Written Answers Nos. 413-433
413. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the range of low-protein products available through the long-term illness scheme has been kept up to date; if the low-protein products required for persons suffering from phenylketonuria is provided for under the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2632/17]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes. Therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
414. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he will comment on reports of hare coursing being an activity supported as part of a therapeutic service (details supplied) in County Mayo; his views on hare coursing being supported in this way; if there are other parts of the health service giving any support to hare coursing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2633/17]
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.
415. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health to outline the steps that have been taken to put in place a successor to the national rare disease plan 2014-18; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2634/17]
View answerMy department is committed to implementing recommendation 48 of our National Rare Disease Plan that was published in July 2015. This provided that: 'There should be an overall review of the National Rare Disease Plan prior to the development of the next plan in 2019.'
416. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a home care package will be facilitated in the case of persons (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2637/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
417. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health to outline the reason MacuShield is no longer available under the general medical services scheme or the hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2638/17]
View answer453. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will reinstate MacuShield on the medical card for older persons suffering from macular degeneration. [2815/17]
View answer473. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health to outline the position regarding the future plan for the availability of MacuShield on the medical card; if it is to be removed; if there is a generic alternative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2883/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 417, 453 and 473 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes. Therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
418. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health to list the medicines taken from the general medical services scheme in the past 12 months; the reason for removal; the options available to persons who cannot afford medications that have been removed from the GMS scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2639/17]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes. Therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
419. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to set down in tabular form the total number of referrals from Caredoc Clonmel to the accident and emergency departments of South Tipperary General Hospital and University Hospital Waterford in each of the years from 2010 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2646/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
420. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to extend the meningitis B vaccine scheme to children born before 1 October 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2648/17]
View answer471. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans to extend the meningitis B vaccine beyond those babies born after October 2016; if he has received any submissions on this vaccine; if any reimbursement has been made to those who paid if their babies were born before that time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2874/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 420 and 471 together.
The HSE Service Plan included additional funding of €2.5 million for the expansion of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2016. Two changes were made to the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule which came into effect on 1 December, 2016 with the introduction of Men B and Rotavirus for all babies born on or after 1 October, 2016. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. Ireland is the second country in Europe to make the vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.
NIAC makes many recommendations in relation to “at risk groups” but not all of these are included in the current immunisation schedule. The introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children born on or after 1 October 2016, including those in "at risk groups", will automatically receive the vaccine. However, there are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.
421. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if he will reverse the decision to close a nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2649/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
422. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when funding will be made available to open a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2650/17]
View answerSignificant funding of €1.15 million was allocated by Minister of State for Mental Health and Older People Helen McEntee to the HSE Community Healthcare Organisation Kerry/Cork to allow for the opening of Deer Lodge Mental Health Unit. This funding announcement was made in December.
Work is now underway on the recruitment of staff and on commissioning the building to allow for the opening of Deer Lodge as soon as possible. Discussions with unions are also underway, and meetings took place as recently as last week.
The opening of Deer Lodge will provide for a modern, single room accommodation facility to replace the old O’Connor unit which is currently in use and of an inadequate standard.
423. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the application for a medical card for a person (details supplied). [2655/17]
View answerThe 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 was issued to Oireachtas members.
424. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a date for an outpatient appointment; the reason for the delay in issuing a date for an appointment in view of the fact that it is an urgent case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2656/17]
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.
425. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will review the fair deal scheme to include home care packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2657/17]
View answerGovernment policy is to promote care in the community for older people so that they can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible and long-term nursing care should be a last resort after home support and other community based supports have been exhausted. However, the main statutory scheme for older people is the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, which provides for a system of financial support for those assessed as needing long-term nursing home care.
The Department has commenced an examination of options to bring greater national consistency to the regulation and financing of home care. This work began in 2016 with a review by the Health Research Board of how home care is regulated and funded in comparable jurisdictions, commissioned by the Department. The review will be finalised shortly and will be used to inform the development of policy proposals for the regulation and funding of these services.
The development of a regulatory and funding model for home care services is a complex undertaking involving very significant legislative, operational and financial resources. It is considered that the best option for the future may be a statutory home care scheme specifically designed for home care. The Department's intention is that regulation of the home care sector will be done in parallel with the development of a scheme.
In addition, a public consultation process will be launched in the coming months to allow stakeholders, including older people, their families and healthcare workers to express their views regarding a new homecare scheme. As is usual with public consultations, details will be publically announced when they have been finalised.
The development of a statutory home care scheme is a priority for me, as Minister, and I can assure the Deputy it will be progressed as a matter of urgency.
426. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent documentary "We Need to Talk About Dad"; his views on whether the fair deal scheme is overly complex; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2660/17]
View answerI am aware of the documentary referred to and the issues raised, and would like to assure the Deputy that help is available to anyone who may need additional assistance in applying for support under the Fair Deal Scheme, and work on implementing improvements is well underway.
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
When the NHSS commenced in 2009, a commitment was made that it would be reviewed after three years. The Report of the Review was published in July 2015. Arising out of the Review, a number of key issues have been identified for more detailed consideration across Departments and Agencies, including recommendations in relation to improving and simplifying the application process. This includes:
- reviewing documents with advice from the National Adult Literacy Agency to ensure that they are as user-friendly, clear and informative as possible;
- ensuring that there is clear guidance on where relevant information can be found;
- making sample application forms available;
- reviewing the content of correspondence with applicants to make sure that it is clear; and
- standardising informal advice provided to applicants in relation to the nursing home loan element of the Scheme.
Work on implementing these improvements is well underway by the HSE, and this should assist with making the process of applying for support under the Fair Deal Scheme more manageable, understandable and efficient for people who are at a vulnerable stage in their lives.
The HSE website provides helpful information and guides which explain the application process. There are also Nursing Homes Support Offices located throughout the country who are available to assist with any queries in relation to the Scheme. Contact details for these offices are also available on the HSE website.
427. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with a date for a physiotherapy appointment; if he will ensure that the person's case will be prioritised in view of the severity of their medical condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2662/17]
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.
428. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health to outline the reason a person (details supplied) who secured full-time employment at University Hospital Waterford in early December 2016 is still waiting for a personal identification number from the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. [2663/17]
View answerDepartment Officials have sought and received a report from the NMBI on this matter and the contents of that report are set out in the following paragraphs.
The applicant, who undertook her training in the UK, was issued with an application pack on 19 October 2016. She applied for consideration of registration in the General Nurse Division of the Register on 7 November 2016. The NMBI required verification of registration and good standing from the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the United Kingdom and that verification was received by the NMBI on 5 January 2017.
This application is currently being assessed in the Registration Department and a decision will be reached on her application later today. Subject to a positive decision on the matter, the applicant will be informed of this decision and will be requested to pay the final €145 registration fee. On receipt of this fee her application will be finalised as soon as the payment is processed in the NMBI's Finance Department.
429. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to outline his plans regarding representation by management or clinicians at Mallow General Hospital on the South/South West Hospital Group. [2666/17]
View answerHospital Groups have been established on a non-statutory administrative basis in line with the Government’s programme for reform of the health service. The establishment of Hospital Groups is designed to deliver more responsive and equitable access to vital services for all patients. Potential benefits include increased efficiency and greater cost-effectiveness, better outcomes for patients, improved accountability and a stronger role for smaller hospitals in the delivery of health services.
Mallow General Hospital is one of nine hospitals that comprise the South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG). The Hospital Group Board is chaired by Professor Geraldine McCarthy and I hope to appoint the rest of the Board in the near future. In that regard, the Department has commenced advertising through the Public Appointments Service (PAS) for candidates with the necessary expertise, competencies and experience for appointment to the Hospital Group Boards. Applications for the SSWHG Board will be invited in due course.
430. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the activity levels at Mallow General Hospital and the number of patients that are considered inpatients at the hospital but treated in other hospitals and then returned to Mallow General Hospital for continuing care as inpatients for each of the years 2014 to 2016. [2667/17]
View answerIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
431. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to set out the number of beds used at Mallow General Hospital. [2668/17]
View answerIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
432. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health to set out the definition of acute medical care as it relates to Mallow General Hospital; and whether bypass protocols for Mallow General Hospital are strident, such that more acute medical care could be carried out at the hospital to alleviate pressures in Cork city. [2669/17]
View answerIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
433. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that patients of the neurology department in Beaumont Hospital have had appointments cancelled without advance notice, resulting in patients presenting for appointments and being sent home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2672/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
