Written Answers Nos 391-403
391. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for completing each of the proposed national programme for radiation oncology developments at Cork, Galway and Dublin; the timeframe for each to open; the estimate for the completion of each including all systems requirements; and the funding in 2018 for each project. [9308/18]
View answerThe recently published Project Ireland 2040 and the National Development Plan 2018-2027 provides capital funding for the National Cancer Strategy including the National Programme for Radiation Oncology.
The National Programme for Radiation Oncology consists of delivering replacement and additional facilities and equipment for the delivery of radiation oncology services at public hospitals in Dublin, Cork and Galway to meet existing and future demand.
Phase 1 has already delivered additional and replacement linear accelerators at public hospital sites in Dublin. Construction is underway in Cork to provide replacement and additional radiation oncology facilities which will be commissioned in 2020.
The development of replacement and additional facilities at Galway is in planning and phase 2 of the programme will also see the delivery of further additional cancer radiation capacity in Dublin.
Resources provided under the NDP will allow the development of these facilities to address the increase in demand for radiation oncology forecast in the National Cancer Strategy.
Health capital funding was outlined in the Public Service Estimates for 2018. The Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2018-2021 is currently the subject of discussion with my Department.
392. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the completion of the national forensic mental health service hospital at Portrane, County Dublin; the timeframe for its opening; the estimate for its completion including all systems requirements; and the funding in 2018 for the project. [9309/18]
View answerThe recently published National Development Plan continues to provide capital funding for replacing the Central Mental Hospital with an appropriate modern facility at Portrane County Dublin. The project is currently in construction and will be completed in 2020. The development of a new 120 bed national forensic mental health hospital and other mental health facilities is central to modernising mental health services nationally, in line with the Vision for Change policy.
Health capital funding was outlined in the Public Service Estimates for 2018. The Health Service Executive's Capital Plan for 2018-2021 is currently the subject of discussion with my Department.
393. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the status of the replacement and refurbishment of 90 community nursing units across the country in tabular form; the funding being allocated to each project in 2018; and the expected completion date for each. [9310/18]
View answerAs the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to this matter.
394. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment from Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9314/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
395. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when funding will be made available to enable a facility (details supplied) to reopen; if his attention has been drawn to the effect the closure of the facility is having on persons that avail of it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9318/18]
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.
396. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of children approved and waiting for treatment on the orthodontic waiting list from counties Kerry and Cork; the details for same in each of the years 2014 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9335/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
397. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will be using the FEMPI legislation to find a solution in future negotiations with regard to pharmacists; his views on whether this legislation should be used in view of the fact the financial emergency is over; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9343/18]
View answerI acknowledge the contribution made by pharmacists and other health professionals who provide services under contract on behalf of the HSE, through reductions in fees for their services, in addressing the unprecedented economic crisis which the State faced over recent years.
The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 has put the setting and varying of payments for contractors on a non-emergency statutory basis, which will enable the determination of payments to contractors based on a range of considerations, including affordability and value for money.
In this context, I intend to consult with contractor representative bodies on putting in place a new multi-annual approach to fees, in return for service improvement and contractual reform and in line with Government priorities for the health service. This approach is also intended to deliver a phased exit pathway from FEMPI for contractors and this will form part of the proposed consultation.
My Department has commenced work to determine the preferred approach to engagement with contractor representative bodies in this matter.
398. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied). [9355/18]
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 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 the Deputy directly.
399. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE bus service has ceased collecting persons from St. Joseph's Hospital, Trim, County Meath, to attend Dublin hospitals; and when this service will resume. [9356/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
400. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if information is available for social workers who attend Garda stations to assist vulnerable persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9361/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
401. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the provision of an endoscopy suite at Naas hospital following the commitment in the National Development Plan 2018-2027; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9391/18]
View answerThe Government recently published the National Development Plan which outlines the capital investment programme for the next ten years, 2018 to 2027. The National Development Plan provides €10.9 billion to invest in infrastructure, equipment and additional service capacity for the public health sector. This represents an increase of 165% in capital funding over the previous decade.
It is important to recognise that this is a long-term plan which provides for a large number of Health developments across the country, including both national programmes and individual projects, across acute, primary and social care.
Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue.
As the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to the current position on the development at Naas General Hospital raised in the Deputy's question.
402. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the process for the elective hospital in Cork city and other areas following the announcement of the NDP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9402/18]
View answerThe National Development Plan provides €10.9 billion to invest in infrastructure, equipment and additional service capacity for the public health sector. This represents an increase of 165% in capital funding over the previous decade.
It is important to recognise that this is a long-term plan which provides for a large number of Health developments across the country, including both national programmes and individual projects, across acute, primary and social care.
We must ensure that we carefully plan the use of this capital funding so as to meet the population needs and achieve value for money. Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue.
As is to be expected with a ten year plan, many proposals, including an elective-only hospital in Cork, are at an early stage and will require to progress through appraisal, planning, design and tender before a firm location, timeline or funding required can be established.
403. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if each capital application to the HSE from projects in County Wexford will be provided; the type and extent of each application; the status of each; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9410/18]
View answerAs the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to this matter.
