Written Answers Nos. 380-401
380. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a statutory duty of candour which will place a legal obligation on medical professionals to disclose negligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31077/17]
View answerMy Department is committed to a set of patient safety reforms which are being led by the newly established National Patient Safety Office. One of these reforms will see legislation brought forward which will support a culture of open disclosure within the health services. This builds on the current HSE policy which has been in place since 2013, under which all employees, including medical staff, are required to disclose and report incidents in line with the HSE's Safety Incident Management Policy. Provisions to support open disclosure to patients have been included in the Department of Justice and Equality's Civil Liability (Amendment) Bill 2017. As the Deputy may be aware, this Bill is currently making its way through the Oireachtas, and was considered at Committee stage on 30 June last.
Creating a culture of open disclosure and learning from the things that go wrong is the bedrock of making systems safer. Open Disclosure is defined as 'an open consistent approach to communicating with patients and their families when things go wrong in healthcare. This includes expressing regret for what has happened, keeping the patient informed, providing feedback on investigations and the steps taken to prevent a recurrence of the adverse event'.
We all know that when error or harm is experienced by a patient, the trust and confidence of that patient and their family are compromised. That is why honest, open disclosure and communication, which demonstrate empathy and sensitivity, are so essential. The intent of the legislation currently under consideration is to provide certain legal protections for healthcare staff for open disclosure. This will give further support to those staff in their communications with patients and family members if an adverse event occurs. The Ethical Code of Practice set out by the Medical Council also makes clear the responsibilities of doctors in relation to open disclosure, to support and promote a culture of candour, within which open disclosure can take place.
Reporting of adverse events is also part of a strong patient safety culture. The Department of Health and the HSE are working to strengthen the reporting of incidents when they occur, to ensure that the needs of patients who have been affected are catered for and to allow for the system as a whole to learn from the particular episode. The Health Information and Patient Safety Bill, which is at an advanced stage, will contain provisions on mandatory reporting of a prescribed list of very significant adverse events in the public and private healthcare sector.
The open disclosure provisions form part of a number of initiatives to improve the management of patient safety incidents. HIQA and the Mental Health Commission have recently finalised new Standards on the Conduct of Reviews of Patient Safety Incidents which expand on the National Standards for Safer Better Healthcare. This set of standards along with the mandatory reporting of serious reportable events provided for in the Health Information and Patient Safety Bill and the provisions intended for open disclosure will provide a comprehensive patient-centred approach to preventing, managing and learning from incidents.
381. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed opt-out system for organ donation which he stated in early May 2017 was to be brought before Cabinet; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31083/17]
View answerI propose to seek Government approval to prepare the General Scheme of a Human Tissue Bill in advance of the summer recess. This Bill will include proposals for the introduction of an opt out system for organ donation.
382. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health his views on the lack of progress on paying staff money owed following the interim public sector deal for staff working in all the State's section 39 agencies inclusive of the country's main hospices; if he or his officials have corresponded with or met the Minister for Finance regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31100/17]
View answerAs previously advised, under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE has in place Service Level Agreements with voluntary providers which set out the level of service to be provided for the grant to the individual organisation. Any individuals employed by these section 39 organisations are not HSE employees and therefore, the HSE has no role in determining the salaries or other terms and conditions applying to these staff. As the staff of these Section 39 organisations are not public servants, they were not subject to the FEMPI legislation which imposed pay reductions or the provisions of the subsequent Public Service Agreements which provide for pay restoration.
It is a matter for Section 39 organisations to negotiate salaries with their staff as part of their employment relationship and within the overall funding available for the delivery of agreed services.
383. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in counties Waterford, Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny and Tipperary that have died from cardiac arrest while in transit to hospitals in Cork or Dublin in each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31104/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy. However, the Deputy may wish to note that pronouncement of death is not within the scope of practice of paramedic staff. Thus an ambulance crew will continue to attempt resuscitation until such time as the patient arrives at the receiving hospital.
384. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the procedure in place if a person that lives in the south-east presents to their local or regional hospital with an emergency cardiac condition outside of the PPCI hours available in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31105/17]
View answer385. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cardiac services available at University Hospital Waterford on a 24-hour, seven-days- a-week basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31106/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 384 and 385 together.
The cardiology department at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) provides a wide range of non-invasive and invasive cardiac services, including ECG, coronary angiography and coronary angioplasty and stenting procedures. 24/7 consultant medical emergency cover is provided for all patients, including cardiology patients, at UHW. The out of hours consultant medical cover is provided on a rota basis and includes consultant general physicians and consultant cardiologists. Patients in the South East have access to out-of-hours Primary PCI services at Cork University Hospital or St James's Hospital, Dublin. Alternatively, thrombolysis can be performed at the nearest Emergency Department.
Following a targeted initiative, there has been a significant improvement in waiting times for cardiology procedures at UHW; the most recent data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund, which is for May 2017, indicates that a total of 296 patients were waiting for a cardiology inpatient or daycase procedure, with 189 of these waiting less than three months. In his review of cardiology services at UHW, Dr Niall Herity recommended additional investment to increase capacity at the hospital. An additional €0.5m funding was provided to the hospital to enable it to provide two additional cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) sessions per week, equivalent to a 20% expansion in operating hours. A tender was issued in June for the provision of a temporary mobile cath lab which will contribute, on an interim basis, to the further reduction in elective cardiology waiting lists at UHW.
386. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if data exists on the number of persons in the south-east that have died from cardiac arrest in each of the years 2007 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31107/17]
View answerThe CSO has provided the following data regarding the number of deaths caused by Acute Myocardial Infarction (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code I21) for counties Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford and Waterford for 2007 to 2016:
|
Year |
Carlow |
Kilkenny |
Wexford |
Waterford |
Total |
|
2007 |
29 |
62 |
92 |
58 |
241 |
|
2008 |
35 |
64 |
104 |
57 |
260 |
|
2009 |
36 |
37 |
92 |
58 |
223 |
|
2010 |
33 |
60 |
86 |
61 |
240 |
|
2011 |
29 |
49 |
98 |
49 |
225 |
|
2012 |
47 |
60 |
79 |
39 |
225 |
|
2013 |
26 |
42 |
96 |
44 |
208 |
|
2014 |
28 |
28 |
70 |
38 |
164 |
|
2015* |
33 |
48 |
83 |
39 |
203 |
|
2016* |
26 |
27 |
77 |
37 |
167 |
* Data for 2015 and 2016 is by year of registration and as such could still be subject to change. Data for all other years is by year of occurrence.
This Department does not yet have data for 2017.
387. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the clinical pathway for persons in the south-east with cardiac complications up to and including PPCI treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31108/17]
View answerAcute Coronary Syndromes (ACS) are myocardial infarction (heart attack) and unstable angina. Heart attacks may be ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) or Non ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). In general, hospitals will carry out a number of investigations and procedures to determine if there is a confirmed ACS and the extent of the ACS, and to treat the symptoms and/or the syndrome/disease. STEMI diagnosis can also be done pre-hospital via a 12 lead ECG machine with ECGs transmitted to a hospital for interpretation and/or via interpretation by trained paramedics.
The main investigation is the electrocardiogram (ECG). ECGs are particularly useful in determining those patients with ST segment elevation that will benefit from early reperfusion either by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) or by the administering of thrombolysis. PPCI is recognised internationally as the preferred treatment of STEMI in terms of morbidity and mortality outcomes. Where PPCI cannot be delivered within an acceptable timeframe, thrombolysis is recommended with early transfer to a PPCI centre for angiography.
388. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if proper and sufficient additional resources have been provided to University Hospital Kerry to ensure the machine provides a second scan to all expectant mothers in view of the recent donation of a second foetal assessment ultrasound machine to the obstetrics unit at University Hospital Kerry; if all women now registered with the unit are now offered a second scan at 20 weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31155/17]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services. The Strategy will be implemented on a phased basis and this work will be led by the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme. Indeed, the issue of anomaly scanning is a priority issue for the Programme and, accordingly, it will develop clinical guidance regarding routine detailed scans at 20 weeks. In the meantime, the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability.
One of the current challenges to increase access to anomaly scans is the recruitment of ultrasonographers who are skilled in using these machines. In this context, it is expected that the establishment of Maternity Networks across Hospital Groups will assist in developing a sustainable model that ensures that all women within each Hospital Group can access anomaly scans.
In relation to the specific query regarding University Hospital Kerry, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
389. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 170 and 171 of 26 January 2017, if he will confirm the person is not on recent leave but has been on illness benefit since October 2015; if he will confirm the person never worked for a community service (details supplied) as suggested in the parliamentary question reply; if he will instruct the HSE to engage fully with the person's legal adviser in view of the fact the information provided by the HSE is not accurate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31158/17]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004, the HSE has responsibility for operational issues which includes the determination of the terms and conditions of employment for its employees. The Health Act 2004 (as amended) also disallows the Minister for Health to get involved in individual cases.
However, I have forwarded your question to the HSE and asked them to respond to you directly on the matter.
390. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae 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. [31159/17]
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.
391. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding dentures for a person (detail supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31160/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
392. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason cardiac rehabilitation services at Letterkenny University Hospital have been suspended; the date on which the service was withdrawn; when the service will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31166/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
393. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the interim measures in place for service users, including existing programme participants and new referrals, whilst the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Letterkenny University Hospital is closed; the way in which the medical needs of the service users are being met and accommodated during this service disruption; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31167/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
394. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the date on which his attention was drawn to equipment failure having occurred at the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Letterkenny University Hospital leading to the closure of the facility; if a formal request from the hospital for additional resources and-or supports to replace and-or repair equipment at the unit has been received; if so, the date this request was received; if additional supports have been sanctioned; if so, the date this formal approval was given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31168/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
395. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the way in which service users of the cardiac rehabilitation unit at Letterkenny University Hospital were formally notified that the service had been suspended; the date such correspondence issued to service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31169/17]
View answerIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
396. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the ophthalmology assessment and cataract procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31201/17]
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.
397. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a campaign and patient advocacy group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31203/17]
View answerIf the group submits a meeting request to my office, it will be considered in line with normal procedures.
398. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to advance the publication of a report into future service provision at Lifford Community Hospital in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31204/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
399. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that a second ambulance is provided for the Killarney area in view of information (details supplied) received from the HSE and the fact that almost 40% of calls made from the Killarney area were dealt with by external ambulances and with the decision to remove the Millstreet daytime ambulance which will further impact on the Killarney service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31206/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
400. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting four years to see a urology specialist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31210/17]
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 specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
401. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will assist in having a person (details supplied) transferred to a suitable facility for rehabilitation purposes. [31211/17]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
