Written Answers Nos. 213-221
213. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if he has received a report on the external evidence review to inform the parameters of a revision of A Vision for Change; if he will publish same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23417/17]
View answer'A Vision for Change' came to the end of its 10-year term in 2016 and preparations for a review and updating of policy have been underway since early last year. In September 2016, an external evidence and expert review was commissioned from WRC Consultants as the first step in determining the parameters of a revision of 'A Vision for Change'.
This review was completed on 17 February 2017, and will provide evidence to determine the policy direction for a revision of 'A Vision for Change', both in terms of international best practice and the experience of implementing A Vision for Change. The review is currently being assessed by the Department of Health, and will shortly be published.
In line with a commitment given to Dáil Éireann on 6 October 2016, an Oversight Group will be established within three months of the review being finalised to oversee the development of a new policy for mental health based on the outcome of the Expert Review. Terms of Reference for this Group are being finalised. The policy review process will also involve consultation with key stakeholders.
214. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on the substantial increase in nursing home fees following a review by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (details supplied); his views on the impact this will have on fee paying patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23423/17]
View answer219. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the reason nursing home fee increases are being retrospectively applied to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry without written or verbal notice of the increase; if these additional fees will be waived in view of the inadequate consultation and notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23478/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 214 and 219 together.
As these are service matters they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
215. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department on renting car park spaces in each of the years 2011 to 2016, inclusive, and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23452/17]
View answerMy Department did not rent any car parking spaces in the years concerned. If we do require any additional parking for any particular purpose, the Department would request the Office of Public Works to provide same.
216. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by bodies and agencies under the aegis of his Department on renting car park spaces in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23468/17]
View answerThe Department does not routinely compile or hold information in relation to rental of car park spaces for agencies under the aegis of the Department and the Deputy should contact the relevant CEO/Director/Chairperson. I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy in relation to its expenditure on car parking from 2011.
217. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he will re-open a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in view of exceptional circumstances which were out of the person's control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23475/17]
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.
218. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the National Treatment Purchase Fund will provide a breakdown to justify the increase of the cost of a nursing home bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/17]
View answerThe 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. A financial assessment is carried out by the HSE to determine how much a participant in the Scheme will contribute to the cost of their care.
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.
The legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires each private nursing home to negotiate and agree a price for long-term residential care services with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to be an approved nursing home for the purposes of the Scheme. The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function, and negotiates with each nursing home on an individual basis. The NTPF may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process with the objective of setting a fair price which delivers value for money to the individual and the State. In negotiating with nursing homes, the NTPF has regard to:
- Costs reasonably and prudently incurred by the nursing home and evidence of value for money;
- Price(s) previously charged;
- Local market price; and
- Budgetary constraints and the obligation on the State to use available resources in the most beneficial, effective and efficient manner to improve, promote and protect the health and welfare of the public.
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. A number of issues have been identified for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanisms by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
- Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the review of the pricing system for private long-term residential care facilities. This Steering Committee is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from the Department of Health, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, and the NTPF, and work in this area is well advanced.
The NTPF has no role in relation to the cost of care in public residential facilities. Section 33(2) of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act, 2009 provides for the HSE to charge for the cost of care in long-term residential care settings. The components that make up the cost of care are laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas.
220. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will reply to correspondence (details supplied) in regard to nurses with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland status who were refused critical skills work permits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23479/17]
View answerDepartment Officials have been in contact with the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland in relation to the matter raised by the Deputy.
I will respond to you in relation to this matter in due course.
221. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the inpatient waiting list for the urology department in St. James's Hospital for six months, 12 months, 24 months, 36 months and 48 months, respectively. [23481/17]
View answerIn relation to the query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
