Joan Collins
Question:15. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the way in which he is planning to implement the future of health care report. [40916/17]
View answerOireachtas Joint Committee Reports
Questions (15)
Written answers
I supported the establishment of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare and have consistently supported its work. I have welcomed the publication of the Sláintecare report and in particular I have been encouraged by the level of cross party and stakeholder support that it has attracted.
The Government is committed to making tangible and sustainable improvements in our health services and the Sláintecare report now provides a framework to do this. We have a level of consensus and support for the vision and strategic direction outlined in the report that is unprecedented. I am determined to harness this and to work with colleagues across the political spectrum and with all stakeholders to move forward now on this very important agenda.
The Government has already given its approval to move ahead with the establishment of a Sláintecare programme office. This office will be tasked with implementing a programme of reform, as agreed by Government, arising from the Sláintecare Report. In parallel, work is underway in my Department to develop a detailed response to the report for consideration by Government in December.
We all know that there will be significant challenges to overcome in what will need to be a deep and systemic change in our healthcare system. But we do not have a choice. And we need to begin this change process now. This is one of the key priorities for the Government, and the focus now must be on ensuring that the implementation phase is properly designed and that a clear implementation plan is developed as quickly as possible.
Nursing Staff Provision
Questions (16)
John Brassil
Question:16. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if all 2016 and 2017 nursing graduates will be offered permanent contracts by the HSE. [40946/17]
View answerWritten answers
I can confirm that all 2016 and 2017 nursing and midwifery graduates will be offered permanent contracts by the HSE. These offers will be subject to the usual recruitment requirements. Nursing and midwifery recruitment and retention is a priority for the Government and officials in my Department are liaising with the HSE on a weekly basis to review progress on the appointment of nursing graduates.
These contracts are being offered as part of the 2017 Nursing and Midwifery Agreement, reached with the INMO and SIPTU. This Agreement has a particular focus on addressing recruitment and retention of nursing and midwifery posts. It has committed to put in place an additional 1,224 nursing and midwifery posts across the public health service by the end of December 2017. Very extensive and detailed work has been sustained throughout 2017 to implement the Agreement.
The HSE is focused on offering graduating nurses and midwives permanent posts. Each Hospital or Community Healthcare Organisation is making offers to the 2016 and 2017 nursing and midwifery graduates who undertake their clinical placement in their location. Every effort is being made to accommodate the graduate nurses and midwives in their preferred locations. Where a Hospital or CHO area is unable to offer places to all graduates, then the remaining graduates are offered places in the respective Hospital Group or an alternative CHO location, as appropriate.
Service Level Agreements
Questions (17)
Seán Fleming
Question:17. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE is providing €424 million to 26 organisations without having a full service level agreement in place. [40974/17]
View answerWritten answers
Previous information provided to the Deputy from the Health Service Executive (HSE) in response to PQ 36159/17 in July last regarding organisations in receipt of funding in excess of €1m from the HSE showed that a total of €3.574bn funding is provided to 207 Service Provider organisations through Service Agreements.
At that time Service Agreements were not in place for 26 of those organisations, and these Service Agreements related to total funding of €424m. At that time also documentation had been finalised for €197m of the €424m and this had been allocated to the 26 organisations, leaving a balance of €227m to be paid. Since then Service Agreements have been finalised for 3 further organisations and the outstanding amount to be paid to the 23 organisations is €217m.
In this regard, it should be noted that fully signed Service Agreements are now in place for approximately €3.357bn of the €3.574bn total, which represents approximately 94% of this funding.
In some cases the documentation is not finalised because the HSE is bringing a level of scrutiny to the process so as to ensure that the quality and quantity of the services to be provided for service users are to HSE’s satisfaction. There are also ongoing discussions regarding proposed cost increases and agreeing terms with some service providers. These discussions are conducted in the context of the need to maintain the necessary service provision. In other cases, the process for signing Service Agreements may not be completed because discussions are ongoing between the Providers and the HSE in relation to, for example, the amount of funding provided by the HSE in the context of restoration of pay reductions imposed on foot of the economic crisis.
The HSE is working with the Service Providers to ensure that the Service Agreement process is completed. Service Agreements are only one element of the oversight process. In addition to the Service Agreements, ongoing oversight of the services received for funding allocated, is delivered through the day to day management of that funding by the Hospital Groups and the Community Healthcare Organisations and through other mechanisms such as the Annual Compliance Statement process that is in place for all Section 38 and the larger Section 39 Service Providers.
The following revised reply was received on 5 October 2017
Previous information provided to the Deputy from the Health Service Executive (HSE) in response to PQ 36159/17 in July last regarding organisations in receipt of funding in excess of €1m from the HSE showed that a total of €3.574bn funding is provided to 207 Service Provider organisations through Service Agreements.
Full Service Agreements were not in place for 26 of those organisations, and these Service Agreements related to total funding of €424m. At that time also documentation had been finalised for €197m of the €424m and this had been allocated to the 26 organisations, leaving a balance of €227m to be finalised. Since then Service Agreements have been finalised for 3 further organisations. The current value of the Service Agreements not finalised with 23 organisations is €217m.
In this regard, it should be noted that fully signed Service Agreements are now in place for approximately €3.357bn of the €3.574bn total, which represents approximately 94% of this funding.
In some cases the documentation is not finalised because the HSE is bringing a level of scrutiny to the process so as to ensure that the quality and quantity of the services to be provided for service users are to HSE’s satisfaction. There are also ongoing discussions regarding proposed cost increases and agreeing terms with some service providers. These discussions are conducted in the context of the need to maintain the necessary service provision. In other cases, the process for signing Service Agreements may not be completed because discussions are ongoing between the Providers and the HSE in relation to, for example, the amount of funding provided by the HSE in the context of restoration of pay reductions imposed on foot of the economic crisis.
The HSE is working with the Service Providers to ensure that the Service Agreement process is completed. Service Agreements are only one element of the oversight process. In addition to the Service Agreements, ongoing oversight of the services received for funding allocated, is delivered through the day to day management of that funding by the Hospital Groups and the Community Healthcare Organisations and through other mechanisms such as the Annual Compliance Statement process that is in place for all Section 38 and the larger Section 39 Service Providers.
Health Service Capacity Review
Questions (18)
Bríd Smith
Question:18. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the actions he will take to deal with the theatre closures and staffing issues highlighted in a submission (details supplied) to his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40917/17]
View answerWritten answers
I wish to thank the Irish Hospital Consultants Association for its comprehensive submission as part of the Health Capacity Review.
This review is currently being undertaken by my Department and will examine both current capacity across the health system including in acute hospitals, primary care and social care, and the drivers of future demand moving to 2030. This review is due to be concluded by the end of 2017 and the findings will feed into decisions regarding future capital expenditure.
My Department is pursuing a range of initiatives to address health service staffing, including the development of a national strategic framework for health workforce planning. The recruitment and retention of medical staff is also a priority for the HSE and the number of consultants employed in the public health service continues to increase. At the end of July 2017 there were 2,892 whole time equivalents, an increase of 105 on the corresponding month in 2016 and 700 in the past decade. There has been an increase of 722 whole time equivalent nurses and midwives in the last year.
The 2017 total Health Budget of €14.6 billion was the highest ever health budget and is enabling both progress towards addressing the challenge of increased demand from a growing and aging population, and the commencement of some significant new developments which will over time deliver real improvements for patients. The increased funding and growth in staffing within our health service are allowing for expansion in service levels and optimum utilisation of facilities.
Hospital Equipment
Questions (19)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:19. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a new MRI scanner will be provided in University Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40950/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Saolta University Healthcare Group has advised that it recognises that the diagnostic waiting times at University Hospital Galway are unduly lengthy.
In order to address this deficit at UHG, the Saolta Group is currently undertaking a tender for a mobile MRI machine that will allow the Hospital to significantly increase its capacity to provide diagnostic scans. The Saolta Group is making every effort to progress this process and it is estimated that the process will be completed by the close of 2017.
In addition, Saolta has implemented a number of local initiatives to reduce diagnostic waiting lists and ensure that the maximum number of patients receive their procedure. The Group has introduced a 7-day a week service and an extended working day. This has resulted in an additional 52 appointments per week, which are targeted at the longest waiters. The Hospital is also outsourcing diagnostic scans to the Merlin Park Imaging Centre, where appropriate.
More broadly, there have been a number of recent and ongoing capacity initiatives at Galway University Hospitals including the completion of the new 75-bed ward block and a new acute mental health department is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. Also, considerable progress has been made on the planning phase for a new ED at UHG.
UHG is also a pilot site for the National GE Finnamore Patient Flow project and has demonstrated significant achievement in improving patient flow in the Hospital.
HSE Waiting Lists
Questions (20)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:20. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to reduce the long waiting times for primary care ophthalmology appointments being experienced by persons under 18 years of age in County Galway. [40962/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE advises that all patient referrals for primary care ophthalmology appointments are being monitored closely and prioritised according to clinical need. Additional clinics are in place to deal with the waiting list in South Galway, where there has been difficulty in recruiting a Community Ophthalmologist. The HSE continues to make every effort to ensure that children are seen in a timely manner, taking cognisance of clinical need and clinical urgency.
Hospital Staff Recruitment
Questions (21)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:21. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason Letterkenny University Hospital did not receive funding for two ANP posts specialising in diabetes; when funding will be provided for the posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40771/17]
View answerWritten answers
Letterkenny University hospital provides essential high-quality hospital care to patients in the Northwest. I can assure the Deputy of the continued commitment to develop the diabetes service at the Hospital.
Adult diabetes services at Letterkenny are currently provided by a consultant endocrinologist, supported by a locum consultant general physician with an interest in diabetes. In order to address waiting lists, additional clinics are provided on a monthly basis. Further, the Saolta Healthcare Group has advised that it has made an application for approval of a second consultant endocrinologist and this is currently being considered by the HSE's Consultant Application Advisory Committee.
On 28 June, I met with the Donegal Branch of Diabetes Ireland, the HSE and the Saolta Healthcare Group to discuss the current challenges and future development of diabetes services in the Northwest. Following that meeting, officials of my Department requested the HSE to assess the scope to progress a number of action points in relation to the provision of services for paediatric and adult diabetes in County Donegal, including the progression of two Advanced Nurse Practitioners posts for Letterkenny University Hospital. I appreciate that some actions will be dependent on funding and will need to be considered once the Budget and National Service Plan for 2018 are finalised.
Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists
Questions (22)
Pat Casey
Question:22. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is proposed to reduce the long waiting times being experienced by children in County Wicklow who ##are in need of an assessment for occupational therapy. [40995/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to the provision and development of services for children including early intervention services, and to improving access by these children to therapy services insofar as possible within available resources.
Improving access to therapy services for children in primary care and in disability services is a particular priority for the Government. Within this context, €8 million in additional funding was provided in 2016 to expand the provision of speech and language therapy through primary care services (€4 million) and to support the reorganisation and expansion of speech and language and other therapies, including occupational therapy, under the Progressing Disability Services Programme (€4 million). The key objective of the Progressing Disability Services Programme is to bring about equity of access to disabilities services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of the individual child's difficulties. Full implementation of this Programme is expected before the end of 2017. It is anticipated that this will have a positive impact on waiting lists both for assessments and therapies.
With regard to County Wicklow specifically, I am advised by the HSE that an Occupational Therapy Improvement Plan has been put in place in CHO Area 6 to improve access to Primary Care Occupational Therapy Services. The recruitment of additional temporary staff to address long waiting times in Primary Care has been prioritised in this regard.
National Dementia Strategy Implementation
Questions (23)
Mary Butler
Question:23. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the appointment of dementia care co-ordinators and dementia advisers in each local health office area. [40968/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Alzheimer Society of Ireland’s pre-budget submission recommends the appointment of dementia care coordinators and dementia advisers in each local health office area, in addition to an investment of €35 million in home care services and the appointment of dementia friendly community coordinators. I had a constructive meeting with representatives of the Alzheimer Society on 29 August where these matters were discussed.
In response to the rising number of people with dementia, currently estimated at 55,000, the Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014 with the objective of increasing awareness, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention and developing enhanced community based services. The Strategy emphasises that most people with dementia live in their own communities and can continue to live well and to participate in those communities for far longer than many people appreciate.
In parallel with the Strategy, the Department of Health and the HSE agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This Implementation Programme represents a combined investment of €27.5m, with the Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m and the HSE €15.5m. The Programme includes the provision of intensive home care packages for people with dementia, the upskilling of GPs and primary care teams in dementia diagnosis and management, and a public awareness and inclusion campaign. A National Dementia Office has been established to drive implementation of the Strategy in the HSE.
I am happy to be able to confirm that my Department has recently secured funding of €1.23 million under the 2017 Dormant Accounts Action Plan to support a number of dementia projects. These include post-diagnostic supports, dementia friendly communities, assistive technology libraries and further exploratory work on the development of a national dementia registry. These measures will help ensure that people with dementia can live well in their communities for as long as possible.
An evaluation of the Dementia Advisers employed by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland has commenced by the HSE. It would be appropriate to await the outcome of this evaluation before considering the appointment of additional advisers.
The National Dementia Office has undertaken a project to examine the role of the Key Worker for people with dementia, a commitment as outlined in the National Dementia Strategy. There are a number of potential models and approaches and the NDO is currently identifying these with a view to determining a suitable approach to this action under the Strategy.
The Department and the HSE are working on a mid-term review of the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy which will identify the achievements so far and set out the further work that is required to implement the Strategy over the next 12 months and beyond. The resources required for the ongoing implementation of the Strategy, including in relation to the role of key worker, can only be considered in the context of the Estimates and Budget process. The mid-term review will assist in identifying further actions required and will be helpful in the context of budgetary considerations.
Emergency Departments Services
Questions (24)
Brendan Smith
Question:24. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposal to provide upgraded and additional facilities in the emergency department at Cavan general hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40899/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Emergency Department in Cavan has been performing well to date in 2017, having a 68% reduction in trolley numbers at the Hospital in comparison with the same period in 2016.
The RCSI Hospital Group has identified the need for development of the resuscitation area in Cavan Emergency Department. Future investment in Cavan General Hospital will be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme, the prioritised needs of the hospital groups and within the overall capital envelope available to the health service.
The HSE will continue to apply the available funding for infrastructure development in the most cost effective way possible to meet current and future needs, having regard to the level of commitments and costs to completion already in place.
My Department is working with the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to conduct a mid-term review of the capital programme.
Hospital Groups, Community Health Organisations and hospitals are all currently in the process of planning for winter Emergency Department demand through developing integrated winter plans to cover the period October 2017 to March 2018. These plans, including the plan for Cavan General Hospital, will be submitted to the HSE for approval in the coming weeks.
Mental Health Guidelines
Questions (25)
Mick Wallace
Question:25. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if the use of the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 checklists for assessing mental health in persons are approved for use by the HSE and general practitioners here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40773/17]
View answerWritten answers
Individuals who are concerned about their mental health may access services in a variety of ways. Many people go to their family doctor with mental health problems such as depression or anxiety and will not need the help of a psychiatrist. In other cases, the GP may decide to refer the person to members of the mental health team such as a psychiatrist, clinical psychologist or addiction counsellor. When assessing an individual's mental health, questionnaires like the PHQ-9 and GAD-7 may be used.
The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) is a validated self-administered version of the Primary Care Evaluation of Mental Disorders screening questionnaire. It contains the mood (PHQ-9), anxiety, alcohol, eating and somatoform modules as covered in the original PRIME-MD. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale was subsequently developed as a brief scale for anxiety. It is also validated.
There are many such screening tools available, and screening for mental health problems forms the basis of good clinical practice across mental health services. These screening tools are not particularly highlighted for use in mental health services (over and above other validated screening tools) by the HSE, but are likely to be used by clinicians as part of their clinical practice.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (26)
Ruth Coppinger
Question:26. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health his views on the non-provision of medication, such as the contraceptive pill, in State-funded hospitals that have a religious-based ethos (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40914/17]
View answerWritten answers
The provision of medication to patients is based on clinical criteria and is a matter for the treating Consultant. Instigation of the oral contraceptive pill for family planning reasons is generally a community based activity. However, while an acute hospital would seldom instigate the combined oral contraceptive pill, I have been informed by the HSE that there may be occasions when prescription of the contraceptive pill may be indicated for specific gynaecological reasons and this should be possible in all state funded hospitals.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Questions (27)
Michael McGrath
Question:27. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when he expects the new health centre in Carrigaline, County Cork to be open; and the services that will be provided there. [40770/17]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has advised that Carrigaline Primary Care Centre is currently being equipped and is expected to be operational by the end of 2017. In relation to the services provided in the Centre, as the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Questions (28)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:28. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the HSE’s engagement with the introduction of a new in-school speech and language service. [40944/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for a Partnership Government commits that a new in-school speech and language service will be established to support young children as part of a more integrated support system.
The Health Service Executive undertook an extensive review of existing Speech and Language therapy provision earlier this year and the findings and recommendations of that review, which is based on best international practice will inform the development of a new model for delivery.
It has been shown across the OECD as the most effective way of managing and intervening with the educational and social issues consequential to speech and language difficulties in children.
Teachers and SLTs have different, but complementary, skills in developing children’s language and learning. SLTs are trained to take a linguistically analytical approach to language while teachers’ knowledge and skills relate to literacy, curriculum and teaching practice. These different but complementary skills and knowledge would support the language, literacy, communication and learning needs of students, especially students with or at risk of Speech and Language Complex Needs.
A joint working group, made up of The Department of Health, The Department of Education and Skills, The Health Service Executive and The National Council for Special Education, has been established to develop the proposed model. When finalised, the proposed model will represent a significant change in the way in which services are delivered. Work is currently under way to develop an initial demonstration project with a view to its implementation in 2018.
Oireachtas Joint Committee Reports
Questions (29)
Bernard Durkan
Question:29. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to be in a position to implement the recommendations of the Sláintecare report; the timeframe for same; if a specific audit is intended to identify deficiencies in the delivery of health services in general with particular reference to the identification of such issues thereby ensuring a more efficient and effective delivery of services in the future with consequential benefit for patients and staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/17]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to making tangible and sustainable improvements in our health services and the Sláintecare report now provides a framework and a direction of travel to do this. As part of its work, the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare undertook significant consultation and engagement with a broad range of stakeholders to enable it to consider all relevant issues, to understand the national and international evidence and to reflect the experience of those involved in, working in and using health services. We have a level of consensus and support for the vision and strategic direction outlined in the report that is unprecedented. I am determined to harness this and to work with colleagues across the political spectrum and with all stakeholders to move forward now on this very important agenda.
The Government has already given its approval to move ahead with the establishment of a Sláintecare programme office. This office will be tasked with implementing a programme of reform, as agreed by Government, arising from the Sláintecare Report.
In parallel, work is underway in my Department to develop a detailed response to the report for consideration by Government in December.
We all know that there will be significant challenges to overcome in what will need to be a deep and systemic change in our healthcare system. But we do not have a choice. And we need to begin this change process now. This is one of the key priorities for the Government, and the focus now must be on ensuring that the implementation phase is properly designed and that a clear implementation plan is developed as quickly as possible.
Infectious Diseases
Questions (30)
Eamon Scanlon
Question:30. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the supports in place for persons with Lyme disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40976/17]
View answerWritten answers
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has extensive information concerning Lyme disease on its website www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/.
Lyme borreliosis can be asymptomatic or have a range of clinical presentations. Current best advice is that diagnosis should be made only after careful examination of the patient's clinical history, physical findings, laboratory evidence and exposure risk evaluation. Exposure to ticks prior to disease manifestations is necessary for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Since an awareness or recollection of a tick-bite is not always present, however, this should not exclude the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Later stages require the use of antibody detection tests (or advanced DNA detection techniques). Testing for Lyme Disease is provided routinely by all major, regional hospitals in Ireland. In undertaking Lyme testing, it is essential that the results are interpreted in the light of the clinical condition of the patient. If the result of this initial screen is equivocal, the patient's samples are referred to the U.K.'s Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory Service of Public Health England in Porton Down facility which uses a two-tier system recommended by American and European authorities. This involves a screening serological test followed by a confirmatory serological test.
Lyme disease can be very successfully treated using common antibiotics. These antibiotics are effective at clearing the rash and helping to prevent the development of complications. Antibiotics are generally given for up to three weeks. If complications develop, then management of patients can be undertaken by Infectious Disease consultants in our regional hospitals when intravenous antibiotics may be considered as a method of treatment.
There is no controlled evidence that viable Borrelia burgdorferi persists in patients with prolonged, subjective symptoms following confirmed Lyme disease. Fatigue, pain and cognitive impairment are the primary complaints among patients who claim to be suffering long term effects. However, these symptoms are very common in the general population, and the evidence does not show that they occur any more commonly in patients with a history of Lyme disease. The diverse nature of these symptoms, which can have both physical and psychological causes, are shared by many conditions which has implications for both diagnostic and treatment services. Misinformation concerning the long term effects of Lyme disease is causing real harm to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions. People are advised to seek information and advice from their family doctor.
HSE Waiting Lists
Questions (31)
Brendan Smith
Question:31. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional resources will be provided to the HSE north east to reduce waiting lists for orthopaedic assessments and procedures in view of delays in counties Cavan and Monaghan accessing such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40900/17]
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, over 23,800 patients have come off the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List.
The NTPF has advised that to date 5,901 patients have been authorised for treatment in private hospitals under its Initiatives, 2,235 patients have accepted an offer of treatment in a private hospital and that 1,112 patients have received their procedure. The NTPF has also indicated that 2,841 patients have been authorised for treatment in public hospitals under the Plan’s insourcing initiatives, 910 offers of treatment have been accepted and 285 patients have been treated. Long-waiting orthopaedic patients are receiving treatment under the insourcing initiative.
Under the Outpatient Plan, since early February, more than 84,200 patients have come off the Outpatient Waiting List.
HSE Reviews
Questions (32)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Question:32. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the in-depth review of the variation in waiting lists for early intervention and prevention services for children. [40945/17]
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.
Emergency Departments Data
Questions (33, 185)
Lisa Chambers
Question:33. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have presented at Mayo University Hospital emergency department to date in 2017; if the numbers presenting are over the capacity of the emergency department; if so, the amount by which it is over capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40948/17]
View answerLisa Chambers
Question:185. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have presented at Mayo University Hospital emergency department from 1 January 2017 to 31 August 2017; if the numbers presenting are over the capacity of the emergency department; if so, the amount by which it is over capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41090/17]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 33 and 185 together.
Recently published HSE data shows that at the end of June 2017 there were 18,173 emergency presentations at Mayo University Hospital, a reduction of 2.3% when compared with the same period last year.
In line with this, recent HSE data shows a 41% reduction in trolley numbers at the Hospital in comparison with the same period in 2016.
In compliance with the Escalation Directive, all Hospitals with Emergency Departments have contingency plans in place, to be implemented as required in times of high demand.
HSE Staff Data
Questions (34)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Question:34. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of addiction councillors employed by the HSE drug treatment service in 2007; the number of addiction councillors employed by the HSE in the first half of 2017; the number of counsellors employed in the community and voluntary sectors in 2007; and number employed in 2017 by county. [41000/17]
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.