Written Answers Nos. 203-210
203. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the way in which the health services measure the number of children here affected by foetal alcohol spectrum disorder; the resources allocated to the health services to support these children and their families; and if the resources and supports are in line with best international practice. [20379/18]
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.
204. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) can be expedited. [20381/18]
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.
205. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there is a facility for adults to have an assessment for ADHD through the HSE. [20389/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20391/18]
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.
207. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health the number of echocardiograms carried out in the six months previous to a second echocardiogram scanner being introduced at University Hospital Kerry per week on average; the average per week for the six months following the introduction of the second echocardiogram scanner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20392/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
208. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatrists working at St. Vincent's, Fairview, Dublin 3; the number of patients seeing a psychiatrist; the extent of the waiting list to see a psychiatrist; and when assigned a psychiatrist, if the patient sees the same psychiatrist consistently. [20394/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
209. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure persons that suffer Ehlers-Danlos syndrome have adequate treatments here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20420/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
210. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of Translarna's reimbursement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20439/18]
View answerThe Health Service Executive 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.
The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
In July 2017, the HSE informed my Department that, following an intensive process, the HSE decided not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The HSE in deciding not to reimburse Translarna did not consider the evidence for its clinical benefit to be sufficiently strong, in the context of the proposed cost and budget impact.
The HSE informed the applicant company of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The applicant has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court, which is part of the statutory process under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.
A meeting took place on the 11 December 2017 with 2 representative from Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Dr O'Rourke and HSE and Departmental officials.
Following on from this meeting, the HSE advised the applicant that it is willing to complete a timely review of any new application. It would be open to the company to make revised proposals in relation to pricing or access in this context.
The HSE has notified the company that is ready and willing to review any new application irrespective of the ongoing court proceedings.
