Written Answers Nos. 263-278
263. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will designate postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome as a long-term illness; if hospital charges arising from an admission to an emergency department by a person with this syndrome are covered by this scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47641/17]
View answerThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
In relation to hospital charges these are not covered under the LTI scheme.
264. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for persons to receive counselling in the various primary care centres in County Meath. [47642/17]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
265. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in the care of the orthopaedics department at Castlebar hospital, County Mayo, who were subject to a wash-out procedure due to complications after knee replacement or hip replacement operations between 1 October 2016 and 1 October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47644/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I would ask the HSE to contact you with regard to this matter.
266. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of discretionary medical cards provided to all children with a severe disability in 2015, 2016 and to date in 2017; if all children with a severe disability are now in receipt of a medical card irrespective of their parents' income; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47645/17]
View answerThe Domiciliary Care Allowance (DCA) is a non-means tested monthly payment made by the Minister for Social Protection under the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 (as amended) in respect of a child under 16 years who requires ongoing care and attention substantially over and above the care and attention usually required by a child of the same age. The Health (Amendment) Act 2017 allowed for the provision of automatic eligibility for a medical card for children in receipt of DCA.
The DCA medical cards have been certified for use since June 1 2017. Providing automatic eligibility for a medical card for children in receipt of DCA will alleviate the stress and anxiety of parents in terms of medical costs associated with their child’s disability. Parents will now not be required to undergo the process of providing family financial information, expert or medical reports and additional supporting information when applying for a medical card. Children who are not in receipt of DCA continue to be assessed for a medical card using the standard medical card assessment procedures.
As the operation of the medical card scheme comes under the remit of the HSE, I have asked it to respond directly to the Deputy on this issue.
267. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been awarded to public hospitals under the NTPF insourcing scheme to date in 2017; and the treatments delivered by hospital, number, types of procedures performed and prices paid for each procedure type, in tabular form. [47655/17]
View answerI 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. Budget 2018 allocated additional funding in the region of €10m for the remainder of 2017 to fund patient treatment across a range of key specialties and procedures.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, during 2017 the HSE has been implementing its 2017 Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List Action Plan. Coupled with this, the NTPF has been delivering on Waiting List Initiative involving outsourcing of treatment to private hospitals as well as insourcing of treatment to public hospitals with capacity.
The NTPF has advised that to date that 3,716 patients have been authorised for treatment in public hospitals under the Plan’s insourcing initiatives, 1,415 offers of treatment have been accepted and 776 patients have been treated.
The NTPF has further advised that, as of 10 November, the amount spent on patient treatment in public hospitals is €861,321. The public hospitals currently offering treatment to patients through NTPF funding are as follows: Portlaoise Hospital, Roscommon University Hospital, St. James Hospital, Limerick University Hospital, Cappagh Orthopaedic Hospital, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Galway University Hospital, Cork University Hospital, Limerick University Hospital, Temple Street Hospital and Navan Hospital.
The NTPF have also advised that the number of procedures undertaken in public hospitals through NTPF funding in 2017 are as follows:
|
Procedure |
Patients Treated to Date |
|
Dental Procedures |
29 |
|
Cystoscopies |
240 |
|
Lesions |
38 |
|
Angiograms |
36 |
|
Cataracts |
396 |
|
Carpal Tunnel Release |
1 |
|
Hip Replacement |
4 |
|
Knee Replacement |
7 |
|
Knee Arthroscopy |
11 |
|
Inguinal Hernia |
2 |
|
Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy |
2 |
|
Veins |
4 |
|
Gynaecology |
6 |
|
Total (as of 10 November) |
776 |
268. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the criteria applied when assessing if treatment in public hospitals is eligible to be funded as insourcing by the NTPF; the way in which it is ensured that the hospitals that are in receipt of HSE funding are not being funded twice for doing the same work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47656/17]
View answer269. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the process by which public hospitals have been invited to apply for funding under the NTPF insourcing initiative; if a system of competitive tendering is used; the way in which value for money is ensured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47657/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 268 and 269 together.
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. Budget 2018 allocated additional funding in the region of €10m for the remainder of 2017 to fund patient treatment across a range of key specialties and procedures.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, during 2017 the HSE has been implementing its 2017 Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List Action Plan. Coupled with this, the NTPF has been delivering on Waiting List Initiatives involving outsourcing of treatment to private hospitals as well as insourcing of treatment to public hospitals with capacity.
A robust monitoring framework for the implementation of this Plan has been established. One of the aims of this reporting mechanism is to ensure that the NTPF principles and criteria for insourcing are adhered to, and, in particular, that any work funded through insourcing is additional to work funded through the National Service Plan and that the amount charged for procedures only reflects the additional costs incurred in providing the treatment.
A number of specific measures have been put in place to ensure that additional activity is being delivered under the Plan and that the NTPF criteria and principles are adhered to. These include the implementation of Service Level Agreements between the NTPF and individual public hospitals to support the treatment and management of patients. The HSE and the NTPF monitor and oversee these Service Level Agreements to take necessary steps if the SLAs are not being adhered to.
The HSE have also been monitoring closely Inpatient and Daycase normal elective work volumes by Hospital and focus on the reduction of longest waiters and ensure activity volumes remain in line with those agreed through the National Service Plan and the HSE inpatient/daycase Waiting List Action Plan.
270. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Kildare is not receiving home help hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47660/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
271. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 510 and 511 of 30 May 2017, his plans to address the geographical gap in heart failure services in the South-Southwest Hospital Group area; if a business case has been made for the €750,000 investment that is needed to establish heart failure services in Cork University Hospital and Kerry general hospital; the consideration being given to providing for this as a priority for the HSE service plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47665/17]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
272. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the HSE's policy in relation to sodium valproate being taken by a woman through pregnancy; the research that has been carried out here on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47667/17]
View answerSodium valproate is a medicine licensed for use in Ireland to treat epilepsy and bipolar disorder.
In March of this year, the Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) initiated a new review of the use of valproate-containing medicines in the treatment of women and girls who are pregnant or of childbearing age. This review is examining the available evidence and consulting with relevant stakeholder groups.
It is anticipated that the PRAC’s review of valproate will be concluded before the end of this year. As soon as the review is concluded, the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), which is the competent authority for the regulation of medicines in Ireland, will communicate the outcome and recommendations of the review to Irish patients, healthcare professionals and relevant stakeholders, including the HSE.
The HSE's Medicines Management Programme (MMP) is already actively involved in this area. Following a previous EMA review of valproate in 2014, the MMP convened a working group with representation from the National Clinical Programmes for Epilepsy and Mental Health to review available resources for the safe use of valproate in females. The MMP also consulted with the HPRA, the drug’s manufacturer, and with relevant patient groups.
In October 2016, the MMP launched its Valproate Toolkit, an online resource consisting of a patient information booklet, summary guide for prescribers and a patient/prescriber checklist. This information highlights that sodium valproate should not be prescribed to girls or women of childbearing age or pregnant women unless other treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. The MMP is in contact with the HPRA regarding the EMA's current review of valproate, and any further safety recommendations will receive appropriate consideration.
A research paper published in 2016 indicated that the use of sodium valproate in pregnancy declined between 2008 and 2013 in Ireland, based on the number of female patients aged 16-44 years who were dispensed the drug under the community drug schemes. A follow-on analysis of HSE pharmacy claims data from January 2014 to August 2016 indicates a decline (from approximately 2000 patients to fewer than 1700 patients) in the number of women aged 16-44 years who were dispensed sodium valproate medicines under community drug schemes in that period. The HSE continues to monitor the use of sodium valproate in women of childbearing age via its Medicines Management Programme.
The HSE Clinical Strategy and Programmes Division has developed the National Clinical Programme for Epilepsy, to provide the best value, safe care for all people with epilepsy in the right place, at the right time, sharing the best information available. The model of care under the national clinical programme includes the development of a very detailed protocol for the effective management of women with epilepsy. This protocol has been developed with input from the neurology, obstetric and paediatric specialties, but is intended for all healthcare professionals. It will cover the pathways of care and clinical issues associated with all aspects of pregnancy, contraception and menopause in epilepsy, as well as the responsibilities for clinical staff in relation to detailed management. It will include detailed support for the obstetrics service in the management of seizures and guidance for ante-natal care, including prescribing protocols and specific information covering the known extra risks of epilepsy associated with pregnancy to both the mother and foetus.
This practice guide for the management of women with epilepsy is for consideration and approval by the HSE before the end of 2017.
273. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if an orthopaedic appointment for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Waterford will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47668/17]
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.
274. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the steps the HSE is taking to ensure that a person (details supplied) in County Cork who has been diagnosed with ASD will receive the speech and language therapy and occupational therapy recommended for them as part of their assessment [47669/17]
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.
275. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be admitted to the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47670/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
276. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the cross-border directive and the treatment abroad scheme; the areas under which they are accounted for in the health budget; the cost of the schemes in each of the years from 2011 to 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47693/17]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have referred this query to the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.
277. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the current practice of awarding medical cards from the date of decision rather than the date of receipt of the application is causing financial hardship to persons who have incurred medical expenses during the period of assessment and others who have been unable to avail of the examination fees waiver due to the fact they did not hold a medical card on the specified date, as required by the State Examinations Commission, but were awarded the full medical card subsequently; if he will request the HSE to review the guidelines in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47694/17]
View answerMedical card cover starts from the date the medical card is issued. It should be noted that new applications received for medical cards and GP visit card eligibility where the application does not require additional material or information to enable a comprehensive eligibility assessment are processed within 15 working days.
There are no plans at present to change this policy.
278. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if a reply will be issued to a matter raised in correspondence (details suppled) regarding continuing deficits in the delivery of health services to children and adults who suffer from spina bifida and hydrocephalus; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47699/17]
View answer287. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to deliver health services to children and adults suffering from spina bifida and hydrocephalus (details supplied). [47739/17]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 278 and 287 together.
In relation to the issues raised, as they are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
