Written Answers Nos. 130-154
130. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the definition of temporary absence arrived at by an organisation (details supplied) with the permission of his Department in the case of pharmaceutical assistants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39153/18]
View answerUnder the Pharmacy Act 2007 the sale and supply of medicinal products must be carried out by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist at all times. Section 30 of the Act allows however for an exceptional circumstance where a registered pharmaceutical assistant may act on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist.
In the circumstances provided for in Section 30 of the Act the PSI, subject to the consent of the Minister, may define for how long a pharmacist may be temporarily absent from a pharmacy and what may be done in this absence in circumstances where a registered pharmaceutical assistant acts in the temporary absence.
On Thursday, 20th September 2018, the Council of the PSI, the pharmacy regulator, approved proposed draft rules regarding the length of time that it is permissible for a pharmacy to operate in the absence of a pharmacist.
I understand that the draft statutory rules– Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of a Pharmacist from a pharmacy) Rules 2018– propose that a pharmacist may be absent from a pharmacy for a total one hour per day only, and in these circumstances a registered pharmaceutical assistant may act in the temporary absence of the pharmacist.
Although the draft rules as approved by the Council rules are publically available, under the Act I, as Minister, must await the receipt of the Rules for my consideration from the PSI and until that time I am unfortunately not in a position to discuss the matter raised any further.
131. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the evidential research that was used to substantiate the definition of temporary absence for pharmaceutical assistants arrived at by an organisation (details supplied) with the permission of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39154/18]
View answerIn October 2013 the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) considered a memorandum from the Registration and Qualification Recognition Committee and the Inspection and Enforcement Committee (Both advisory committees to the Council). It was outlined that during inspections it has been found that some Pharmaceutical Assistants had been working outside the 1994 Code of Practice regarding covering temporary absences. Council of the PSI requested that a policy position be developed to enable and facilitate the drafting of rules in line with the requirements of Section 30(2) of the Act.
In March 2017, the PSI Council considered the matter of temporary absence and a proposed draft set of rules under section 30 of the Act. At this meeting the Council heard a presentation from the Chair of the Pharmaceutical Assistants’ Association, following an invitation. The Council decided to reject the proposal presented at that time and requested further examination of the issue of temporary absence, and what would be covered within the scope of the rules.
A Working Group was established to produce a report, which was submitted to Council on the 17 May 2018. The membership of the Working group was based on competency requirements, and the Group would provide expertise, advice and input to assist in developing policy options, and drafting rules.
The working group comprised of persons combining expertise across the areas of operation of, management of, and supervision of an Retail Pharmacy Business (RPB) including where there is practical use of “temporary absence cover” as currently understood and operated; professional registration and continued competence; regulation; inspection of RPB; risk and quality expertise; public and patient interest/advocacy and policy development.
The Pharmaceutical Assistants Association were invited to nominate a member to the Working Group and nominated its Chairperson.
The terms of reference of the Group (Remit and Terms of Reference of the Group considered and agreed at its first meeting on 21 June 2017) and the competencies of its members are contained in Appendix 2 of the Working Group Report, which is available on the PSI website.
The Working Group Report details the considerations of the group, which were informed by an independent report from UK NARIC benchmarking the Pharmaceutical Assistant qualification, and centred on patient safety, public protection, and risk in proposing how long a pharmacist may be absent from a pharmacy. The Group considered the current legislative provisions pertaining to pharmacists and pharmacies in Ireland under the Pharmacy Act 2007; the governance and accountability requirements provided, and the regulatory framework which provides patients with the expectation of appropriate regulatory protections. Pharmaceutical assistants fall outside the current regulatory disciplinary mechanism with no disciplinary recourse available against the actions taken by any individual pharmaceutical assistant, and outside the mandatory competence assurance schemes notwithstanding that individual registered pharmaceutical assistants would undertake CPD and CE.
The draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018, were produced on foot of the Working Group Report and were subject to a public consultation process. These draft Rules were approved by the PSI Council on September 20th and have yet to be submitted for my consent as required by the Act.
132. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the tasks a pharmaceutical assistant may not perform during their temporary absence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39155/18]
View answerA clinical governance framework governing the operation of registered Retail Pharmacy Businesses is created by Sections 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, and Regulations made under Section 18 of the Act further elucidate the specific responsibilities of the pharmacy owner, the superintendent pharmacist, the supervising pharmacist and the registered pharmacist.
Under the Pharmacy Act 2007 the sale and supply of medicinal products must be carried out by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist at all times. Section 30 of the Act allows however for an exceptional circumstance where a registered pharmaceutical assistant may act on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist.
Section 30 (2) (a) provides for what may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist in his/her temporary absence.
I understand that the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 rules allow for the Council to approve and publish a professional task list; this task list has not yet been defined by the Council. The draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 were approved by the PSI Council on September 20th and have yet to be submitted for my consent as required by the Act.
The current activity of a pharmaceutical assistant when providing skilled assistance to a pharmacist, is subject to the governance mechanisms instituted by each superintendent pharmacist in the pharmacy practice which determines the parameters of the professional activity undertaken.
Legislation precludes pharmaceutical assistants from providing vaccinations to patients, or from undertaking the governance roles provided for in the Pharmacy Act 2007 (supervising and superintendent pharmacists) when operating in the temporary absence of the pharmacist.
133. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the conflicts that arise between the definition of temporary absence arrived at by an organisation (details supplied) with the permission of his Department for use with pharmaceutical assistants and public safety issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39156/18]
View answerThe Pharmacy Act 2007 creates a framework whereby patients and members of the public can expect that a pharmacist will be available and practising within a pharmacy when they visit to have medicines dispensed or to obtain advice on a health or medicines matter. The Act provides a robust structure of public safety assurance by requiring that the pharmacist is subject to mandatory CPD, Fitness to Practice, a Code of Conduct and a Core Competency Framework.
A clinical governance framework governing the operation of registered Retail Pharmacy Businesses is created by Sections 26, 27, 28 and 29 of the Pharmacy Act 2007, and Regulations made under Section 18 of the Act elucidates the specific responsibilities of the pharmacy owner, the superintendent pharmacist, the supervising pharmacist and the registered pharmacist.
Under the Pharmacy Act 2007 the sale and supply of medicinal products must be carried out by or under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist at all times. Section 30(1) of the Act allows however for an exceptional circumstance where a registered pharmaceutical assistant may act on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist.
In this context, Section 30 (2) permits the Council of the PSI, subject to the consent of the Minister, to make rules to provide further as to:
1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and
2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.
It is in the interest of good regulation, using the framework available, that the Council of the PSI has undertaken to propose the draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018.
134. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the funding of a dementia adviser in County Kildare. [39159/18]
View answerIn order to meet the challenges faced by people with dementia, the Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. The Strategy aims to improve dementia care to allow people with dementia to live well for as long as possible and to deliver improved services and supports. The Strategy contains 35 priority and additional actions and its implementation is being led by the National Dementia Office in the HSE. The office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia and progress to date, as well as future plans, is recorded in the mid-term review of the Strategy's implementation, which was published in May this year. Plans are progressing to further implement the Dementia Strategy through the National Dementia Office, including in the area of diagnosis, post-diagnostic supports and care pathways.
The National Dementia Strategy calls for the HSE to consider the provision of dementia advisers, based on the experience of demonstrator sites. An evaluation of the Dementia Adviser Service was published on 26th September. and recommends the continuation and expansion of the service to ensure equity of access countrywide. I welcome the positive results of the evaluation and will continue to work to improve service delivery for people with dementia.
The level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2019 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
135. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of a facility (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39167/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
136. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed at a facility (details supplied); the number of service users who are enrolled to attend services in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39168/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
137. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the reason for the development of a site (details supplied); and the timelines and dates for same. [39169/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
138. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if additional resources, including funding and locations, will be made available for inpatient nut allergy testing for children in view of the fact that there are long waiting lists at the two centres in Cork and Crumlin, Dublin 12; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39184/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have requested the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
139. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting cataract surgery in County Limerick; the average waiting times for such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39190/18]
View answerWaiting list figures provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) advise that at the end of August there were 665 patients on the Cataract waiting list in University Hospital Limerick, waiting an average of 167 days.
Waiting list figures have improved at University Hospital Limerick. In July 2017 there were 1,025 patients awaiting cataract surgery at University Hospital Limerick, this number fell to 782 by end December 2017, during this period 454 patients were added to the waiting list.
From the end of December 2017 to the end of August 2018, the numbers waiting fell by further 117 patients while in the same period, 389 patients have been added to the UHL cataracts waiting list.
Reducing waiting times for Cataract surgery remains a top priority in 2018. Under the Inpatient Day Case Action Plan, launched in April, the NTPF commits to offer treatment to all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 9 months for a cataract procedure.
The Action Plan 25% (5,000 out of 20,000) of the planned National Treatment Purchase Fund procedures has been allocated for treatment for cataract patients.
In addition, under the Plan my Department continues to work with the HSE and the NTPF to identify sustainable initiatives to improve waiting times. In line with the Action Plan, July marked the opening of a dedicated Cataract theatre in Nenagh Hospital. The HSE advise that since the service commenced, 53 patients have been treated and it is expected that over 200 cataract procedures will be undertaken by year end.
140. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting colonoscopy and gastroscopy examinations, respectively, in County Louth; the average waiting times for such procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39191/18]
View answerImproving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and in 2018 €50 million was allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to provide treatment for patients. Under the Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan, which was launched in April 2018, the NTPF will arrange 4,000 Gastrointestinal Scopes this year.
The NTPF advise that the waiting list for Colonoscopy and Gastroscopy in County Louth is:
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
18+ Months |
Grand Total |
|
|
Sum of WL Records |
16 |
12 |
1 |
1 |
30 |
Average waiting time is 102 days.
141. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of hip replacements carried out at Our Lady's Hospital Navan in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018, respectively; the number of persons awaiting hip replacement operations at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39192/18]
View answerIn relation to the query raised regarding hip replacements at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
142. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an ear, nose and throat appointment at Tallaght University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39195/18]
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, 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.
143. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a helicopter landing facility at Cork University Hospital; when the matter will progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39198/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
144. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his plans to remove means-testing for medical cards for children who are orphaned and cared for by family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39202/18]
View answerThere are no proposals at present remove means testing for medical cards for children that are orphaned and cared for by family members.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services. The HSE affords applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting information documentation to fully take account of all the relevant circumstances that may benefit them in the assessment, including medical evidence of cost and necessary expenses.
145. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the average annual operational cost of a filled acute bed in a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39229/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
146. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the average annual operational cost of a filled palliative care bed in a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39230/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
147. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if the status of pharmaceutical assistants following recent recommendations made by an organisation (details supplied) will be protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39232/18]
View answerPharmaceutical Assistants are a grade of pharmacy professionals who are permitted, under section 30(1) of the Pharmacy Act 2007, to act on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the “temporary absence” of the registered pharmacist.
Section 30(2) of the Pharmacy Act 2007 permits the Council of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) to make rules as to:
1. What may or may not be done by a registered pharmaceutical assistant when acting on behalf of a registered pharmacist; and
2. What constitutes the temporary absence of a registered pharmacist.
These Rules are made by way of Statutory Instrument requiring the formal consent of the Minister for Health.
Following a public consultation process, which ran from 17 July until 14 August 2018, the Council of the PSI approved the draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on 20 September 2018.
My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. No rules have yet been submitted to me by the PSI.
I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement. I await the receipt of the Rules for my consideration from the PSI and until that time, I am unfortunately not in a position to comment any further on the matter raised.
148. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if approval will be given for the use of the drug pembrolizumab in the case of a person (details supplied). [39235/18]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
149. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 13 February 2018, the status of the construction of a helipad at Cork University Hospital to facilitate an air ambulance service; if discussions with the Irish Aviation Authority have concluded; if planning permission has been sought and approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39223/18]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
150. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the circumstances which lead to the unplanned long-term leave of a consultant paediatrician at the National Rehabilitation Hospital resulting in the cancellation of inpatient appointments; the steps being taken to recruit a replacement; when inpatient appointments will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39238/18]
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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
151. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an assessment of needs in County Tipperary; the length of time they have been waiting; the age of the children waiting; the number of those that have appealed the wait time; the length of time it has taken to process the appeal; the avenues available to them in view of the failure by the HSE in its obligations under section 9 of the Disability Act 2015; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39240/18]
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.
152. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if the provision of an art assist device on the medical card scheme has been considered for patients who have been prescribed same by their doctor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39241/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
153. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when a meeting with a group (details supplied) will be arranged with relevant health professionals, the National Cancer Control Programme, the HSE and Saolta University Hospital group in view of the fact that the organisation has been requesting a meeting since November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39244/18]
View answerA meeting had previously been arranged with this group but it was necessary to postpone it due to other issues arising.
It is intended that the meeting will be re-scheduled for a suitable date in the coming months.
154. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the lack of disability access on the grounds and hospital of St. Columcille's, Loughlinstown, will be investigated (details supplied); if these issues will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39265/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
