Written Answers Nos. 222 - 231
222. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the expected date of publication of the HSE action plan for scoliosis; his plans for the implementation of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23482/17]
View answerThe Waiting List Action Plan for Scoliosis has now been finalised and will be communicated shortly. The plan includes both measures to increase capacity for scoliosis treatments in the children's hospitals and proposals for the outsourcing of procedures. A number of children have been identified as clinically appropriate to have their scoliosis surgery in other hospitals, such as the Mater, Cappagh, and overseas in Stanmore.
While the Action Plan endeavours to deliver on short to medium term reduction in the waiting lists, in tandem the HSE is working to develop a long-term sustainable solution for scoliosis and paediatric orthopaedic cases.
223. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23486/17]
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.
224. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the nurse shortage in a health care centre (details supplied) in Ballymun. [23492/17]
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.
225. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents currently waiting from zero to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months and over 24 months for an appointment for child and adolescent mental health services in CHO area 1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23497/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
226. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatient child and adolescent beds in the mental health services that are due to come on stream in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23498/17]
View answerAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
227. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23501/17]
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 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.
228. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the reason the medical assessment unit in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital was recently closed; the number of such closures in 2016 and to date in 2017; if there will be no further closures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23505/17]
View answerUnder the framework of the HSE Full Capacity Protocol, Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda has in place an agreed escalation plan within which to operate during periods of ED overcrowding. It sets out a range of extraordinary special measures which can be activated throughout the escalation process as a last resort.
These measures aim to improve the flow of admitted patients through unscheduled care pathways. As part of this a Medical Assessment Unit may temporarily be used to accommodate a locally agreed number of extra patients to address the overcrowding. This is often referred to as being used for surge capacity. At these times, patients are seen in the Emergency Department rather than in the Medical Assessment Unit (MAU). While this temporary change of use may not be ideal in terms of the utilisation of these units, it does enable hospitals to alleviate overcrowding in EDs and afford patients a greater degree of dignity.
Recent data from the HSE indicates that despite an increase in over 3% in attendances for the first quarter in 2017, the situation at the Our Lady of Lourdes ED has been improving, with 42% fewer patients waiting a trolley, as compared to the same period last year. This equates to 850 fewer patients on trolleys this year so far. This ED has also seen a sustained improvement in Patient Experience Times during this period.
I have been advised that the management and use of the Medical Assessment Unit facility in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital continues to adhere to standard operating procedures as set out in the HSE Full Capacity Protocol.
In relation to increasing capacity at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, construction of a new ward block, including Clinical Decision Unit is ongoing. The ward block is expected to be completed later this year. I expect that this increased capacity will further reduce the need to initiate the Full Capacity Protocol.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
229. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the position regarding the need for respite services for persons with disabilities in each local health area for each of the past three years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23506/17]
View answer230. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the position regarding the fact that there are no dedicated respite services for children in County Louth; the steps he will take to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23507/17]
View answer231. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 619 to 621, inclusive, of 11 April 2017, the funding provided in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017 for respite beds for persons with disabilities; the way in which the funding was distributed, by location and organisation; the number and type of services provided at each location; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23508/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 229 to 231, inclusive, 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.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
