Louise O'Reilly
Question:204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of awarding medical cards for all adults with disabilities. [26070/17]
View answerMedical Card Expenditure
Questions (204)
Written answers
In accordance with the provision of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure and every application must be assessed on that basis.
Under the legislation having a particular illness or disability in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore, the medical conditions of applicants for this scheme are not monitored on that basis. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded. If a person's only income is a means tested Social Welfare Allowance, for example, a Disability Allowance, he/she will qualify for a Medical Card.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card even though an application exceeds his or her income threshold where he or she faces difficult circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness or disability.
The Deputy may be aware of the Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility, which was published in 2014. It made a recommendation that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card and also recommended that it is neither feasible nor desirable to list conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility.
With regard to the cost of awarding a medical cards to all adults with disabilities, detailed financial analysis would need to be conducted in order to establish as accurately as possible the expected costs to the Exchequer and this information is not readily available to the HSE.
Ambulance Service Data
Questions (205)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:205. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of the retention of the delivery of Dublin’s ambulance service with the Dublin Fire Brigade. [26071/17]
View answerWritten answers
Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) provide emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county, by arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides some emergency capacity in the greater Dublin area, as well as non-emergency patient transport.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with information on the costs associated with this arrangement.
Health Services Provision
Questions (206)
Michael McGrath
Question:206. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has plans to extend and improve the services available at a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there is a waiting list for persons seeking access to the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26077/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
General Practitioner Contracts
Questions (207)
Declan Breathnach
Question:207. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 136 of 13 October 2016 and 159 of 18 May 2016, if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the HSE has stated after complaining to it (details supplied) and applying for a reimbursement of charges for blood testing that there is a loophole in the system whereby general practitioners have been advised by the IMO that they can charge for blood tests that are for monitoring purposes, that is, repeat bloods for an ongoing medical condition; if he will make arrangements to immediately close this loophole; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26095/17]
View answerWritten answers
There is no provision under the GP GMS contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition. The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card.
My Department and the HSE's position has consistently been that routine investigations or tests are comprehended by the provisions of clause 11 of the GMS contract which outlines the duties of GPs under the GMS scheme. In circumstances where particular tests are necessary to either (a) diagnose a patient or (b) monitor a diagnosed condition, the GP should not be charging eligible patients. However, GP representative bodies are not in agreement with this position and it has become apparent that some GPs are charging GMS patients for these services.
In order to achieve clarity on this issue, I have asked that any difference of perspective in relation to the provision of phlebotomy services be addressed in the ongoing GP contractual review. I am pleased that engagement with GP representative bodies to progress this process commenced in January and I look forward to constructive and positive further engagements.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (208)
Gerry Adams
Question:208. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied) from County Louth whose consultant has requested that they be provided with a glucometer scanner in order that they would no longer have to prick their fingers for glucose readings; if he will provide this equipment to this person; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26096/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (209)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:209. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the closure of a care home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26107/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (210)
Mary Butler
Question:210. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his views on reports that some persons who receive the HPV Gardasil vaccine are reporting serious side effects; his further views on the number of girls withdrawing from the vaccine programme; and if he will commission a study into these reported cases [26109/17]
View answerWritten answers
Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against two high risk types of HPV that cause 73% of all cervical cancers.
There is scientific evidence of the beneficial impact of HPV vaccine for women's health in countries that have had high vaccine uptake rates. Cases of high grade pre-cancerous changes of the cervix have reduced by 75% in Australia and by more than 50% in Denmark and Scotland.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines that are licensed in Ireland. While no medicine is entirely without risk, the safety of vaccines, as with all medicines, is carefully monitored and any new evidence concerning side-effects is taken into account. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination.
Unfounded, false claims have been made of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. It appears that they first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine and a false connection is being made between the HPV vaccine and the onset of these symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that the HPV vaccine causes any long term illness. The misinformation around the HPV vaccine has led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine. The Irish Cancer Society state that, based on national cancer statistics, the drop in the rate of uptake to 50% for the 2016-2017 academic year will have the following alarming consequences:
- The death of at least 40 girls with cervical cancer who did not receive the HPV vaccine;
- A further 100 girls will develop cervical cancer and will require life altering treatment; and
- An additional 1000 girls will require invasive therapy to prevent the precancerous form of HPV.
Misinformation is causing real harm to those unvaccinated children and adults who develop vaccine preventable diseases, and to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions that are not caused by vaccines. Any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination should talk to their family doctor, or alternatively to visit the National Immunisation office website. These sources of information are clear and accurate and will answer any queries you may have about the benefits or risks of vaccination. Vaccination is the best way for parents to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases.
I have no plans to commission a study along the lines suggested in the Parliamentary Question as the safety and efficacy of these vaccines continues to be monitored by regulatory agencies at both national and European level.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (211)
Timmy Dooley
Question:211. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26112/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Commencement of Legislation
Questions (212)
Joan Burton
Question:212. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the provisions of the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 that have not yet been commenced; and the date on which he expects them to be commenced. [26113/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Nurses and Midwives Act 2011 is a comprehensive piece of legislation which is being commenced on a gradual basis. The following are the provisions of the 2011 Act which have yet to be commenced:
Section 4(2);
Section 9(2)(g)(ii);
Section 37(2)(a);
Sections 39, 40, 41, 44, 45;
Section 59(1)(b) re professional competence;
Section 59(2)(d);
Section 65(1)(b);
Section 84;
Sections 87 – 91;
Section 102(2), (3), (5); and
Section 103.
No dates have been set for the commencement of these sections.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (213)
Micheál Martin
Question:213. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the way in which hospitals in the Cork city area are addressing the nursing recruitment shortages; the countries they have recruited nurses from; the way in which this recruitment is being funded; the person who is travelling to recruit nurses; the cost of each recruitment campaign abroad for Cork city hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26117/17]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (214)
Micheál Martin
Question:214. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the adaption programmes that are undertaken for nurses who are recruited from abroad; the length and cost of these programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26118/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland
Questions (215)
Micheál Martin
Question:215. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he or his Department receive regular updates from the Nursing and Midwifery Board regarding the number of nurses who apply to go abroad to work each year; his views on same; the specific actions he and the HSE are taking to prevent this in the short, medium and long term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26119/17]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) do not routinely provided updates to the Department on an ongoing basis. However, the NMBI have provided information on the number of Certificates of Current Professional Status (CCPS) issued as and when requested. In this regard, a total of 1,059 nurses and midwives requested such certificates from January 2016 – December 2016 - the top 5 countries for such certificates and the associated number of certificates issued is set out below:
- 421 Australia;
- 381 United Kingdom;
- 91 USA;
- 45 Canada;
- 20 New Zealand.
It should be noted that nurses and midwives request this Certificate when they are intending to work abroad. However, it should be noted that nurses and midwives who receive this Certificate do not in all cases actually travel abroad - some of them may for a variety of reasons decide to stay in Ireland instead of travelling.
With regard to the second part of your question, I would like to advise the Deputy that under proposals agreed at the WRC between this Department, DPER, the HSE, the INMO and SIPTU management have committed to increases in the HSE’s National Workforce Plan for nurses and midwives in 2017. Management are to increase the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017, through a broad range of initiatives that will result in the delivery of 1,208 additional permanent posts; including the conversion of agency employed staff into HSE direct employees, and offering all graduating nurses and midwives full time contracts.
Other key measures agreed include improved maternity leave cover; a career break scheme; 130 additional undergraduate places in 2017; and offering nurses and midwives improved educational opportunities and career pathways which will support recruitment and retention in the medium and long term.
A Section 10 Direction was placed before the Houses of Oireachtas in respect of the agreement. The HSE will have to report to the Minister for Health on the performance and implementation of these arrangements as part of the 2017 National Service Plan. The HSE will also have to provide special reports by June, September and December 2017 on the recruitment of the posts provided in the workforce plan.
A HSE Circular has issued that allows delegation of recruitment to Directors of Nursing. A High Level Group with an independent chair has been established to oversee implementation of this agreement.
The above is in addition to the many other initiatives currently underway to improve nursing and midwifery staffing levels throughout the country. The number of nursing and midwifery staff increased by 113 WTEs from the end of March to the end of April and by 714 WTEs since the end of 2016. Overall nursing WTEs are at the highest levels since 2011 with numbers increasing since 2015 notwithstanding intense global competition for our nurses and midwives.
Hospitals Car Park Charges
Questions (216)
Pat Buckley
Question:216. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide free parking for patients and close family of patients who are suffering with a prolonged or serious illness which requires regular hospital visits; and the details of existing schemes for this or hospitals in which free parking is available [26121/17]
View answerWritten answers
There is a significant demand for car parking at all hospitals. Consequently, the efficient management of parking spaces and traffic flow on hospital campuses is of crucial importance. This is to ensure on-going availability of parking spaces; free flow of traffic on campus; unobstructed access for emergency vehicles at all times; proper use of spaces designated for drivers with disabled permits; and proper use of spaces designated as drop off points near the hospital entrance.
The HSE (Health Service Executive) has advised that it does not have one single contract to provide parking services at all hospitals. Instead each hospital has a unique arrangement which reflects its specific circumstances.
Arrangements for car parking generally is an operational matter for the HSE. The HSE has advised that it does not provide guidelines on hospital parking and each hospital/hospital group implements their own guidelines.
Hospitals which charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families particularly those with long-term illnesses. Consequently, a maximum daily fixed parking charge has been introduced in some hospitals, thus capping this expense. I understand that some hospitals also provide reduced rate parking rates for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship. The HSE has advised me that it keeps hospital parking charges under review.
In response to the particular queries raised, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (217)
Martin Ferris
Question:217. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive psychological cognitive behaviour therapy. [26126/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Ambulance Service
Questions (218)
Carol Nolan
Question:218. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference for the review of ambulance services; the timeframe for the completion of the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26145/17]
View answerWritten answers
I understand the review referred to by the Deputy is the review of public and private ambulance service provision which has been commissioned by the HSE. The purpose of this review is to assess the costs of both public and private ambulance services, ascertain the appropriate use of those services, and define clearly the parameters for use of public and private providers.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy with any further information which might be available.
Health Services Provision
Questions (219)
James Lawless
Question:219. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health when requested supports for a person (details supplied) will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26146/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Home Help Service Data
Questions (220)
Billy Kelleher
Question:220. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours by local health area provided in March and April 2017 in tabular form. [26148/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Disability Services Provision
Questions (221)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Question:221. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if funding has been secured to initiate the moving of residents into a newly constructed group home due for completion in May 2017 for persons with physical and sensory disabilities in Carrickmacross, County Monaghan; if not, when the funding will be secured in order that persons will be able to move into the development; if it will be the HSE that will manage the group home once opened; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (222)
Bernard Durkan
Question:222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a full medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); when same will occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26155/17]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Patient Data
Questions (223)
Billy Kelleher
Question:223. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the national patient experience survey includes patients in accident and emergency departments. [26157/17]
View answerWritten answers
The National Patient Experience Survey commenced on 1 May 2017. The survey includes all adult patients who have been admitted as an in-patient and discharged during the month of May 2017. In order to be eligible, the patient must have spent 24 hours or more in a public acute hospital and have a postal address in the Republic of Ireland. Those admitted through the Emergency Department and who have spent 24 hours in the hospital will also be included.
The questions in the survey include a focus on the patient's admission to hospital, the ward environment, the care and treatment received and any interactions with staff. There are also 6 questions in the survey which relate specifically to the patient's experience in the Emergency Department.
The survey will identify areas for improvement and as such will provide a direct focus for any changes required. It is anticipated that the survey will also discover many examples of good practice which in turn can be shared across the country. Capturing these important messages is vital for patients, hospital managers and not least for the staff providing the care in our hospitals.
The National Patient Experience Survey is a joined-up approach between the Department, the HSE and HIQA and is a concrete sign of the commitment of policy makers, service providers and regulators to improve the quality and the safety of our health services for patients. My Department is fully committed to promoting patient safety and to this end I launched a new National Patient Safety Office last year, which is currently pursuing a programme of patient safety policy and legislation.