Written Answers Nos. 335--361
335. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the reason the Health Service Executive, HSE, could not upgrade and refurbish a building (details supplied) to accommodate the provision of future services consistent with its primary care strategy. [9358/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
336. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the future plans the Health Service Executive, HSE, has for a property (details supplied). [9359/17]
View answerYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
337. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9360/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
338. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide respite services to children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions on a cross-Border basis through greater collaboration with service providers in Northern Ireland; if his attention has been drawn to the benefits which such co-operation could yield for service users both North and South; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9375/17]
View answerPalliative Care For Children with Life-Limiting Conditions in Ireland - A National Policy, was published by my Department in December 2009.
Based on the recommendations of the 2009 policy, a programme of care for children with life-limiting conditions (the Children's Palliative Care Programme) was established including the appointment of a Paediatric Consultant with a Special Interest in Palliative Care, based in Crumlin. As well as supporting other paediatricians, the Consultant also provides clinical support and advice to maternity hospitals and neonatologists. The Programme also included the appointment of eight Children’s Outreach Nurses whose role is to ensure that children being cared for at home by their families have access to co-ordinated and supportive services. The nurses liaise closely with statutory and voluntary service providers including local GPs, Public Health Nurses, Disability Services, the Jack and Jill Foundation and LauraLynn. A further two Children's Outreach Nurses are being recruited under the Programme, one in Letterkenny and the other to the Children's Hospital Group.
The Letterkenny post, which will be offered to the successful candidate this week, will be entitled Clinical Nurse Co-ordinator for Children with Life-limiting Conditions. This nurse will work closely with the existing Paediatric Liaison Nurse based in Donegal and will provide a service to children and families in Donegal as well as acting as an informed resource for colleagues in Sligo.
A review of the Children's Palliative Care Programme, published in late 2016, confirmed that the Programme is adding significant value to service provision for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The review makes twenty recommendations, one of which is the need to provide adequate and needs-based respite services. The HSE is currently considering how both in-home and in-patient respite services might be made more available for children in Donegal and surrounding areas. All possibilities will be considered, including through cross-border co-operation or collaboration with relevant voluntary groups.
339. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 257 of 2 February 2017 (details supplied), if the business case has now been finalised and submitted to the relevant authorities for consideration; if so, the date the business case was formally submitted by hospital management for consideration; when a decision in respect of the plan is likely to be made; if any funding has yet been ring-fenced for these additional staffing supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9378/17]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
340. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his departmental officials have met with international funds (details supplied) regarding investing in primary care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9379/17]
View answerNeither Ministers nor Department officials have met with international funds regarding investment in primary care centres.
341. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will remain on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment or if the person will be referred to adult services and placed on an alternative waiting list having reached the age of 17 and approaching adulthood; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9392/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
342. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if his Department will take measures to tackle the lack of services available to women who suffer with severe depression after childbirth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9394/17]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy recognises the prevalence of post natal depression and the impacts this can have on the mother and the wider family. The strategy recommends that access to specialist mental health services on a tertiary basis should be standardised, and as a minimum provided on a maternity network basis. The Strategy will be implemented over a ten year period and will be led by the new HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme. The Programme will oversee the development of maternity networks across hospital groups.
Perinatal Mental Health is recognised as a priority by the Health Service Executive Mental Health Division. In 2016,work commenced on scoping the need for Perinatal Mental Health Services nationally, and in 2017 this prioritisation has continued, with the HSE's National Service Plan 2017 setting out as its priority aims the design and development of perinatal mental health services capacity.
343. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the cost per year for the past three years for the storage of data and or files on cloud storage or third party servers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9407/17]
View answerMy Department does not use third party cloud storage services and maintains its data and files on its own infrastructure. It is currently engaging with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer with a view to implementing its Build to Share applications. While data for these applications will be stored on the Government Cloud Infrastructure, there will be no direct cost relating to this. As part of the Government's Public Service Reform Plan, my Department is availing of shared centralised services relating to human resources and payroll services. There are also no direct costs for the storage of the relevant data.
344. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if all regulatory impact assessments for his legislative proposals are published on his Department websites; the web address for each such site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9423/17]
View answerThe usual practice in my Department is to publish Regulatory Impact Analysis/Assessments (RIAs) on the Department's website - www.health.gov.ie. In regard to recent legislation and legislative proposals, RIAs on the Public Health (Sunbeds) Act 2014, the Public Health (Standardised Packaging of Tobacco) Act 2015, the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015 and the Health Information and Patient Safety Bill are available on the website and the RIA on the Misuse of Drugs (Supervised Injecting Facilities) Bill will be published on the website shortly.
345. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9482/17]
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 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.
346. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) will be facilitated with a medical card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9483/17]
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 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.
347. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently awaiting a first assessment from the Health Service Executive, HSE, under the Disability Act 2005 for each local health office in tabular form. [9499/17]
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.
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.
348. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list; and the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months, for each local health area in tabular form. [9500/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
349. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the speech and language therapy treatment waiting list; and the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months, for each local health area, in tabular form. [9501/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
350. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the occupational therapy first-time assessment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months, and more than 12 months; and if he will provide for each category, the number waiting that are aged zero to four years of age, five to 17 years of age, 18 to 64 years of age, and aged more than 65 years of age, for each local health area in tabular form. [9502/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
351. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on the occupational therapy treatment waiting list; the number waiting less than four months, four to 12 months, and more than 12 months; and if he will provide for each category the number waiting aged zero to four years of age, five to 17 years of age, 18 to 64 years of age and aged more than 65 years of age, for each local health area, in tabular form. [9503/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
352. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to media reports (details supplied); if the Health Service Executive, HSE, has considered the suitability of this system to assist in the reduction of waiting lists here as has been achieved in Macedonia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9506/17]
View answerThere is no doubt that IT solutions can play a significant role in underpinning a more integrated approach to managing waiting lists which could achieve a more patient centred approach while optimising resources, and I am aware of the improvements outlined in the media relating to the use of technology in the management of waiting lists in Macedonia.
The HSE's Office of the Chief Information Officer (OoCIO) has looked at international experience in this area and to see what lessons could be learnt.
The system being referred to in Macedonia is optimised for the way health services are organised and configured in that country and it would need careful consideration for adoption in the Irish healthcare scenario. I will ask the HSE to consider the benefits of a similar approach referred to by the Deputy in any technology solutions being examined in the context of improving waiting list management in Ireland.
The application of eHealth and digital solutions to underpin patient safety and also improve efficiency has been set out in the Government eHealth strategy published in 2013 and there is wide stakeholder agreement that further investment in technology is required. In the meantime, a number of solutions are currently being deployed including an electronic eReferral system to improve the flow of data around the health system.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, I have committed to request that the NTPF establish and lead a project team of relevant experts and stakeholders to examine the feasibility of progressing to a more integrated approach to waiting list management at Hospital Group level and report to me by the end of August.
353. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance attendances at each emergency department nationwide in January 2016, in tabular form; the number of such ambulances that waited longer than 20 minutes to hand over patients, get their trolleys back and return to responding to calls; and the number that waited longer than 40 minutes, longer than 60 minutes, longer than 90 minutes, longer 120 minutes and longer than 180 minutes for same. [9508/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
354. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if an operation for a person (details supplied) can take place in University College Hospital Galway, UCHG; and if there is the capability in UCHG for this procedure to take place. [9509/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly
355. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 441 of 14 February 2017, when the centre of excellence for narcolepsy based in St. James's Hospital will open; when the pathway for the transition from children's to adult services will be provided; the reason for the delay in these facilities opening; the funding that has been allocated for this project in the current Health Service Executive service plan; the supports that will be available for persons over 16 years of age to make the transition to adult services in the absence of these facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9518/17]
View answer357. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health his views on post-Pandemrix diagnosis of narcolepsy in children who received the vaccine; the number of such cases that have been drawn to his attention; if the State accepts liability for the full medical and education needs that these children now have as a result of the vaccine; and the additional budget allocation that has been made to the overall funding of narcolepsy-specific services to cater for the increase need arising from the side effects of the vaccine [9521/17]
View answer359. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the supports his Department provides for families of children who suffered post-Pandemrix diagnosis of narcolepsy; and if no such supports exist to assist families deal with the stress of their situation, if consideration will be given to providing such supports [9523/17]
View answer360. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health when he will meet with a group (details supplied); when he last received an invitation from this group to meet; and the reason he has not met the group since becoming Minister [9524/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 355, 357, 359 and 360 together.
As of 6 February 2017, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) has received 81 reports with clinical information confirming a diagnosis of narcolepsy in individuals who were vaccinated with Pandemrix (80) and Celvapan (1). The majority of these reports relate to children/adolescents (latest numbers).
My Department, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills continue to work together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those affected by narcolepsy following the administration of pandemic influenza vaccine.
The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. It is in regular contact with individuals affected and regularly meets with representatives of the SOUND (sufferers of unique narcolepsy disorder). Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.
The ex-gratia health supports include clinical care pathways to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment, multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts, counselling services for both the individuals and their families, discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed have been provided to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication, ex-gratia reimbursement of vouched expenses incurred in the process of diagnosis and treatment, including travel expenses for attending medical appointments; physiotherapy, occupational therapy assessments, dental assessments and dietary services all on a needs basis.
The cost of these supports provided by the HSE is a service matter and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
As of 6 February 2017, 53 individuals have begun the process of taking legal proceedings against the Minister, the Health Services Executive and GlaxoSmithKline Biological SA. Of these, 34 have initiated formal legal proceedings. The plaintiffs allege personal injury in which they claim the development of narcolepsy (cataplexy) resulted from the administration of the H1N1 pandemic vaccine. On 15 October 2013 the management of the cases transferred to the State Claims Agency when the National Treasury Management Agency (Delegation of Claims Management Functions) (Amendment) Order 2013 came into effect. It would be inappropriate for me to comment further on matters relating to liability which may impact on this ongoing litigation. In spite of this litigation, my Department, the HSE and the Department of Education and Skills will continue to work together to provide the services and supports on an ex gratia basis.
As Deputies are aware, work is underway on the proposed Centre of Excellence for Narcolepsy based in St James's Hospital which will cater for all people diagnosed with narcolepsy, including those diagnosed with narcolepsy after receiving pandemic influenza vaccine. It is not possible to give an exact date for the opening of the centre at this time and I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with an update on the current position.
I am aware that representatives from SOUND have requested a meeting and arrangements are being made for officials from my Department and the HSE to meet with representatives from SOUND in the near future.
356. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons under 16, over 16 and over 18 years of age diagnosed with narcolepsy here each year from 2009 to 2016; the total funding available for dedicated supports for these persons for each year from 2009 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9519/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
358. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown on annual diagnoses of persons with narcolepsy from 2008 to 2016 with a further breakdown by age (details supplied) in tabular form. [9522/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
361. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if, with regard to in-home paediatric nursing supports, in-home paediatric palliative care and in-home respite services provided to children with complex needs and their families, it is official policy for the Health Service Executive, HSE, to make formal inquiries with private care providers and or charitable organisations in respect of the services which they provide in a private capacity to service users; if it is normal HSE practice to contact private care providers and-or charities in order to seek and collect information and data in respect of said persons, including the nature of the services provided and the number of hours allocated to service users by such private providers and charities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9526/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
