Clare Daly
Question:305. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 785 of 17 April 2018, the number of the 44 approved neurologist posts that have been filled. [19036/18]
View answerHospital Consultant Recruitment
Questions (305, 306)
Clare Daly
Question:306. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 785 of 17 April 2018, the investment committed for the diagnosis and treatment of neurology related conditions; and the percentage increase or decrease on investment this represents when compared to 2017. [19037/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 305 and 306 together.
As the Deputy is aware, the Model of Care for Neurology was launched by the Director General of the HSE in late 2016. This was developed by the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Neurology in collaboration with consultants, nurses, health and social care professionals and patient support groups. It aims to address the need for strategic development of neurology services in the provision of better care for these patients.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Cross-Border Health Services Provision
Questions (307)
John Brassil
Question:307. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of a payment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19045/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under the terms of the relevant legislation, Statutory Instruments 203 of 2014 and 65 of 2015, the Health Service Executive operates the EU Directive on Patients’ Rights in Cross Border Healthcare in Ireland, including the reimbursement of patients.
Accordingly the HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Ministerial Meetings
Questions (308)
Niamh Smyth
Question:308. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason he is refusing to meet with the family of a person (details supplied); if a meeting will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19046/18]
View answerWritten answers
As Minister for Health I am always open to meeting individuals and organisations. My Private Office has received a request from the Deputy to meet with the family concerned and it is currently being considered.
Health Services Provision
Questions (309)
Niamh Smyth
Question:309. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if additional resources for persons with a condition (details supplied) will be provided; the reason they cannot access the cross-Border directive for procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19048/18]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Smoking Ban
Questions (310)
John Curran
Question:310. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the smoking ban; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19053/18]
View answerWritten answers
The current legislative framework on tobacco control is the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 to 2015. Section 47 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts prohibits smoking in most enclosed work places. This includes office blocks, public houses/bars, restaurants and company vehicles (cars and vans). The overall purpose of the ban is to limit people from the harms of second hand tobacco smoke. Section 47(7) provides exemptions from the general prohibition in respect of certain places / premises including prisons, nursing homes, non-acute long stay facilities and psychiatric hospitals.
The Protection of Children's Health (Tobacco Smoke in Mechanically Propelled Vehicles) Act 2014 prohibits the smoking of tobacco in cars where children are present.
The policy document Tobacco Free Ireland (2013) sets a target for Ireland to be tobacco free (i.e. with a prevalence rate of less than 5%) by 2025. Tobacco Free Ireland addresses a range of tobacco control issues and initiatives and contains over 60 recommendations. Some of those recommendations relate to extending the smoking ban on a legislative basis to the campuses of primary and secondary schools and child care facilities. Other recommendations relate to the promotion, on a voluntary basis and in conjunction with key stakeholders, of smoke free environments on the outdoor campuses of third level institutions, health care facilities, Government facilities, sports facilities, playgrounds, parks and beaches. Progress has been made in particular in relation to health care and Government facilities, playgrounds and third level institutions.
The Government recently agreed to support a Seanad Private Members' Motion seeking the Minister for Health to extend the smoking ban to outdoor commercial public places where food is consumed. It was agreed that the measure would be addressed on the completion of the current tobacco control legislative programme as set out in Tobacco Free Ireland and in line with our international legislative obligations. Minister Byrne set out this legislative programme and obligations in detail in the Seanad Debate on this issue on 25th April, 2018.
Home Care Packages Administration
Questions (311)
John Curran
Question:311. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the status of the establishment of his Department's new statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home support services; the way in which he expects the scheme to improve home support services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19054/18]
View answerWritten answers
As you are aware the Department of Health is currently engaged in a detailed process to develop plans for a new statutory scheme and system of regulation for home care services.
The statutory scheme for home care will introduce clear rules in relation to the services for which individuals are eligible and in relation to service-allocation. For that reason, developing a new statutory scheme will be an important step in ensuring that the system operates in a consistent and fair manner for all those who need home care services. It will also help to improve access to the home care services that people need in an affordable and sustainable way. The system of regulation for home care will help to ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard.
As an initial step in this process, the Department commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake a review of the home care systems in four other European countries. This review, which was published in April 2017, will help us to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions and will inform the debate and future consideration of approaches to formal home care financing and regulation here in Ireland. I, along with Minister Harris, also launched a public consultation process in July 2017 which closed in October 2017. The purpose of this consultation was to allow all those with views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families, and healthcare workers. There was a very high response rate to the consultation process with approximately 2,600 submissions received. I intend to publish a report of the findings of the consultation process at the end of May.
It is important to note that a significant amount of detailed work remains to be carried out before final decisions are taken on the form of home care scheme and the system of regulation for these services. This is required if reforms are to be successful, affordable and sustainable.
However, while the new home care scheme is under development, the Department of Health and Health Service Executive (HSE) are continuing efforts to incrementally improve the existing services. The HSE has begun streamlining services in 2018 by bringing together the funding for home help and standard home care packages, which now operate as a single home support service. This new approach will provide significant benefits including making the services easier to understand; streamlining the application and decision-making processes; and facilitating service users to move to changed levels of service as their assessed needs change, without the need for an additional application process.
2018 has also seen a significant increase in the provision of home support services. The HSE’s National Service Plan provides for a target of some 17.094m home support hours to be provided to 50,500 people. This represents an increase of 754,000 hours to 500 more people over last year. In addition 235 intensive home care packages will provide 360,000 home support hours for people with complex needs.
The HSE will also continue to encourage local integration of services and build appropriate care pathways, in particular for people with dementia and complex needs.
Emergency Departments Waiting Times
Questions (312)
John Curran
Question:312. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the time persons over 75 years of age are forced to wait in emergency departments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19055/18]
View answerWritten answers
Against a background of growing demand for unscheduled care and high acute hospital occupancy rates, Government provided €30 million in 2017 and a further €40 million in 2018 for measures to increase acute hospital capacity and alleviate overcrowding in Emergency Departments. Almost 50% of this funding was used to deliver home support packages and transitional care beds to reduce the incidence of delayed discharges. Furthermore, over 200 beds have been opened this winter and more beds are due to come on stream later in the year.
Notwithstanding the increased level of resources provided, this winter has been particularly difficult for our health services with ED attendances up 3.7% and admissions up 3.3% during the first quarter of the year, as compared to the same period in 2017.
The situation was further exacerbated by Storm Emma and the severe weather that followed. In response to this, I approved a further €5m in emergency funding to provide additional home support packages and transitional care beds to assist the safe discharge of patients who required support to return home following the adverse weather.
In the light of the conclusions of the Health Service Capacity Review that the system will need nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds by 2031, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019.
As outlined in the Capacity Review, the demographic pressures being experienced by the health service are such as to demand not just additional capacity but continued emphasis on health and well-being initiatives, an improved model of care with a stronger role for enhanced community based services and continued improvement in productivity including in acute hospitals. The Government has approved a record level of capital investment in health at €10.9 billion over the next 10 years. This will provide for a major enhancement of the capacity of our health services to meet demand. Importantly, the accelerated introduction of additional capacity for 2018/2019 will be matched by forthcoming reforms including the publication of a detailed Sláintecare Implementation Plan and the overhaul of the current GP contract.
Finally, a review of the Winter Initiative 2017/2018 is being undertaken, which will inform a 3 year plan for unscheduled care, as well as supporting the provision of additional capacity in Winter 2018/19.
With specific regard to the Deputy's question on persons over 75 years of age, there are three main programmes focused on prioritising and improving the experience of patients over 75 in the emergency healthcare system.
The Integrated Care Programme for Older People (ICPOP) and the National Clinical Programme for Older People (NCPOP) are developing integrated primary and secondary care services for older people. This involves establishing integrated multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) in both acute hospitals and CHOs to address the specific needs of older people (especially those who are frail or at risk of frailty); case management within MDTs linked to other services that coordinates and plans care needs across a continuum; and bespoke care pathways with appropriate expertise in older persons’ care.
The Frailty at the Front Door (FFD) programme, which is the assertive case management of frail older patients deployed in acute hospitals (i.e. ED and MAUs) consists of timely identification and screening of older attendees to acute hospitals; comprehensive and early multidisciplinary team assessment; and assertive discharge with a coordinated response to the needs of frail older patients.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Questions (313)
John Curran
Question:313. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who received treatment under the National Treatment Purchase Fund in 2017 and to date in 2018, by category of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19056/18]
View answerWritten answers
The information sought by the Deputy has been requested from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). Due to the level of detail required this information is currently being collated.
A response will issue directly to the Deputy as soon as the information is made available from the NTPF.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Questions (314)
John Curran
Question:314. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 396 of 24 April 2018, if it is anticipated that the rate of treatment received by patients through the National Treatment Purchase Fund will continue for the remainder of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19057/18]
View answerWritten answers
Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and in 2018 €50 million was allocated to the NTPF to provide treatment for patients. The recently launched Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment.
Taking account of both NTPF and HSE activity in 2018 and depending on, inter alia, the level of patient demand, the Action Plan 2018 projects that:
- the number of patients waiting longer than 9 months will fall from 22,500 at end 2017 to 12,500 at the end of 2018;
- for high volume procedures, all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 9 months will be offered treatment in 2018; and
- the number of patients waiting for GI scopes will fall from 17,600 at the end of 2017 to 16,150 at the end of 2018.
In all cases, the appropriate care pathway of an individual patient remains a decision for their treating clinician. Progress against these targets will be reported on by the NTPF and HSE throughout the year.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Questions (315)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:315. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the National Cancer Control Programme or NCCP has drawn up a plan to develop an integrated cancer control and surveillance service for defined population subgroups with an inherited familial predisposition to cancer. [19066/18]
View answerWritten answers
The deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have referred his question to the HSE for direct reply.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Questions (316)
Stephen Donnelly
Question:316. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if an investigation has taken place into the reasons for the variation in CervicalCheck screening uptake rates in different counties. [19070/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and, accordingly, I have referred his question to the HSE for direct reply.
Tobacco Control Measures
Questions (317)
Pearse Doherty
Question:317. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the details of the legislative controls and restrictions in place to regulate the sale, supply and use of hookah instruments for the smoking and vaping of tobacco; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/18]
View answerWritten answers
A hookah is a water pipe used to smoke tobacco through cooled water.
The current legislative framework on tobacco control is the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts 2002 to 2015. Section 47 of the Public Health (Tobacco) Acts prohibits smoking in most enclosed work spaces. This includes office blocks, public house/bars, restaurants and company vehicles (cars and vans). The overall purpose of the ban is to limit people from the harms of second hand tobacco smoke. The use of the hookah instrument for the consumption of tobacco is prohibited in these areas.
The Public Health (Tobacco) Acts do not regulate the sale or supply of the hookah instrument.
Home Help Service Provision
Questions (318)
James Lawless
Question:318. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if funding for home help hours will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19085/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (319)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:319. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19115/18]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
On 11 July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State. It was then open to the holder of that authorisation to make the product available for prescribing in Ireland.
In September 2014, the HSE received an application for the reimbursement of Sativex.
A Health Technology Assessment on Sativex was completed by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), which did not recommend reimbursement of Sativex at the submitted price.
The HSE issued the manufacturer with notice of its intention not to reimburse.
In February 2018 the HSE received a new reimbursement application from the manufacturer. A rapid review by the NCPE was completed on the 3 April 2018 and a full pharmacoeconomic assessment is recommended to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost effectiveness of Sativex compared with the current standard of care.