Tuesday, 23 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 122-142

Brexit Issues

Questions (122)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

122. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to prepare for Brexit and its impact on programmes such as the EU Cross Border Healthcare Directive, the EU treatment scheme, cross-Border health services generally and all the issues in relation to freedom of movement for medical and allied personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43273/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Co-ordination of the whole-of-Government response to Brexit is being taken forward through the cross-Departmental coordination structures chaired by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Contingency planning for a no-deal or worst-case outcome, bringing together the detailed work being undertaken by individual Ministers and their Departments on issues within their policy remit, was identified as an early priority and is now well advanced. Its focus is on the immediate economic, regulatory and operational challenges which would result from such an outcome. It assumes a trading relationship based on the default WTO rules, but also examines the possible effects on many other areas of concern.

This work has provided baseline scenarios for the impact of Brexit across all sectors, which can then be adapted as appropriate in light of developments in the EU-UK negotiations. This is enabling the modelling of potential responses under different scenarios, such as one where a withdrawal agreement, including a transitional arrangement, is concluded and where a Free Trade Agreement is the basis for the future relationship between the EU and the UK.

My Department and its agencies have been conducting detailed analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health. A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is underway. A key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. This analysis will inform resource requirements and ensure that the response to Brexit is adaptable to what is a changing process.

Home Help Service Provision

Questions (123)

Thomas Byrne

Question:

123. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the increase in home support hours planned for County Meath in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43611/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Deputy Jim Daly)

The Home Support Service is a core service for older people and is highly valued by service users, their families and by the HSE. It provides supports which assist older people to live independently in their own homes for longer and enables large numbers of people to return home following acute hospital admission who otherwise would remain in hospital or would be admitted to long stay residential care.

Following the recent Budget announcement, the HSE and officials from the Department of Health have commenced the process of developing and agreeing the HSE National Service Plan 2019, which will set out, in detail, the type and quantum of services to be delivered in 2019 including in relation to services for older people. The Service Plan will be developed over, approximately, the next month.

Question No. 124 answered with Question No. 108.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (125)

Lisa Chambers

Question:

125. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when the National Immunisation Advisory Committee will examine the possibility of extending the HPV vaccine to men and women up to 45 years of age. [43581/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, the 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.

As outlined in my response to the Deputy's previous parliamentary question regarding this issue (asked on Thursday 11 October), no recommendation has been received by my Department in relation to extending age ranges for the HPV vaccine. However, as per my previous response, I can confirm that officials from my Department are scheduled to bring the Deputy's query to the attention of NIAC at a meeting which is arranged to take place next week. On the basis of the foregoing, I am not currently in a position to advise as to when any potential recommendation will be made.

Hospital Waiting Lists Action Plans

Questions (126)

Billy Kelleher

Question:

126. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the long outpatient waiting times in Cork city hospitals in which 8,601 persons are waiting more than 18 months for an appointment. [43571/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

In Budget 2019 the Government has prioritised improving access and reducing waiting times for patients, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase fund (NTPF) increasing from €55 million in 2018 to €75 million in 2019, of which, €6 million will be committed to outpatient activity.

To date in 2018, the NTPF has approved almost 12,700 additional first-time outpatient appointments and this is projected to increase to 40,000 appointments next year. I recently met with the CEOs of all hospital groups to discuss improving access for patients and requested that they work with the NTPF and HSE in 2019 develop innovative proposals to address the number of long waiters on outpatient lists in 2019.

Outpatient waiting list figures for the end of September for hospitals in Cork City (Mercy University Hospital; Cork University Hospital; Cork University Maternity Hospital; South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital) show that combined between them there were more than 53,000 patients waiting for a first appointment. Of these over 71% of patients are waiting 12 months or less.

More broadly, South-South West Hospital Group has engaged in a number of initiatives to address long waiting lists throughout the wider hospital group. For example South-South West advises that South Infirmary has engaged with the NTPF to provide additional sessions within the specialties of dermatology and ENT. It has also recruited an additional audiologist in July to reduce waiting times. NTPF-funded weekend clinics in ophthalmology have also commenced at Cork University Hospital with a target of seeing an additional 200 patients, while plastic surgery patients will also be treated through an innovative 'see and treat' clinic commencing on 20th October 2018.

In addition, the Central Waiting List Validation function, which was established in the NTPF last month, will deliver a standardised approach to validation across all hospitals in line with best patient-centred practices. This new function will have many benefits including the identification of patients on waiting lists who are ready and available to proceed with hospital care, the reduction in the Did Not Attend rate (DNA), and an improvement in information for managing waiting lists. The NTPF estimates that 30,000 patients who no longer require treatment will come off the outpatient waiting list in 2019 as a result of this activity.

Hospitals Data

Questions (127)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

127. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number and cost of all external reviews and-or investigations of patient care at Galway University Hospital in each of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43525/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Waiting Lists Action Plans

Questions (128)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

128. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce waiting lists in hospitals in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43543/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. This year has seen ongoing improvements with the number of patients waiting for inpatient and daycase procedures (IPDC), now at 72,700 from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a 16% reduction in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case procedure.

In Budget 2019 the Government has further increased investment in this area, with funding to the NTPF to increase from €55m in 2018 to €75m in 2019. My Department is working closely with the National Treatment Purchase Fund and the HSE to finalise the 2019 Waiting List Initiatives before the end of this year. This will include the continuing engagement of the NTPF with the HSE and public hospitals inviting proposals for waiting list initiatives either through the private sector or through public sector insourcing. The NTPF will provide funding to the solutions proposed if appropriate.

I also recently met with the CEO’s of all hospital groups to discuss improving access for patients and requested that they work with the NTPF and HSE to develop innovative proposals to address the number of long waiters on outpatient lists in 2019.

More broadly, the HSE advises that construction was completed on Phase I of the expansion of Paediatric Department Cork University Hospital (CUH), which became operational in March 2017. This has started the process of centralisation of Paediatric Services at CUH for the city. In addition, the construction of the new Radiation Oncology facility that commenced in May 2017 is expected to be operational by 2020.

In South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital (SIVUH), the Ophthalmology Outpatient build has gone to tender with construction scheduled for April 2018. There is also further development planned in relation to the expansion of regional Pain, Dermatology Services and Ophthalmic surgery.

In Mercy University Hospital (MUH), there are plans for developments in relation to Radiology services, Gastroenterology services and theatre upgrades.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (129)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

129. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the general practitioner sector is facing a recruitment and retention crisis; his further views on whether the refusal to reverse FEMPI measures for general practitioners is a major driver of the crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43553/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

General Practitioners play an important role in the primary care system. The number of GPs on the specialist register continues to increase – up from 2,270 in 2010 to 3,669 as at July 2018. The number of GPs holding GMS contracts has also risen from 2,098 in 2008 to 2,507 as at 1 September 2018.

The Government is aware of workforce issues facing general practice, including the influence of demographic factors, and has implemented a number of measures to improve recruitment and retention in general practice.

GP training places have been increased from 120 in 2009 to 193 places filled in 2018, an increase of around 60% over a nine year period. The Government's objective is to continue to achieve annual increases in the number of training places available while ensuring that all of the places are filled.

Entry provisions to the GMS scheme have been changed to accommodate more flexible GMS contracts and the retirement age for GPs has been extended to 72. An enhanced support package for rural practices has been introduced with improved qualifying criteria and an increased financial allowance of €20,000 per annum.

Officials from my Department and the HSE recently re-engaged with the Irish Medical Organisation 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.

Under the General Medical Services (GMS) contract, GPs are reimbursed for a range of services they provide to medical card and GP visit card holders. GPs are remunerated for these services primarily on a capitation basis, with a range of additional support payments and fees for specific items of service. GPs are also remunerated for services they provide on behalf of the HSE under other public health schemes, such as the Maternity and Infant Care Scheme, Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme, etc.

Despite reductions to the payment rates of health contractors made under FEMPI legislation, the total fees paid to GPs under the GMS scheme have increased from just over €472 million in 2009 to approximately €525 million in 2017. This increase in fees is largely due to significant developments and investment in GP services introduced in recent years, with more services being made available to our citizens and additional financial support provided by the HSE.

The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 now allows the setting and varying of contractor payments on a non-emergency statutory basis. It is my intention to put in place a new multiannual approach to fees in return for service improvements and contractual reforms based upon health policy considerations and engagement with representative bodies.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Questions (130)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

130. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for urology tests in each region; the average waiting time in each region; the steps he will take to ensure the HSE has the resources to deal with this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43271/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The information requested by the Deputy has been provided by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) at Hospital Group level and can be found on the attached spread sheet.

Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. This year has seen ongoing improvements with the number of patients waiting for inpatient and day case procedures (IPDC) now at 72,700 from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a 16% reduction in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case procedure.

In Budget 2019 the Government has further increased investment in this area, with funding to the NTPF to increase from €55m in 2018 to €75m in 2019.

My Department is working closely with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund to finalise the 2019 Waiting List Initiatives before the end of this year. The Plan will outline the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2019 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment.

The NTPF activity will cover approximately 50 high to medium volume procedures. The NTPF will also take a targeted approach in 2019 and further procedures will be tendered for, depending on waiting list times and suitability of patients for treatment at outsourced facilities.

While the NTPF will provide many of the procedures through outsourcing, it will build on the progress made in 2018 and the engagements with individual Hospitals to further support public system initiatives through HSE insourcing. NTPF authorisations are made in respect of the longest waiting patients first.

IPDC Waiters for Urology Testing by Group by TimeBand as at 18/10/2018

Average Wait Time: 144 Days

Sum of Total	Column Labels
Row Labels	0-3 Months	3-6 Months	6-9 Months	9-12 Months	12-15 Months	15-18 Months	18+ Months	Grand Total
Children's Hospital Group	4	5	2	7	2	3	5	28
Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	1	4	1	6	2	1		15
Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	3	1	1	1		2	5	13
Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	96	61	41	50	35	32	29	344
Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	46	37	24	30	17	19	4	177
St. James's Hospital	13	11	5	9	5		7	50
Tallaght University Hospital	37	13	12	11	13	13	18	117
Ireland East Hospital Group	442	176	138	29	19	15	17	836
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	172	135	119	17	11	13	15	482
St. Columcille's Hospital	71	5	2	6	6		1	91
St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny	1	2				1		4
St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	13	2	1	1		1	1	19
St. Vincent's University Hospital	185	32	16	5	2			240
RCSI  Hospitals Group	507	234	72	43	19	1	1	877
Beaumont Hospital	262	134	33	20	6	1		456
Cavan General Hospital	42			13	7		1	63
Connolly Hospital	65	42	17	5	5			134
Louth County Hospital	46	11	3	2				62
Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	92	47	19	3	1			162
Saolta University Health Care Group	406	253	88	54	22	21	29	873
Galway University Hospital	216	141	32	28	5	6	16	444
Letterkenny University Hospital	91	48	19	11	5	9	1	184
Mayo General Hospital	1	1	1					3
Portiuncula Hospital	45	7		3	5	1		61
Roscommon Hospital	35	19	6		1	1	6	68
Sligo Regional Hospital	18	37	30	12	6	4	6	113
South/South West Hospital Group	443	245	161	54	26	9	48	986
Cork University Hospital	88	43	15	12	1	2	4	165
Cork University Maternity Hospital	17	20	13					50
Kerry General Hospital	31							31
Mercy University Hospital	34	5	1	2				42
University Hospital Waterford	272	177	132	40	25	7	44	697
Mallow General Hospital	1							1
University of Limerick Hospital Group	448	405	284	46	6	3	4	1196
Ennis Hospital	190	168	126	27		1		512
Nenagh Hospital	221	210	149	12	3	2	1	598
St. John's Hospital Limerick	30	17	6	4	3			60
University Hospital Limerick	7	10	3	3			3	26
Grand Total	2346	1379	786	283	129	84	133	5140

tables contd.

Date	HospitalGroup	HospitalName	Wait Time Bands	Total
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	0-3 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	3-6 Months	4
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	6-9 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	9-12 Months	6
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	12-15 Months	2
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Childrens University Hospital Temple Street	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	0-3 Months	3
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	3-6 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	6-9 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	9-12 Months	1
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	15-18 Months	2
18/10/2018	Children's Hospital Group	Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin	18+ Months	5
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	0-3 Months	46
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	3-6 Months	37
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	6-9 Months	24
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	9-12 Months	30
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	12-15 Months	17
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	15-18 Months	19
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise	18+ Months	4
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	0-3 Months	13
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	3-6 Months	11
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	6-9 Months	5
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	9-12 Months	9
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	12-15 Months	5
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	St. James's Hospital	18+ Months	7
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	0-3 Months	37
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	3-6 Months	13
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	6-9 Months	12
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	9-12 Months	11
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	12-15 Months	13
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	15-18 Months	13
18/10/2018	Dublin Midlands Hospital Group	Tallaght University Hospital	18+ Months	18
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	0-3 Months	172
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	3-6 Months	135
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	6-9 Months	119
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	9-12 Months	17
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	12-15 Months	11
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	15-18 Months	13
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	Mater Misericordiae University Hospital	18+ Months	15
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	0-3 Months	71
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	3-6 Months	5
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	6-9 Months	2
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	9-12 Months	6
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	12-15 Months	6
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Columcille's Hospital	18+ Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny	0-3 Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny	3-6 Months	2
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Luke's General Hospital Kilkenny	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	0-3 Months	13
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	3-6 Months	2
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	6-9 Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	9-12 Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Michael's Hospital Dun Laoghaire	18+ Months	1
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Vincent's University Hospital	0-3 Months	185
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Vincent's University Hospital	3-6 Months	32
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Vincent's University Hospital	6-9 Months	16
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Vincent's University Hospital	9-12 Months	5
18/10/2018	Ireland East Hospital Group	St. Vincent's University Hospital	12-15 Months	2
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	0-3 Months	262
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	3-6 Months	134
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	6-9 Months	33
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	9-12 Months	20
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	12-15 Months	6
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Beaumont Hospital	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Cavan General Hospital	0-3 Months	42
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Cavan General Hospital	9-12 Months	13
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Cavan General Hospital	12-15 Months	7
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Cavan General Hospital	18+ Months	1
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Connolly Hospital	0-3 Months	65
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Connolly Hospital	3-6 Months	42
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Connolly Hospital	6-9 Months	17
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Connolly Hospital	9-12 Months	5
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Connolly Hospital	12-15 Months	5
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Louth County Hospital	0-3 Months	46
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Louth County Hospital	3-6 Months	11
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Louth County Hospital	6-9 Months	3
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Louth County Hospital	9-12 Months	2
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	0-3 Months	92
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	3-6 Months	47
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	6-9 Months	19
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	9-12 Months	3
18/10/2018	RCSI  Hospitals Group	Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda	12-15 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	0-3 Months	216
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	3-6 Months	141
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	6-9 Months	32
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	9-12 Months	28
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	12-15 Months	5
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	15-18 Months	6
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Galway University Hospital	18+ Months	16
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	0-3 Months	91
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	3-6 Months	48
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	6-9 Months	19
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	9-12 Months	11
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	12-15 Months	5
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	15-18 Months	9
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Letterkenny University Hospital	18+ Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Mayo General Hospital	0-3 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Mayo General Hospital	3-6 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Mayo General Hospital	6-9 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Portiuncula Hospital	0-3 Months	45
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Portiuncula Hospital	3-6 Months	7
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Portiuncula Hospital	9-12 Months	3
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Portiuncula Hospital	12-15 Months	5
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Portiuncula Hospital	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	0-3 Months	35
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	3-6 Months	19
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	6-9 Months	6
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	12-15 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Roscommon Hospital	18+ Months	6
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	0-3 Months	18
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	3-6 Months	37
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	6-9 Months	30
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	9-12 Months	12
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	12-15 Months	6
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	15-18 Months	4
18/10/2018	Saolta University Health Care Group	Sligo Regional Hospital	18+ Months	6
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	0-3 Months	88
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	3-6 Months	43
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	6-9 Months	15
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	9-12 Months	12
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	12-15 Months	1
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	15-18 Months	2
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Hospital	18+ Months	4
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Maternity Hospital	0-3 Months	17
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Maternity Hospital	3-6 Months	20
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Cork University Maternity Hospital	6-9 Months	13
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Kerry General Hospital	0-3 Months	31
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Mallow General Hospital	0-3 Months	1
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Mercy University Hospital	0-3 Months	34
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Mercy University Hospital	3-6 Months	5
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Mercy University Hospital	6-9 Months	1
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	Mercy University Hospital	9-12 Months	2
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	0-3 Months	272
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	3-6 Months	177
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	6-9 Months	132
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	9-12 Months	40
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	12-15 Months	25
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	15-18 Months	7
18/10/2018	South/South West Hospital Group	University Hospital Waterford	18+ Months	44
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Ennis Hospital	0-3 Months	190
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Ennis Hospital	3-6 Months	168
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Ennis Hospital	6-9 Months	126
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Ennis Hospital	9-12 Months	27
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Ennis Hospital	15-18 Months	1
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	0-3 Months	221
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	3-6 Months	210
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	6-9 Months	149
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	9-12 Months	12
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	12-15 Months	3
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	15-18 Months	2
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	Nenagh Hospital	18+ Months	1
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	St. John's Hospital Limerick	0-3 Months	30
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	St. John's Hospital Limerick	3-6 Months	17
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	St. John's Hospital Limerick	6-9 Months	6
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	St. John's Hospital Limerick	9-12 Months	4
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	St. John's Hospital Limerick	12-15 Months	3
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	University Hospital Limerick	0-3 Months	7
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	University Hospital Limerick	3-6 Months	10
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	University Hospital Limerick	6-9 Months	3
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	University Hospital Limerick	9-12 Months	3
18/10/2018	University of Limerick Hospital Group	University Hospital Limerick	18+ Months	3

Hospital Beds Data

Questions (131)

John Brassil

Question:

131. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health when 37 additional beds will be provided in Kerry University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43565/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Arising from the recommendations in the Health Service Capacity Review, my Department engaged with the HSE this year to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which could be frontloaded to address pressures being experienced in our hospital Emergency Departments.

This process culminated in the development by the HSE of a Capacity Plan, which identified over 600 acute beds and 290 residential care beds, to be phased in between 2018 and 2020, including 33 additional beds in Kerry University Hospital.

As a first step towards the implementation of the Capacity Plan, €10 million in funding is being made available in 2019 to prepare the ground for opening additional acute beds for winter 2019/2020. My Department is currently engaging with the HSE to finalise the details of this investment.

Budget 2019

Questions (132)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

132. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the items of new expenditure in budget 2019 which would not be there without the existence of Sláintecare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43554/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I would like to assure the Deputy that Sláintecare was my main priority in terms of the allocation of new funding in Budget 2019. The 2019 Budget features over €200m which will directly support a range of additional services including initiatives proposed in the Sláintecare Report and committed to in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy including:

- Ringfenced funding for the Sláintecare Programme Office;

- €20m for the establishment of a new ring-fenced Sláintecare Integration Fund to drive improvements in the way we deliver care across the system;

- Funding for a new GP contract which is critical to the Sláintecare vision of delivering more care in the community;

- Expansion of free GP care, by increasing the weekly income threshold for GP Visit card by €25 which could benefit up to 100,000 people. This supports the Sláintecare recommendation to move towards universal GP care over 5 years;

- Additional funding for 100 new therapy posts to address assessment of need waiting lists for children with disabilities and funding to ensure that the needs of all those leaving school in 2019 will be addressed;

- €55m in new development funding aimed at further enhancing community mental health teams for adults and children;

- Reducing user charges and out of pocket payments by further reductions in prescription charges - 50 cent reduction in prescription charges from €2.00 to €1.50 for all medical card holders over the age of 70. This is in line with a Sláintecare recommendation to reduce prescription charges;

- A €10 reduction in the monthly Drugs Payment Scheme threshold from €134 to €124 which is also in line with a key Sláintecare recommendation;

- Increased investment of €20m in the National Treatment Purchase Fund. €75m will be available to the NDPF IN 2019 which will be used to treat 70,000 patients on waiting lists in 2019; and

- Additional funding for care redesign and the National Children's Hospital.

Funding has also been provided to expand existing health services, in line with Sláintecare recommendations and full details of this will be contained in the National Service Plan to be published in December.

Cancer Screening Programmes

Questions (133)

Thomas P. Broughan

Question:

133. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken on foot of the Scally report into the CervicalCheck scandal to address the important matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43272/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On 12 September 2018, the Final Report of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme, led by Dr Gabriel Scally, was published following a Government decision. Government has accepted all 50 recommendations set out in the Report.

These recommendations address issues identified through Dr Scally's extensive programme of work. I am committed to returning to Government within three months, as recommended by Dr Scally, with a full plan for the implementation of these recommendations. Development of this plan is underway, overseen by the CervicalCheck Steering Committee, which I established in June.

My first priorities for implementation include establishment of a National Screening Committee by early 2019, the establishment of an Independent Patient Safety Council, and the recruitment of a new leadership team for the Screening Service. Funding to implement recommendations of Dr Scally’s inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme has been allocated in Budget 2019.

Last week, I met with Dr Scally and I have asked him to provide the independent review of the implementation plan recommended in his report which I am pleased to say he has agreed to do. Dr Scally has also undertaken to do some further work in relation to the laboratories.

Dr Scally presented two reports containing his first findings to me in early June. These were published following the Government meeting on Tuesday, the 12th of June. I accepted all six recommendation from these reports and implementation of these is well underway; in his final report, Dr Scally has stated that he is impressed by how my Department is carrying forward these recommendations.

Health Services Reports

Questions (134)

Catherine Connolly

Question:

134. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when the report commissioned in 2015 on the provision of health services on the islands will be published; when it was completed; if a copy of the report will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43529/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Hospitals Building Programme

Questions (135)

Martin Heydon

Question:

135. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed expansion plans at Naas General Hospital under the health priorities of the National Development Plan 2018-2027; if timelines or individual investment amounts are available for the new endoscopy unit to serve persons in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43621/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Questions (136)

Joan Collins

Question:

136. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 440 of 2 October 2018, the details of the significant increase in resources needed to meet the needs of the children waiting on the Dublin south west school age team waiting list; his plans to resolve same; the number of children on the list; and the number waiting over six months. [43299/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Questions (137)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

137. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is a recruitment and retention crisis in relation to hospital consultants; his further views on whether the wide disparity in new entrant pay is a major driver of this crisis; his plans in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43556/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Government remains committed to increasing the consultant workforce. Notwithstanding recruitment and retention challenges, the number of consultants employed in the public health service has increased by 118 in the 12 months to end August 2018 and by 479 in the past five years to 3,032 (whole time equivalents).

The Public Sector Pay Commission in its Report published on 4 September 2018 identified difficulties in attracting consultant applications for advertised posts at present and acknowledged that the pay rates for new entrants had been highlighted as a factor in this. The Commission also recognised that the implementation of the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim, while necessary of itself, would serve to highlight further the differential in pay between the pre-existing cadre of consultants and new entrants. The Commission stated that policy responses that may be proposed for new entrants across the public services generally may not address the degree of pay differential which currently applies to new entrant consultants. Notwithstanding this, the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform has since published pay proposals regarding new entrants across the public service, including consultants under Section 4 of the Public Service Stability Agreement.

Given its analysis, the Pay Commission proposed that the Parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken, over time, to address the pay differential between pre-existing consultants and new entrant consultants. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have noted the Commission's views and consideration will need to be given to potential solutions which are in line with public sector pay policy and available budgets. This will be a significant challenge given the amounts involved.

Hospitals Policy

Questions (138)

Brian Stanley

Question:

138. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for the consultation on Portlaoise Hospital; the persons or bodies that will be engaged with in relation to same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43503/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I am committed to securing and further developing the role of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise as a constituent hospital within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. Since 2014, the focus has been on supporting the hospital to develop and enhance management capability, implementing changes required to address clinical service deficiencies, and incorporating the hospital into the governance structures within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.

Significant work has been undertaken to strengthen and stabilise current arrangements for services at the hospital to ensure that services that are not sustainable are discontinued and those that are, are safety assured and adequately resourced. Funding has increased by 35% relative to the 2012 budget and staffing levels have risen by 29% from the 2014 base. Governance and management arrangements in Portlaoise Hospital have been strengthened, additional clinical staff has been appointed and staff training, hospital culture and communications have improved.

As I have outlined previously, no decision has been made yet on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital and my Department is currently finalising the process for wider consultation. I intend to appoint an independent, external facilitator in the coming weeks who will be charged with executing the consultation.

Medical Card Administration

Questions (139)

Éamon Ó Cuív

Question:

139. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he has had discussions with the HSE regarding the level of bureaucracy involved, particularly for older persons, in dealing with the medical card section of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43270/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE strives to have an application process for medical cards which is as streamlined and straightforward as possible for all applicants. Assistance is offered to persons completing application forms through the National Medical Card Unit and Local Health Offices. The application process for medical cards for persons over the age of 70 years is now more straightforward as a gross income threshold is applied. The Health (Alteration of Eligibility) (No. 2) Act of 2013, set the medical card income limits for persons over 70 years of age at €500 gross per week for a single person and €900 gross per week for a couple.

The HSE is required to check and verify the details of any application made for a medical and GP visit card and therefore during the assessment process individuals may be required to provide supplementary material. Whilst such requests may place an additional administrative burden on persons it is noted that this material is often required by the HSE to carry out its due diligence in order to make a complete assessment.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (140)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

140. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the measures being introduced to ensure that the planned modular unit at South Tipperary General Hospital will be fully staffed before it becomes operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43424/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Improving access to health care services is a key priority in 2019. I understand that the works in relation to the planned modular build at South Tipperary General Hospital are progressing and that recruitment processes are currently in train, with the objective of opening the new 40-bed ward block in the first quarter of 2019.

Paediatric Services

Questions (141)

Stephen Donnelly

Question:

141. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to tackle the waiting times for assessment and treatment for children with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43557/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The development of a sustainable scoliosis service has been prioritised by my Department and the HSE in 2018. An additional €9 million was provided to the Children’s Hospital Group in 2018, to support the development and implementation of a sustainable and safe paediatric orthopaedic service for children and young people.

The increased investment in scoliosis has brought stability to the service and the current capacity for services has expanded. The Children’s Hospital Group advises that 446 procedures will be delivered this year, compared to 371 in 2017, and 224 in 2016. This represents a doubling of activity since 2016.

Waiting list figures for 12 October show 130 patients waiting; this includes patients who have been asked to come in for a procedure, those who have been given a date for a procedure in the near future, and those who are waiting for a date for a procedure. This represents a reduction of 61, or 32%, in comparison to the same week last year, when the list stood at 191 patients.

The Children’s Hospital Group advises that the clinical criteria for determining a care plan for scoliosis related surgeries and other spinal procedures is complex and is based on established clinical guidelines and best practice both nationally and internationally.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Questions (142)

Bríd Smith

Question:

142. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the situation at Linn Dara CAMHS in Cherry Orchard in relation to the operation of the service, reported staff shortages and reductions in bed capacity will be clarified. [43625/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.