John McGuinness
Question:206. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early appointment will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied). [6557/18]
View answerHospital Appointments Administration
Questions (206)
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 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (207)
John McGuinness
Question:207. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will provide an electric profile bed for a person (details supplied) in view of their age and health. [6560/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Questions (208)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regrading the blocking of a Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6566/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill 2016 is a Private Members Bill, not a Government Bill.
Consideration of the granting of a money message requires that the Government has agreed that public monies should be provided for the purposes of the Bill. During the debate on this Bill on 9 November I once again outlined my significant concerns about this Bill, including provisions which would, in my view, undermine the existing regulatory systems for health products.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Questions (209)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:209. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) must wait to have their hospital appointment for cataracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6567/18]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (210)
Niamh Smyth
Question:210. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); if this appointment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6568/18]
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.
Ministerial Correspondence
Questions (211)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:211. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a reply will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6570/18]
View answerWritten answers
At a special Cabinet meeting on 29 January, the Government approved the holding of a referendum on Article 40.3.3 in early summer 2018 subject to the timely passage of a Constitutional Amendment Bill on the matter by the Houses of the Oireachtas.
I will now prepare a Referendum Bill to amend the Constitution. The Bill will propose that 40.3.3 of the Constitution is deleted in its entirety and include an additional clause into the Constitution confirming that the Oireachtas may regulate for the termination of pregnancy. The jurisdiction of the courts will not be ousted by this text, and it will not restrict rights of access to the courts. Legislation enacted post-amendment would remain subject to review by the courts like any other legislation.
On foetal abnormality, the Committee recommended that where the unborn child is diagnosed with a foetal abnormality that is likely to result in death before or shortly after birth, it should be lawful to terminate a pregnancy, without gestational limit . Where there is a diagnosis of a foetal abnormality that is not likely to result in death before or shortly after birth, the Committee recommended that the law should not provide for the termination of pregnancy.
Medical Aids and Appliances Expenditure
Questions (212)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:212. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the electricity subsidy available in some CHO areas will be extended nationally to persons with COPD living at home that use oxygen for more than 16 hours per day (details supplied). [6571/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Questions (213)
Lisa Chambers
Question:213. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for removal of tonsils at university hospital Galway; the average wait time for the procedure; the status of an appointment for same for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6575/18]
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 matters raised in respect of (i) the particular individual patient query and (ii) waiting lists and average wait times, as these are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Administration
Questions (214)
Anne Rabbitte
Question:214. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) that is deemed a priority case will be seen by an orthopaedic consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6581/18]
View answerWritten answers
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 follows 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 response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly
Question No. 215 answered with Question No. 91.
Medical Card Applications
Questions (216)
Bernard Durkan
Question:216. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a medical card will issue in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6601/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
HSE Expenditure
Questions (217)
Bernard Durkan
Question:217. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when the attention of the HSE was drawn to the fact that the budget for 2018 was short of that required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6611/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 2018 National Service Plan sets out a budget of over €14.5 billion for the HSE. This represents an overall increase of over €600 million on 2017, which is a substantial level of additional funding. For its overall budget for 2018 the HSE is expected to, and has signed up to provide, a level of service greater than, or equal to, that which was provided in 2017.
Health services to the public will not be reduced in 2018. The additional funding provided in Budget 2018 for new developments will support new or expanded levels of services across all the major service areas. Overall, and as set out clearly by the HSE in the finalised NSP, delivery of the level of services and activities set out in the plan within budget will require the delivery of a Value Improvement Programme (VIP) totalling €346m.
HSE Expenditure
Questions (218)
Bernard Durkan
Question:218. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which budgetary forward planning is co-ordinated by the HSE before submission at the time of Estimates consideration; if such planning is soundly based in view of alleged shortfalls already in 2018; if those that have pointed out the shortfalls had an input into budgetary estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6612/18]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE Budget planning process involves a co-ordinated practice of detailed engagement across the Community Healthcare Organisations, Hospital Groups and Service areas in the HSE, ensuring local services have access to expert financial advice and decision support in relation to the delivery of safe Health and Social Care services, within the funding available.
The amount allocated follows an extensive process of consideration which reflects both the funding requirements as submitted by the HSE and the fiscal position. This process concludes with the Government making a decision as to the funding it will provide to the HSE.
Under Legislation, the HSE is required to submit a National Service Plan to the Minister for Health for approval. As part of this process, there is extensive engagement between both the Department of Health and the HSE on the drafting of the Service Plan. For its overall budget for 2018 the HSE is expected to, and has signed up to provide, a level of service greater than, or equal to, that which was provided in 2017.
Infrastructure and Capital Investment Programme
Questions (219)
Bernard Durkan
Question:219. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects to be in a position to proceed with his Department’s capital programme in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6613/18]
View answerWritten answers
Health capital funding was outlined in the recently published Public Service Estimates for 2018 and the HSE is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2018-2021.
The Government is preparing a new National Development Plan for the period 2018-2027, which is expected to be published alongside and in support of the forthcoming new National Planning Framework, to sustain national economic and social progress over the long term.
Medical Card Data
Questions (220, 223)
Bernard Durkan
Question:220. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of full medical card holders in each of the years 2011 to 2017, and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6614/18]
View answerBernard Durkan
Question:223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for medical cards received in each of the past 12 months in respect of renewals of existing cards or for full new medical cards; the numbers approved or refused, respectively, in both categories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6617/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 220 and 223 together.
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information was issued to Oireachtas members.
Question No. 221 answered with Question No. 66.
Health Services Expenditure
Questions (222)
Bernard Durkan
Question:222. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the areas in respect of which health expenditure, when compared with other OECD countries, is deemed insufficient here; if other countries have utilised a different model or found a more effective and efficient way in which to deal with the issue of delivering health facilities; if obvious discrepancies have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6616/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will appreciate, making comparisons between health systems can be very difficult, as no two systems are alike. However, it is clear to us all that we will need to make significant and sustainable investments and reforms across the health service if we are to meet the impending challenges of a growing and aging population. This was the key finding of the recently published Capacity Review. I have confirmed my commitment to investment in new capacity in the years ahead, but this must be matched by a comprehensive reform programme for our health services.
The Sláintecare report provides the direction of travel for this. There is now a level of consensus and support for the vision and strategic direction outlined in the report that is unprecedented. It is my intention to harness this and to work with colleagues across the political spectrum and with all stakeholders to move forward on a programme of health reform that will benefit all of our citizens. We want a health service that provides better and timelier access to health service, has better patient outcomes and also one that deliver value for money. To do this, there is a need for a fundamental change in how and where we deliver services. In line with the Slaintecare report's recommendations, this will centre around the development of more comprehensive and accessible community-based care services.
My Department is preparing an implementation plan in response to the Slaintecare report, which I hope to bring to Government shortly. In addition, the Government has already given its approval to move ahead with the establishment of a Sláintecare Programme Office in the Department of Health. Recruitment of the Executive Director is underway and I expect the process to complete in April .
Question No. 223 answered with Question No. 220.
Hospital Waiting Lists Action Plans
Questions (224)
Bernard Durkan
Question:224. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which waiting lists have been addressed in respect of various procedures, including hip and or heart operations and other surgical procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6618/18]
View answerWritten answers
Reducing waiting times for patients is one of the Government's key priorities.
Throughout 2017, the HSE and NTPF worked together to drive down long wait times for Inpatient and Daycase procedures. Over 29,000 patients came off the Inpatient/Daycase waiting list by the end of October .
At present 57% of patients on the Inpatient / Daycase Waiting List wait less than 6 months, and 84% wait less than 12 months for their procedure. This is despite the additional demands on our Acute Hospitals, which, since 2000 are carrying out four times more procedures for patients ages 65 and over and twice as many in the under 65 age group.
October's Budget announced a total 2018 allocation of €55m for the NTPF for 2018. This significant increase in funding more than doubles the 2017 total allocation of €20m. The NTPF and HSE are in the process of finalising Waiting List Action Plans and Initiatives for 2018. This will include ambitious targets for both the HSE and NTPF to reduce the overall number of patients waiting for treatment including those patients awaiting Orthopaedic and Ophthalmology procedures.
I hope to publish the 2018 Inpatient Day Case Waiting List Action Plan at the end of February.
National Children's Hospital Status
Questions (225)
Bernard Durkan
Question:225. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress in respect of the construction of the new children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6619/18]
View answerWritten answers
The new children’s hospital is the most significant capital investment in healthcare in the history of the State and the project is an extraordinary opportunity to enhance paediatric services for children. The new children’s hospital facilities at the St James’s campus along with the Out Patient Departments (OPD) and urgent care centres (UCC) at Connolly and at Tallaght will be a research-intensive academic healthcare institution. The establishment of the new children’s hospital also provides a unique opportunity to introduce a new model of care for all paediatric services to help tackle current and future challenges in child health and to deliver on the huge advances that are possible in children’s healthcare.
In August 2016 , a decant programme commenced on the 12 acre site of the new children’s hospital as part of the enabling works contract. May 2017 marked the commencement of the main construction works. Main construction works are progressing well, the site at St James's Hospital is now fully cleared and main construction works such as basement excavation, piling, diverting the Drimnagh sewer and building a utility tunnel for the campus are continuing. Also being developed are the two new Paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Centres at Connolly Hospital and at Tallaght Hospital. The official sod-turning ceremony for the centre at Connolly Hospital took place last October. The Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre at Connolly will open in 2019 followed by the second one at Tallaght in 2020 in advance of the opening of the main hospital in 2022.
Health Services Reform
Questions (226)
Bernard Durkan
Question:226. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a restructuring of the HSE will take place with a view to greater accountability and influence at regional level, including representational status for professionals and public representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6620/18]
View answerWritten answers
I welcome the recommendations made by the Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Healthcare in relation to reform of our health structures. I have already made clear my views on the need for much stronger governance and accountability arrangements, a better geographical alignment between hospital groups and community healthcare organisations, and a better balance between central strategy and standard setting on the one hand and allowing local flexibility, responsiveness and decision making on the other.
This will require an evolution of our health structures, to create a strong, lean national centre with responsibility for national planning, strategy and standard setting, complemented in time by new regional integrated care organisations that will operate with appropriate autonomy within defined geographic areas and with clear reporting structures.
I have already announced a number of measures that will advance this. A memorandum will be brought to Government in the coming weeks with the General Scheme for a Bill to introduce a Governing Board for the HSE, and a process for considering the future alignment of hospital groups and community health organisations will be initiated shortly, informed by a public consultation process.
I am aware of the challenges and disruption that changing structures can pose and I am conscious that the creation of regional organisations must be carefully planned and managed. The consultation on alignment will be an important first step in this process. The Slaintecare implementation plan, which I hope to bring to Government shortly, will provide further detail on these important recommendations.
HSE Expenditure
Questions (227)
Bernard Durkan
Question:227. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he continues to monitor development at a nursing home (details supplied) with a view to ensuring the retention of existing bed spaces in view of the national shortage in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6621/18]
View answerWritten answers
The long term beds provided by public nursing homes are an essential part of our infrastructure, and without them many older people would not have access to the care that they need. The standard of care delivered to residents in these units is generally very high, but we recognise that many of our public units are housed in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. For this reason the Capital Programme announced in January 2016 provides for the replacement and refurbishment of up to 90 public nursing homes across the country over the five year period from 2016 to 2021.
St. Brigid's Nursing Home Crooksling comprises of fifty long stay beds and five respite beds. It has faced a number of challenges in recent years; the physical environment is unsuitable as a long-stay residence and works undertaken by the HSE at the home have only been able to prolong its use on a short term basis. Under the five year programme, the Government is committed to delivering a new 100 bed Community Nursing Unit at Tymon North to replace St Brigid’s. Construction of the new unit is due to be completed in early 2019.