Written Answers Nos. 491-505
491. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1534 of 20 June 2017, if there are plans to conduct audits of cardiovascular networks aside from stroke; the reason there has been no other cardiovascular-related audits over the lifetime of the national cardiovascular health policy to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32764/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
492. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1523 of 20 June 2017, the date on which the collaboration taking place between the national stroke programme, the acute medicine programme and the national clinical programme for older persons to develop a transient ischaemic pathway to support early decision-making; the expected outcomes and timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32765/17]
View answer493. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1523 of 20 June 2017, the date on which the comprehensive document to support the psychological needs of patients will be ready; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32766/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 492 and 493 together.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
494. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Tipperary will be approved for treatment under the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32774/17]
View answerThe HSE operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
495. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided to a residential service (details supplied) in County Kerry for persons with disabilities. [32777/17]
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.
496. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the funding which has been allocated to upgrade and extend the day care centre at Drogheda Street, Monasterevin; and the timescale for the work to be carried out. [32779/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
497. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health his plans for capital investment to renovate and extend Abbeyleix hospital; and the likely timeframe to this action. [32780/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
498. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of residential properties owned by the HSE in County Laois; and the number of those that are vacant. [32781/17]
View answerYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
499. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to adhere to the baby friendly health initiative. [32786/17]
View answer500. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the body which ensures that the maternity hospitals achieve the baby friendly health initiative. [32787/17]
View answer504. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the national policy for baby friendly hospitals for all maternity hospitals if the baby friendly hospital initiative is not included in the breastfeeding action plan. [32791/17]
View answer505. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason fewer hospitals are participating in baby friendly health initiative accreditation. [32792/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 499, 500, 504 and 505 together.
The Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative (BFHI) was launched by WHO and UNICEF in 1991 and is a global effort to implement practices that protect, promote and support breastfeeding. In Ireland the initiative has been in place for 20 years and there are 19 maternity hospitals countrywide, 9 of which have Baby Friendly designation.
In 2016, the HSE, who fund the initiative, commissioned a research team at TCD to undertake a review of the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative in 2016. The review highlighted the need for a revised model to be developed in line with the Maternity Strategy and action point 3.2 in the HSE National Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2020.
Working with the Health and Wellbeing directorate (health promotion and improvement, public health), the National Women and Infant Health Programme will support the implementation of the WHO/UNICEF 10 Steps to Successful Breastfeeding, the basis of the Baby Friendly Hospitals Initiative, using a revised model suitable for the promotion and support of breastfeeding in Ireland. This approach will also examine the option of an all-island approach.
501. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the way the HSE plans to fund an accreditation unit for the baby friendly health initiative. [32788/17]
View answer502. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the reason Galway national maternity hospital, Mullingar maternity hospital and Portlaoise maternity hospital have lost their baby friendly health initiative certification. [32789/17]
View answer503. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the communication the HSE has had with the baby friendly hospital initiative; and the role the HSE plans to play in the implementation of the baby friendly hospital initiative in the 2016 to 2021 breastfeeding action plan. [32790/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 501 to 503, inclusive, together.
As 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.
