James Browne
Question:332. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the fixed address of each CAMHS team in the area for each CHO in tabular form. [40518/16]
View answerMental Health Services
Questions (332)
Written answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Questions (333)
James Browne
Question:333. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the fixed address and location of each POA team in the area for each CHO in tabular form. [40519/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Questions (334)
James Browne
Question:334. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the fixed address and location of each CAMHS team in the area for each CHO in tabular form. [40520/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Mental Health Services
Questions (335)
James Browne
Question:335. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the fixed address and location of each MHID team in the area for each CHO in tabular form. [40521/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
National Lottery Funding Applications
Questions (336)
Michael Ring
Question:336. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the successful applicants in County Mayo that were approved funding under the HSE national lottery grant scheme for 2016; under the respite care grant scheme and the national lottery grant scheme; considering that this information has been requested twice from the HSE but no reply has been forthcoming (details supplied) [40529/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (337, 339)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:337. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to date in 2016 for home respite initiatives for the development of community based home respite initiatives within the disability sector. [40531/16]
View answerMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:339. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of disability service users offered respite breaks with a host family in 2016 [40533/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 337 and 339 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.
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. €1 million was identified in the Health Service Executive (HSE) 2016 National Service Pan for alternative models of respite care.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (338)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:338. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to date in 2016 for new therapy posts under the progressing disability services for children and young adults (0-18s programme); the number of posts filled; and if he will provide a breakdown by CHO of the new posts in tabular form. [40532/16]
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.
Question No. 339 answered with Question No. 337.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (340)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:340. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the reason CHO 6 and CHO 7 have such a low level of PA service hours compared with other CHOs. [40534/16]
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.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (341)
Imelda Munster
Question:341. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 319 of 2 November, 2016, if he will instruct the HSE to introduce a fast tracking process for the approval of the filling of nursing vacancies at national level, similar to the 28 days for approval of vacancies for mental health service posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40536/16]
View answerWritten answers
As stated in the HSE's reply to PQ 32709/16 (319 of 2 November, 2016) there is a national shortage of nurses. This shortage is repeated worldwide. A number of developed countries have significant nursing shortage at present, and are in direct competition with Ireland for nurses in the international labour market. I and my officials recognise the importance of recruiting and retaining nurses within the public health system as does the HSE.
The HSE has been focused on increasing nursing numbers over the past two years as the budgetary position has improved and is committed to ongoing recruitment of nurses and midwives. The number of nurses and midwives employed in the public health system stood at 35,693 (WTE's) at the end of October 2016, an increase of 159 on the end September 2016 figure; 530 more than the end October 2015 figure, and 1,289 more than the end October 2014 figure.
In September 2016 the HSE set up a Project Group to review nursing workforce planning, recruitment and retention. The main objectives of this Project Group include identifying current recruitment black spots in a coordinated way and developing measures to incentivise and attract people to these essential posts, identifying potential for agency conversion and identifying employment opportunities for 2017 nurse graduates.
The HSE has continuously open recruitment campaigns in place (i.e. no closing date) to ensure that all eligible applicants for nursing posts can apply at any time to work in hospitals throughout the country. It is running an open recruitment event from 28 to 30 December in Dr Steevens’ Hospital for nurses and midwives from all disciplines who are interested in working in the Irish Public Health Service. Attendees can apply and interview for jobs on the day and get information on Nursing and Midwifery Board (NMBI) registration and Garda vetting requirements. This will be followed by a series of careers events for nurses throughout 2017.
Retention of the nursing staff employed by the HSE also needs to be addressed and this is recognised. The HSE are in the process of analysing the data from exit interviews from nursing and midwifery disciplines to identify trends. In addition to this the HSE will survey new starters to identify areas of improvement in orientation. Providing a full induction can ease transition when taking up a new post and enable the new nurse/midwife to get up to speed with the work environment, thereby supporting retention in the long run.
Positive Ageing Strategy Implementation
Questions (342)
Joan Burton
Question:342. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health when he will publish his implementation proposals on the national positive ageing strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40540/16]
View answerWritten answers
New arrangements for the implementation of the National Positive Ageing Strategy (NPAS) are currently being formulated by my Department. The new proposal will re-commit to the core principles of the Strategy, and will inform how the State approaches older persons services into the future. The new proposals will see the introduction of an annual forum for stakeholders and Departments/Agencies, with the first such forum taking place in early 2017. Structures will be implemented for engagement between relevant Government Departments and State Agencies and relevant stakeholders on how the Strategy’s principles are being applied. The revised arrangements were approved by the Cabinet Committee on Social Policy on 27 October 2016. These new arrangements will now be communicated to stakeholders and arrangements made to commence implementation.
As part of the NPAS implementation process, a Healthy and Positive Ageing Initiative has been established in collaboration with the HSE’s Health and Wellbeing Programme and the Atlantic Philanthropies to measure the impact of the Strategy and establish an ongoing system for measuring and reporting on Positive Ageing. The Initiative aims to monitor changes in older people’s health and wellbeing linked to the goals and objectives of the NPAS. This will be done primarily through the development of positive ageing indicators to be published every two years. The Initiative is intended to provide evidence of the factors contributing to healthy ageing, including at local level and ultimately inform policy responses to population ageing in Ireland. The first National Positive Ageing Indicators report was published in November 2016 and highlights many of the positive and negative aspects of growing old in Ireland.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (343)
Joan Burton
Question:343. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the expected opening date for the Celbridge primary care centre, Celbridge, County Kildare; the services which will be available to the public at the primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40541/16]
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.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Questions (344)
Niamh Smyth
Question:344. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule an appointment for a person (details supplied) without delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40542/16]
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (345)
Micheál Martin
Question:345. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide a person (details supplied) with an additional six hours care a week. [40544/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
National Lottery Funding Applications
Questions (346)
Peter Burke
Question:346. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when a grant under the national lottery grant scheme administered by the HSE which was awarded to a men's shed (details supplied) on 27 July 2016 will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40545/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this scheme is administered by the Health Service Executive I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Services
Questions (347)
Peter Burke
Question:347. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the national first response network; the way in which this could be facilitated and supported in communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40554/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Questions (348)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:348. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant neurologists that are currently employed and serving the north west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40557/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Home Help Service
Questions (349)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:349. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if it is a condition that a person must hold an appropriate FETAC 5 qualification to work as a home help; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40571/16]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Home Care Packages Data
Questions (350, 356)
Mary Butler
Question:350. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of home care packages currently being provided by local health office in tabular form; and the level of service provided in terms of increasing six hour timeframes per week, that is, the number of packages with less than six hours care per week, the number with six to 12 hours, the number with 12 to 18 hours weekly and so on, for each area [40591/16]
View answerMary Butler
Question:356. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health .the number of home care packages currently being provided on a seven day a week basis, on a five day a week basis and on less than five days a week by LHO area in tabular form. [40611/16]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 350 and 356 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Dental Services Waiting Lists
Questions (351)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:351. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange a dental appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40599/16]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme
Questions (352)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:352. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of putting in place a scheme, on a no fault basis, that will respond to the needs of persons with disability arising from vaccination [40603/16]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to put in place a scheme, on a no-fault basis, that will respond to the needs of people with disability arising from vaccination.
In 2001 the Joint Committee on Health recommended that a vaccine damage compensation scheme be set up at the earliest possible date. The Vaccine Damage Steering Group was established by the Department of Health and Children in early 2007 on foot of the Joint Oireachtas Committee’s recommendations and following commitments made by the Minister. The final report of the steering group was published in 2009 and recommended establishing an ex gratia payment scheme.
My Department has been examining the complex issues associated with the implementation of this commitment, including the statutory basis of the scheme, the arrangements for eligibility, the vaccines to be included, the criteria for determining an adverse event, the burden of proof required, the assessments of disability and how that should be conducted, the levels of award, the mechanisms for appeals, for litigation rights as well as its administrative location.
I expect to be in a position to make a recommendation on how this can be implemented before the end of 2017.
Patient Safety
Questions (353)
Billy Kelleher
Question:353. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the programme for Government commitments on voluntary disclosure specifically the implementation of recommendations of the Madden commission; and if it will be made mandatory to report specified patient safety incidents or serious reportable events to the authorities and to the patient harmed, and if it will be an offence not to do so [40604/16]
View answerWritten answers
The safety of service users is of paramount importance and steps need to be taken to anticipate and avoid things going wrong and to reduce the impact if they do. All employees including medical staff are required to disclose and report incidents in line with the HSE's Safety Incident Management Policy. Creating a culture of open disclosure and learning from the things that go wrong is the bedrock of making systems safer. Open Disclosure is defined as 'an open consistent approach to communicating with patients and their families when things go wrong in healthcare. This includes expressing regret for what has happened, keeping the patient informed, providing feedback on investigations and the steps taken to prevent a recurrence of the adverse event'.
In November 2015 the Government gave its approval to the drafting of provisions to support open disclosure of patient safety incidents. This will be included in the Department of Justice and Equality’s Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill which is due to be published before the end of the year. Provisions to support open disclosure are to be included at Committee Stage and I have asked my officials to keep in close contact with the Department of Justice and Equality on this matter. The legislation is part of a broader package of reforms aimed at improving the experience of those who are affected by adverse events.
The background to the proposed legislation lies in the Commission on Patient Safety and Quality Assurance which recommended that legislation be enacted to provide legal protection/privilege for open disclosure of adverse events to patients. The provisions are therefore designed to give legal protection/privilege for the information and apology made to a patient when made in line with the legislation. The apology cannot be interpreted as an admission of liability and cannot be used in litigation against the provider. This approach is intended to create a positive voluntary climate for open disclosure and will support the National Policy on Open Disclosure which was developed jointly by the HSE and the State Claims Agency in November 2013.
This legislation builds on the joint development by the HSE and State Claims Agency of the National Policy on Open Disclosure (2013). The HSE is progressing the implementation of the Policy across all health and social care services. We all know that when error or harm is experienced by a patient, the trust and confidence of that patient and their family are compromised. That is why honest, open disclosure and communication, which demonstrate empathy and sensitivity, are so essential. The intent of this legislation is to provide certain legal protections for healthcare staff for open disclosure. This will give further support to those staff in their communications with patients and family members if an adverse event occurs. The Ethical Code of Practice set out by the Medical Council also makes clear the responsibilities of doctors in relation to open disclosure.
The open disclosure provisions form part of a number of initiatives to improve the management of patient safety incidents. HIQA and the Mental Health Commission are at an advanced stage of development of Standards on the Conduct of Reviews of Patient Safety Incidents which expand on the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. This set of standards along with the mandatory reporting of serious reportable events provided for in the Health Information and Patient Safety Bill and the provisions intended for open disclosure will provide a comprehensive patient-centred approach to preventing, managing and learning from incidents.