Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:825. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if the repeated cancellation of surgery for a person (details supplied) will be investigated; and if the surgery will be rescheduled. [36243/18]
View answerHospital Appointments Delays
Questions (825)
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.
Illicit Trade in Tobacco
Questions (826)
Declan Breathnach
Question:826. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the reason no statistics on non-Irish duty-paid and illicit tobacco products were included in the Tobacco Free Ireland report released in July 2018; if his attention has been drawn to the reason this information was omitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36250/18]
View answerWritten answers
The illicit trade of tobacco in Ireland is a matter for the Office of the Revenue Commissioners and as such the information referred to by the Deputy is not contained in the annual reports of Tobacco Free Ireland.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (827)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:827. 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. [36251/18]
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 (828)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:828. 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. [36262/18]
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 (829)
Eugene Murphy
Question:829. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list for pain management at University Hospital Galway and also on a waiting list for a procedure at the hospital will be prioritised in view of the unique circumstances of their diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36267/18]
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 (830)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:830. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36272/18]
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 (831)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:831. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied). [36287/18]
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. 832 answered with Question No. 676.
Mental Health Services Staff
Questions (833)
James Browne
Question:833. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of approved child psychiatrist posts; the number recommended under A Vision for Change; the number vacant; the location of such vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36291/18]
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.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Questions (834)
James Browne
Question:834. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children in County Wexford awaiting orthodontic treatment; the number of those waiting more than 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36292/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medical Card Eligibility
Questions (835)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:835. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue regarding a medical card application by a person (details supplied). [36294/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Cross-Border Health Services Provision
Questions (836, 837, 838)
James Browne
Question:836. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of the cross-border directive specifically in respect to the United Kingdom in the event of a no-deal Brexit; if he is making provisions for such a scenario; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36303/18]
View answerJames Browne
Question:837. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of appointments to be scheduled under the cross-border directive for March 2019 and beyond; if those appointments will be honoured; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36304/18]
View answerJames Browne
Question:838. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans to halt the cross-border directive in view of the uncertainty surrounding the situation post-Brexit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36305/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 836 to 838, inclusive, together.
There is no question that Brexit poses very significant and serious challenges to Ireland’s economy and trade, as well as across a range of other sectors, including healthcare. Detailed work is underway in the Department of Health, to prepare for the UK’s exit. This includes contingency planning for all possible scenarios.
The Irish and UK Governments are committed to maintaining the reciprocal rights of access to healthcare for both Irish and UK citizens to publicly funded health services. Technical discussions, involving the Department's of Health from Ireland, Northern Ireland and the UK on how to maintain these arrangements post-Brexit are currently ongoing includes work on the Cross Border Directive.
It is important to emphasise that at present there are no changes to patient care, as the UK continues to be a full member of the EU. Indeed until the UK formally withdraws from the European Union, it remains a full Member with all of its existing rights and obligations.
Autism Support Services
Questions (839)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:839. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when the 2017 review of the HSE National Review of Autism Services, Past, Present and Way Forward 2012 (details supplied) will be published. [36306/18]
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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Eligibility
Questions (840)
Peter Burke
Question:840. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if the addition of asthma to the list of conditions covered by the long-term illness scheme has been considered in view of the significant medical costs incurred by the families of those who have the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36308/18]
View answerWritten answers
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (841)
Mary Lou McDonald
Question:841. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Dublin 7 will secure an appointment for knee surgery at Cappagh Hospital. [36315/18]
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 Charges
Questions (842)
Tom Neville
Question:842. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health if a matter (details supplied) regarding charges for a procedure will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36323/18]
View answerWritten answers
It is not possible to comment on individual procedures without knowing the circumstances and clinical decisions involved. And as Minister for Health, I have no role in the commercial decisions of any health insurer.
The charges that apply for a private patient in a public setting are subject to the Health (Amendment) Act 2013 while the charges that apply in a private setting are the subject of negotiation between the health insurer and the health service provider. It should be noted that in our community-rated health insurance market, an individual's premium will not be affected by their own claims history.
The Government is committed to enhancing primary and community care, in line with international evidence showing that care should take place in an appropriate setting at the level of lowest complexity. However, it is not always possible for care to take place in a GP setting.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (843)
John Brassil
Question:843. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if additional resources will be made available for the provision of full-time residential care in County Kerry in view of the fact that there are a number of emergency cases awaiting beds in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36328/18]
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.
Mental Health Services Provision
Questions (844)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:844. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a series of matters relating to mental health services (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36336/18]
View answerWritten answers
Mental health is a priority for the Government. This is reflected through significant increases in the funding committed to this area. The HSE Mental Health budget has been increased by over €200 million since 2012. Around €911 million has been provided for the Executive this year.
The Government recognises the need to provide effective and timely care for those in need. The range of services raised by the Deputy continue to be developed as part of implementation of A Vision for Change, and are reflected in the agreed HSE annual Service Plans.
In relation to crisis access to mental health services, steps were initially taken to progress the improved out-of-hours access to mental health services initiative in 2017. The HSE mapped all 114 Adult Mental Teams to determine the existing level of 7/7 service provision. The results of this exercise showed that there currently is approximately 60% coverage across the nine CHOs of 7/7 cover comprising of a combination of Assertive Outreach, Home-Based Treatment Teams and nurse-provided cover.
As part of Programme for Government funding in 2017, approximately €4.5 million was sought and was granted for the staffing and non-staffing costs associated with an enhanced service. A consultation process with all nine CHOs then took place to agree staffing numbers and professions. The HSE is now in final stages of recruiting staff required to deliver 7/7 Mental Health service cover for the areas that do not currently have a service in place. The HSE have recruited approximately 50% of the additional staff required to provide a countrywide 7/7 Mental Health service, with interviews for remaining posts completed around mid-August last.
Additional approaches are also being considered to ensure that those in need of services and support can access these services in the most effective way. It is likely that the future development in Digital response to Mental Health issues will form a part of the overall response. I am strongly supportive of the increased use of technology in the delivery of mental health services, particularly that relating to Prevention and Early Intervention. I am progressing a tele-psychiatry pilot project to ascertain the merits of delivering care from a distance using technology and video-conferencing.