James Lawless
Question:625. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health when heart surgery will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35641/18]
View answerHospital Services
Questions (625)
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, since 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.
Medicinal Products Availability
Questions (626, 643, 733)
Seán Fleming
Question:626. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding his engagement with an organisation (details supplied) and the pharmaceutical industry to ensure new medicines are made available to persons with multiple sclerosis, MS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35643/18]
View answer
Niamh Smyth
Question:643. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if changes to the market access system will be reviewed for new drugs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35695/18]
View answer
Róisín Shortall
Question:733. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the actions he has taken to improve drug approval times for medicines associated with the treatment of multiple sclerosis; the further actions he will take to reduce the waiting times faced by persons to access new medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35934/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 626, 643 and 733 together.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE through the community drugs schemes, it must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
As outlined in the 2016 Framework Agreement with the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), whether to add the medicine to the reimbursement list, agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse it.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE, and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I am keen to engage with industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the context of finite Exchequer resources.
I have indicated a willingness to meet with MS Ireland and my office is in contact with the organisation to arrange a mutually convenient date.
General Medical Services Scheme
Questions (627)
Róisín Shortall
Question:627. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to address the issue of general practitioners charging medical card holders for blood tests which goes against their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35644/18]
View answerWritten answers
Under the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess.". There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition.
The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.
This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Governments, that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (628)
Pat Casey
Question:628. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a surgical procedure (details supplied); his plans to introduce same here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35649/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (629)
Jackie Cahill
Question:629. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35655/18]
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, since 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.
General Practitioner Contracts
Questions (630)
Niall Collins
Question:630. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason an organisation (details supplied) is not part of direct negotiations with his Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to a new general practitioner contract and the reversal of FEMPI whereas another organisation is; if the anomaly will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35661/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to engaging with the representatives of general practitioners on the development of a package of measures and reforms to modernise the 1989 GMS Contract.
Officials from my Department and the HSE met with the Irish Medical Organisation at the beginning of May to set out the State's position in relation to reform of the GMS contract.
Agreement on the delivery of service improvements and contractual reform has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multiannual basis.
I have acknowledged that the National Association of General Practitioners is anxious to be involved in discussions about reform of the GMS contract and have already indicated my willingness to consult with them on the many issues facing general practice.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (631)
Pearse Doherty
Question:631. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of patients at Letterkenny University Hospital who have been referred to other facilities to undergo dialysis in each of the years 2015 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the name of the facilities to which patients were referred in respect of these years; the reason these patients were unable to access dialysis treatment in the hospital in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35662/18]
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.
Disability Support Services Provision
Questions (632)
John McGuinness
Question:632. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the long-term care of a person (details supplied); and if the application by organisations will be expedited in view of the fact that the case is urgent. [35666/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Community First Responders Network
Questions (633)
James Lawless
Question:633. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the funding or support provided to community first responder groups; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35669/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Occupational Therapy
Questions (634)
Niamh Smyth
Question:634. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an occupational therapy appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35670/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
Community Care
Questions (635)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:635. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the way in which community organisations supporting persons with mental health issues can access funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35677/18]
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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Questions (636)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:636. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied) for HSE equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35678/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Accommodation Provision
Questions (637)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:637. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding hospital beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35680/18]
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.
Diabetes Strategy
Questions (638)
Mary Butler
Question:638. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with type 1 and type 2 diabetes who have completed a structured patient education programme at the end of June 2018 or the latest date available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35681/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (639)
Bríd Smith
Question:639. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have been contacted in relation to being on a HSE waiting list; and the number who have been removed from the waiting list for not returning correspondence. [35682/18]
View answerWritten answers
Good practice around the management of hospital waiting lists recommends periodic validation of waiting lists.
Validation is the process whereby hospital administration contacts patients on waiting lists at pre-planned intervals during the year to ensure that patients are ready, willing, suitable and available to attend a hospital appointment or wish to be removed.
Importantly, the validation process allows for situations where, if requested by the GP/referring clinician, patients can be reinstated back to their original place on the Waiting List.
In July of this year, I approved the establishment of a Central Waiting List Validation function in the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The establishment of the new centralised validation office will put in place protocols and practices which will ensure a standardisation of approach to the validation of all waiting lists across all hospitals.
The new office is expected to commence validation of patient files later this month.
In terms of the number of persons who have been contacted by the HSE in terms of validation activity, and the numbers removed waiting lists, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (640)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:640. 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. [35685/18]
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, since 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.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (641)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:641. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35690/18]
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, since 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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (642)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:642. 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. [35692/18]
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, since 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.
Question No. 643 answered with Question No. 626.
Disability Services Funding
Questions (644)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:644. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of long-term funding for a placement for a person (details supplied). [35698/18]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.