Tuesday, 11 Apr 2017

Written Answers Nos. 577-595

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Questions (577, 578)

Clare Daly

Question:

577. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the cost of recent refurbishments to private patient accommodation in the Coombe Women’s and Children University Hospital. [17979/17]

Clare Daly

Question:

578. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when the triage room in the Coombe Women’s and Children University Hospital is due to be refurbished. [17980/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 577 and 578 together.

In relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (579)

Barry Cowen

Question:

579. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect a hospital appointment. [17981/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Nursing Home Services

Questions (580)

Brian Stanley

Question:

580. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his views on a nursing home charging a person (details supplied) for a mattress. [17998/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as A Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost.

The NHSS covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:

- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;

- Bed and board;

- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of daily living; and

- Laundry service.

A person's eligibility for other schemes, such as the medical card scheme or the drugs payment scheme, is unaffected by participation in the NHSS or residence in a nursing home. In determining the services covered by the NHSS it was considered very important that the care recipient and the taxpayer would be protected and would not end up paying for the same services twice. For this reason, medications and aids that are already prescribed for individuals under an existing scheme are not included in the services covered by the NHSS, as this would involve effectively paying twice for the same service.

Although the NHSS covers core living expenses, residents can still incur some costs in a nursing home. In recognition of this, anyone in receipt of financial support under the NHSS retains at least 20% of their income. The minimum amount that is retained is the equivalent of 20% of the State Pension (Non-Contributory). An operator should not seek payment from residents for items which are covered by the NHSS, the medical card or any other existing scheme.

Part 7 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 stipulates that the registered provider of the nursing home must agree a contract in writing with each resident on their admission to the nursing home. This contract must include details of the services to be provided to that resident and the fees to be charged. Residents should never be charged fees which are not set out in the contract. The Department of Health and the HSE are not a party to such contracts which are concluded between each resident and their nursing home.

Registered providers of nursing home care are obliged to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure. Concerns about additional charges should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies and, from 24 August 2015, complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (581)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

581. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made in respect of a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18016/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 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.

Medical Card Expenditure

Questions (582)

Pat Buckley

Question:

582. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing a medical card to all persons that require long-term treatment for mental health problems. [18018/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Primary Care Centres

Questions (583)

Pat Casey

Question:

583. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the process, decisions and submissions in respect of the proposed primary care centre for Baltinglass, County Wicklow since 2011, including sites identified, planning and services to be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18023/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (584)

Michael Ring

Question:

584. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Mayo has not been given help from the HSE. [18029/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

HSE Funding

Questions (585)

Seán Haughey

Question:

585. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the shortfall in funding from the HSE to a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18053/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.

Hospital Groups

Questions (586, 627)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

586. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will facilitate and attend a follow-up meeting with members of a group (details supplied) to discuss the issues facing diabetes services in Saolta Group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18062/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

627. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a date for a follow-up meeting with a group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18255/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 586 and 627 together.

A Paediatric Insulin Pump Services was initiated in May 2015. This service is based in Sligo University Hospital, with outreach clinics in Letterkenny University Hospital.

The Saolta University Healthcare Group has confirmed that the Consultant Paediatrician with Speciality Interest in Diabetes, who was instrumental in commencing this service, is leaving this post in mid-April. The Saolta Group has recently advised my Department that a consultant paediatrician has been appointed to this post on a temporary basis.

The permanent post is to be filled through public competition via the Public Appointments Service; this process is on-going. In order to address continuity, the clinical service arrangements for the management of the insulin pump service are currently being examined in consultation with the relevant clinical teams.

I have committed to meeting with Diabetes Ireland again and look forward to this being arranged as soon as my diary allows. In the meantime, my officials are preparing responses to recent correspondence from the Group.

HSE Properties

Questions (587, 588)

Gerry Adams

Question:

587. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the addresses of properties acquired in County Louth by the HSE or the local authority for the purposes of decongregation; and the purchase price of each property [18066/17]

Gerry Adams

Question:

588. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the addresses of properties which are being rented in County Louth for the purposes of decongregation; if the contract for this rental is between the HSE and the landlord; the funding stream which is used to pay this rent; and the amount of the rent [18067/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 587 and 588 together.

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.

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 Deputy's questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services Availability

Questions (589)

Eamon Scanlon

Question:

589. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the availability of services at a respite centre (details supplied) in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18068/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (590, 591, 592)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

590. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the procedures available to health service staff for debriefing following a critical or traumatic incident; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18090/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

591. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of debriefings following a critical or traumatic incident that have taken place by region, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18091/17]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

592. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if counselling is offered to staff following critical or traumatic incidents; and the number of staff that availed of such counselling in each of the years 2013 to 2016 [18092/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 590 to 592, inclusive, together.

As these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review

Questions (593)

Hildegarde Naughton

Question:

593. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to publish the interdepartmental working group report on the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18100/17]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

An Interdepartmental/Agency Working Group has been established to progress the recommendations contained in the Review. This Group is chaired by the Department of Health and includes representatives from the Department of the Taoiseach, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, the HSE, the Revenue Commissioners, and when required, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). These recommendations include:

- Examining the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the Scheme,

- The implementation of administrative reforms to the Scheme,

- A review by the NTPF of present pricing arrangements in private residential facilities.

This work is currently under way. A Value For Money and Policy Review of the differences in the comparative cost of public and private long-term residential care will commence in 2017 to assess reasons for and components of current cost differentials.

An initial report on the progress of the NHSS Review recommendations was submitted to the Cabinet Committee on Health in September 2016.

Once all of the relevant Review recommendations have been considered, any amendments required to the Scheme will be identified. Changes which require legislative implementation will be addressed collectively, and it is important to remember that the NHSS is largely underpinned by primary legislation.

Medical Card Applications

Questions (594)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

594. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the outstanding documentation required in respect of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); if the application can be reactivated in view of the fact that a baby is due in the next few weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18102/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 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.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Questions (595, 625, 636, 637)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

595. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a replacement has been selected to fill a soon to be vacated paediatric endocrinologist consultant post based in Sligo University Hospital; if so, the date the selected candidate will take up the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18103/17]

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

625. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that immediate recruitment of a paediatric endocrinologist consultant to Letterkenny University Hospital (details supplied) will take place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18251/17]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

636. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health his plans for providing a full paediatric diabetes service at a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal in view of the recent removal of service due to staff changes in particular a paediatric diabetes endocrinologist; if all staff are in place for the delivery of such a service in the hospital at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18277/17]

Pat the Cope Gallagher

Question:

637. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the appointment of a second endocrinologist adult services along with the additional diabetic nurse specialist and diabetic dietician for a hospital (details supplied) in County Donegal; if the adult diabetes service is fully staffed at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18278/17]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 595, 625, 636 and 637 together.

A Paediatric Insulin Pump Services was initiated in May 2015. This service is based in Sligo University Hospital, with outreach clinics in Letterkenny University Hospital.

The Saolta University Healthcare Group has confirmed that the Consultant Paediatrician with Speciality Interest in Diabetes, who was instrumental in commencing this service, is leaving this post in mid-April. The Saolta Group has recently advised my Department that a consultant paediatrician has been appointed to this post on a temporary basis.

The permanent post is to be filled through public competition via the Public Appointments Service; this process is on-going. In order to address continuity, the clinical service arrangements for the management of the insulin pump service are currently being examined in consultation with the relevant clinical teams.

There is currently one consultant Endocrinologist at Letterkenny University Hospital providing the adult Diabetes service, which serves approximately 700 patients with Type 1, and 6,500 with Type 2 diabetes. The current Consultant Endocrinologist is receiving support from a locum Consultant General Physician who has a diabetic interest.

Additional clinics are being run on monthly basis (1 - 2 extra clinics per month), in order to address waiting lists for the service.

In terms of the future of diabetes services in the North-West, the Saolta Group advises that a business case is currently being prepared in support of a second Consultant Endocrinologist, a Diabetic Nurse Specialist and a Diabetic Dietician, to further support the Letterkenny Diabetes service.