Written Answers Nos. 94-120
94. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners nationally and in counties Longford and Westmeath that have received PREPARED dementia training; his plans to extend this further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/18]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
95. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of dementia nurse advisers in place nationally; if funds were provided to an organisation (details supplied) to provide such nurse advisers; his plans to recruit nurse advisors covering counties Longford and Westmeath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41552/18]
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.
At present, there are nine dementia advisers across the country; eight of these are hired by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland. The HSE has contributed €400,000 in each of 2017 and 2018 towards the service.
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.
96. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the rates of cervical cancer in those under 25 years of age diagnosed here in each of the years 2007 to 2017; if the cancers related to HPV 16 and 18; the actual numbers between 2007 and 2017; the evidence the vaccine will prevent cancer in those under 25 years of age without pap screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41554/18]
View answerData from the National Cancer Registry set out in the following table shows the number of cervical cancer cases diagnosed in females under 25 years of age per year and the rate per 100,000 females per year between 2007 and 2016 (latest finalised figures) inclusive.
Incidence of cervical cancer in those under 25 years of age:
|
Year |
Number of Cases |
Number of cases per 100,000 females |
|
2007 |
6 |
0.79 |
|
2008 |
1 |
0.13 |
|
2009 |
3 |
0.38 |
|
2010 |
3 |
0.39 |
|
2011 |
1 |
0.13 |
|
2012 |
1 |
0.13 |
|
2013 |
2 |
0.26 |
|
2014 |
5 |
0.65 |
|
2015 |
2 |
0.26 |
|
2016 |
2 |
0.26 |
While data is not available on the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) status of these cases, 99% of cervical cancers are caused by persistent infection of certain high risk HPV types.
HPV immunisation is a very important part of our childhood immunisation programmes as it protects women from developing cervical cancer later in their lives.
97. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason a certain slogan (details supplied) is used to market HPV vaccines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/18]
View answerAs this question relates to remarks made by the head of the Health Service Executive's National Immunisation Office and relates to the functions of that office, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
98. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if the home care package hours awarded to a person (details supplied) will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41556/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
99. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for urgent home help in the case of a person (details supplied); if all efforts will be made to ensure that home help assistance is provided in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41562/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
100. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the cost to provide a psychiatrist travelling from County Galway to County Wexford each weekend (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41566/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
101. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be able to access the drug hydrocortisone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41569/18]
View answerOfficials in my Department have sought clarification from the Deputy and on receipt of same I will arrange for a reply to issue.
102. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the Gardasil vaccine. [41570/18]
View answerThe information that the Deputy seeks with regard to the Gardasil vaccine is not held by my Department. Therefore, I have asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.
103. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for scoliosis surgery in Merlin Park hospital, County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41571/18]
View answer104. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who had scoliosis surgery in Merlin Park hospital, County Galway in 2016, 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41572/18]
View answer105. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if there were no surgeries carried out on persons awaiting surgery for scoliosis, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41573/18]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 103 to 105, inclusive, together.
The Saolta Hospital Group has advised that scoliosis surgery is currently carried out at University Hospital Galway (UHG). To date this year UHG has carried out one scoliosis surgery and there are currently seven patients awaiting scoliosis surgery at UHG.
There were no procedures carried out in 2017 and ten were carried out in 2016.
The Saolta Hospital Group advises that the waiting list for spinal surgery is a priority for UHG and work is ongoing to ensure that arrangements are in place in order to facilitate the level of complexity involved in relation to spinal surgery for patients with scoliosis.
At present, UHG has limited capacity to undertake elective spinal procedures but is actively working on developing the elements required to support the service including inpatient beds, high end equipment, theatre capacity, and staffing from within existing resources.
106. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41581/18]
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.
107. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the way in which the HSE can make a decision to refuse a person (details supplied) a top-up in relation to taking up a room in a facility (details supplied). [41582/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
108. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a home care package will be approved for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41585/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
109. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of residential care for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41586/18]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
110. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to life-saving medications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41588/18]
View answerThe Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is an independent statutory body with responsibility for professional regulation in the area of pre-hospital emergency care, including the recognition of professional qualifications.
Accordingly, the Deputy's query has been referred to PHECC for direct response.
111. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason a medical card has not issued to a person (details supplied). [41591/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
112. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an assessment of needs will be scheduled in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41599/18]
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.
113. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the age range for the HPV vaccine in view of FDA approval to extend the age in the United States of America for men and women aged 27 to 45 years of age due to supporting medical evidence it continues to be effective in preventing cervical cancer and other illnesses at upper age ranges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41604/18]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland which is comprised of experts from a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health. The committee's recommendations are informed by public health advice and international best practice. All relevant and appropriate information is taken into account when deciding to make changes to the State's immunisation programmes. NIAC submits its recommendations to my Department for consideration.
No recommendation has been received by my Department in relation to extending age ranges for the HPV vaccine as outlined in the question, but my officials will bring the Deputy's query to the attention of NIAC.
114. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); the status of the case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41610/18]
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.
115. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if the concerns raised by qualified, registered pharmaceutical assistants in regard to the new rules being drawn up by an organisation (details supplied) in connection with section 30 of the Pharmacy Act 2007 will be taken into account; if this group has been meaningfully consulted on these proposed changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41615/18]
View answerThe Pharmacy Act 2007 established the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) and the functions of the Society are set out in the Act. The functions of the PSI are carried out on its behalf by the Council of the Society.
Section 30 of the Act provides for an exception to the general provision in the Act which requires the sale and supply of medicines at a pharmacy to be conducted under the personal supervision of a registered pharmacist, and specifies that no offence is committed where a registered pharmaceutical assistant “acts on behalf of a registered pharmacist during the temporary absence of the registered pharmacist”.
Section 30 also permits the Council 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.
On June 21, the Council of the Society approved for issuance for public consultation the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018. This public consultation commenced on 17 July and ran until 14 August and afforded any interested party the opportunity to make representations on the matter directly to the PSI.
Following completion of the public consultation phase, the Council of the PSI considered the proposed draft Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (Temporary Absence of Pharmacist from Pharmacy) Rules 2018 at its meeting on the 20 September 2018 where Council approved the draft rules without amendment.
The PSI has advised my Department that it consulted with the Pharmaceutical Assistants Association throughout the process of developing the draft rules.
Correspondence outlining the concerns of registered pharmaceutical assistants has been received by my Department. My role in relation to this process is limited to the consideration of any such Rules once submitted for my approval. I must consider any Rules presented to me from a fair and impartial perspective, without prejudice or prejudgement. This includes consideration of concerns raised by, or on behalf of, registered pharmaceutical assistants.
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.
116. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if two full-time positions will be provided for a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41616/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
117. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if the attention of University Hospital Limerick, UHL, management was drawn to the fact that a clinical incident form had been submitted prior to an adverse event involving a person (details supplied) regarding the harm done to another surgical patient in UHL while under the care of a person; and the steps taken by UHL management following the submission of the clinical incident form to ensure patient safety. [41628/18]
View answerAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
118. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of adverse clinical incidents that have been notified to UHL management in regard to the performance of clinical duties by a person (details supplied). [41629/18]
View answerAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
119. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if grant aid has been restored to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41631/18]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
120. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41633/18]
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.
