John Brassil
Question:988. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an ophthalmology appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37510/17]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (988)
Written 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (989)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:989. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a knee operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37511/17]
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.
Hospital Staff
Questions (990)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:990. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of months Tallaght Hospital was without an adult spinal consultant in 2017 until the newly appointed position was filled in August 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37512/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Staff
Questions (991)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:991. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Tallaght Hospital finished working in adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37513/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Staff Data
Questions (992)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:992. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of spinal consultants employed by the HSE in each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37514/17]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Questions (993)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:993. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list to visit a spinal consultant in Tallaght Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37515/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Questions (994)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:994. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list to visit a spinal consultant in each hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37516/17]
View answerWritten answers
I acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, I asked the HSE to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services. The Inpatient/Daycase Action Plan is being delivered through a combination of normal hospital activity, as well as insourcing and outsourcing initiatives utilising NTPF funding. Under the Inpatient/Daycase Plan, since early February, almost 22,000 patients have come off the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List.
The NTPF has advised that to date 5,295 patients have been authorised for treatment in private hospitals under its Day Case Initiative, 2,065 patients have accepted an offer of treatment in a private hospital and that 954 patients have received their procedure. The NTPF has also indicated that 2,496 patients have been authorised for treatment in public hospitals under the Plan’s insourcing initiatives, 558 offers of treatment have been accepted and 104 patients have been treated.
Under the Outpatient Plan, since early February, almost 79,000 patients have come off the Outpatient Waiting List.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
Question No. 995 answered with Question No. 890.
Rare Diseases
Questions (996)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:996. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of cases dealt with by the National Rare Diseases Office in 2015 and in 2016 and to date in 2017; the numbers for each disease; the number and grade of staff at this office; if waiting lists exist in this area; the number of persons on the waiting lists; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (997)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:997. 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. [37527/17]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (998)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:998. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37533/17]
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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (999)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:999. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hearing aid for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37534/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1000)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1000. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37538/17]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Dental Services
Questions (1001)
Pat Deering
Question:1001. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the status of dentistry services for primary school children (details supplied) in County Carlow; the most recent figures available for dental services carried out in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37541/17]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1002)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1002. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37546/17]
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 National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Mobility Allowance
Questions (1003)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1003. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when the Health (Transport Support) Bill 2017 will be progressed; the estimated cost of reinstating the mobility allowance; his plans to assist those with disabilities and their transport needs; the collaboration he is undertaking with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport in that regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/17]
View answerWritten answers
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.
The Government is aware of the continuing needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments that support choice and independence. The Deputy might wish to note that monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time the scheme closed, at an annual cost of approximately €10 million.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Government commitment to this area is evident in the Programme for a Partnership Government which acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme.
I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The next step is to seek Government approval to the drafting of a Bill for the new Scheme.
My colleague, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, has responsibility for transport policy for people with a disability. I understand that "Transport Access for All", the Department of Transport, Tourism & Sport's ( DTTAS's) Sectoral Plan under the Disability Act, 2005, guides policy in relation to public transport services for persons with disabilities. DTTAS has also committed to a number of actions under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy.
I have been informed that accessibility features are built into all new public transport infrastructure projects and vehicles from the design stage. New systems, such as the Luas, are fully accessible. In addition, 100% of the Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann city fleets are wheelchair accessible, along with 80% of the Bus Éireann coach fleet. This will increase as the coach fleet is replaced.
With regard to existing infrastructure, there is an ongoing Accessibility Grants Programme, which is managed by the National Transport Authority (NTA) on behalf of DTTAS, to upgrade public transport infrastructure and facilities to improve transport accessibility across the country. Funding of €3 million has been allocated to the NTA in 2017 for this Programme and additional funding for transport investment is being sought in the mid-term review of the Capital Plan. The bulk of the funding under the Programme has been provided for accessibility upgrade works at rail stations and to make bus stops and bus stations accessible to enable wheelchair users to travel on Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann buses.
The NTA receives funding under the programme for the Wheelchair Accessible Taxi Grant Scheme. As of June this year, 6% or 1,291 of the taxi fleet is wheelchair accessible, with a target of 10% set for 2020. Funding is also provided via the NTA for the Travel Assistance Scheme, which is run by Dublin Bus. Under the Scheme, an assistant can accompany persons requiring help to use public transport and to plan a journey on Dublin Bus, Luas and the Dart.
Congregated Settings Report
Questions (1004)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1004. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that were moved out of institutions and congregated settings in each of the years 2015 to 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37556/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion”,(2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. In May 2016, 2725 people lived in congregated settings and our objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings. A congregated setting is defined as a residential setting where people live with ten or more people.
The HSE has established a subgroup, under ‘Transforming Lives’, the Programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions. I welcome the fact that the needs of people moving from congregated settings will be fully taken into account during this process as the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan.
At the end of December 2016, less than 2,600 people with a disability were living in congregated settings. The HSE's 2017 National Service Plan has set a target of 223 to move from institutions in 2017. This will ensure that people are able to move out of congregated settings, and into their own homes in the community. I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres.
As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have arranged for the Deputy's questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Congregated Settings Report
Questions (1005)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1005. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the resources and funding for those persons that remain in congregated settings with high support needs annually in each of the years from 2012 to 2016 and to date in 2017; the amount of that funding was provided to residential care institutions providing care; the details of the public and private institutions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37557/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE’s report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion”,(2011) proposes a new model of support in the community by moving people from institutional settings to the community. The plan is being rolled out at a regional and local level and involves full consultation with stakeholders.
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. In May 2016, 2725 people lived in congregated settings and our objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings. A congregated setting is defined as a residential setting where people live with ten or more people.
The HSE has established a subgroup, under ‘Transforming Lives’, the Programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions. I welcome the fact that the needs of people moving from congregated settings will be fully taken into account during this process as the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan.
At the end of December 2016, less than 2,600 people with a disability were living in congregated settings. The HSE's 2017 National Service Plan has set a target of 223 to move from institutions in 2017. This will ensure that people are able to move out of congregated settings, and into their own homes in the community. I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres.
As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have arranged for the Deputy's questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Homeless Persons Supports
Questions (1006)
Thomas P. Broughan
Question:1006. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the collaborative efforts being undertaken by his Department and the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government to address the census 2016 findings information that 27% of homeless persons indicated that they have a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37558/17]
View answerWritten answers
The National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability (NHSPWD) 2011 – 2016 was published in October 2011 and the associated National Implementation Framework was published in July 2012. These documents are joint publications by the Department of the Housing, Planning and Local Government and the Department of Health. Implementation of the National Housing Strategy for People with a Disability is being driven by a dedicated Subgroup chaired by the Housing Agency. The Strategy recognises the need for a robust interagency framework to facilitate person centred delivery of housing and relevant supports.
The collaborative structures put in place through the NHSPWD will ensure cross-Departmental and agency support to enable people with disabilities to live independent lives in the community. The Department of Health and the HSE are represented on the NHSPWD Implementation Monitoring Group, and on the Housing Subgroup. Key actions include the National Guidelines for Assessment and Allocation for Housing Provision for People with Disabilities have been developed and rolled out in local authorities. At local level, the HSE is represented in Housing and Disability Steering Groups in each local authority area.
The Programme for Partnership Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. The objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings. The reconfiguration of residential services is being supported by €100 million in capital funding from the Department of Health over the period 2016-2021, while assistance with transitional costs is being provided by a Service Reform Fund. Supported by this Department and the HSE, the DHPLG is providing ring-fenced funding in 2017 under the Capital Allocation Scheme (CAS), specifically for the provision of housing for people with disabilities who are moving out of congregated settings into community based living arrangements.
The Department of Health and the HSE also participate in the implementation monitoring group for the Housing Strategy for People with disability. This includes people with mental health issues, which is addressing the needs of mental health service users in regard to accommodation, tenancy sustainment and related issues, including at sensitive points in their transition to care in the community. €2 million was provided to address the mental health needs of homeless persons in the Dublin region in 2016, from additional funding secured for mental health in the 2016 HSE National Service Plan. The funding supports care and case management and intensive addiction and mental health in-reach programmes for homeless people in supported temporary accommodation and in long-term accommodation. The increased funding will also support long-term intensive care for homeless people with chronic and enduring health needs living in long-term supported accommodation that do not require acute hospital care, but have high support needs. The €2 million provided in 2016, continues to be provided in 2017 to fund these additional services for homeless people with mental health and addiction needs.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1007)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1007. 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. [37567/17]
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.