious failings in his/her practice. The Medical Council acts in the public interest, and can impose restrictions on a doctor’s registration, which would restrict or remove their right to practise medicine in Ireland. Complaints to the Medical Council can be made by submitting the relevant complaint form in writing and this can be emailed or sent to the Council by post.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (574)
Mattie McGrath
Question:574. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is satisfactory that a child in County Tipperary should be told that the waiting list time for an ear, nose and throat appointment would be over four years; the steps he will take to reduce this waiting time; the services that will be offered to such patients that have to wait four years for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37444/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (575)
John Brassil
Question:575. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will request that the Health Service Executive provide clarity on the programme of support for a person (details supplied); if the assessment will be expedited as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37445/16]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (576, 577)
Jack Chambers
Question:576. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent cuts to a disability service (details supplied) provided by the National Council for the Blind through funding from the local health board of the Health Service Executive; the reason service users have been told there has been no cut to the service; if his attention has been drawn to the effects the cut is having on staff morale and to service users as a result of the cut; if he will reverse the cuts to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37447/16]
View answerJack Chambers
Question:577. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the annual funding figures through the Health Service Executive to the National Council for the Blind for each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37448/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 576 and 577 together.
This 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 questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Public Health Policy
Questions (578)
Jackie Cahill
Question:578. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the planned changes to the public health nurse service in west Tipperary that is the ending of the public health nurse attending at local health clinics at Bansha, Cappawhite, Emly and Dundrum; if the public health nurse is to be centrally based only in Tipperary town and if the public health nurse will continue to make house calls to elderly patients on a regular basis or if they will have to visit the nurse at the central location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Questions Nos. 579 and 580 answered with Question No. 508.
Child and Family Agency Staff
Questions (581)
Clare Daly
Question:581. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of staff allocated to the Health Service Executive and health board's separated children team in each of the years 2000 to 2014. [37471/16]
View answerWritten answers
I understand from the HSE that all records relating to staffing numbers for the separated children team transferred ownership to TUSLA the Child and Family Agency on establishment in 2014. As such, the Deputy may wish to put this question to my colleague, the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, as TUSLA falls under the aegis of her Department.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (582)
Denise Mitchell
Question:582. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the waiting times at Beaumont Hospital for tonsillectomy procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37472/16]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.