Catherine Connolly
Question:406. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the details of the DEXA scanner service provided by University Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47958/18]
View answerHospital Services
Questions (406, 407, 408)
Catherine Connolly
Question:407. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if the position of staff nurse has been filled following the recruitment advertisement for a staff nurse to perform DEXA scans for University Hospital Galway which had a closing date for applications of 21 December 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47959/18]
View answerCatherine Connolly
Question:408. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the necessary complement of staff in order to operate the DEXA scanner at University Hospital Galway; the number of staff employed to operate the scanner; the vacancies in this regard; the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47960/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 406 to 408, inclusive, together.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (409)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Question:409. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be allowed access to Versatis patches to treat fibromyalgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47962/18]
View answerWritten answers
Medicines play a vital role in improving the health of Irish patients. Securing access to existing and new and innovative medicines is a key health service objective. However, the challenge is to do this in a safe and sustainable manner. Treatment must be appropriate and proportionate and clinical decision-making, such as prescribing, should be based on both patient needs and sound medical evidence.
Lidocaine 5% medicated plasters are licensed for localised relief of post-shingles pain in adults. This is the patch's only licensed use in Ireland. It has been reimbursed in the community drug schemes since 2010.
Clinical concern arose when, from 2012 on, usage increased significantly, to the point where more plasters were being used in Ireland than in the entire UK National Health Service. In such situations, it is important and appropriate for clinicians to review usage and, in 2016, the HSE Medicines Management Programme (MMP) reviewed the use of the plasters. The review estimated that only 5-10% of prescribing was for the licensed indication.
From September 2017, following the clinical review, the HSE introduced a new reimbursement approval system for the patches, to support appropriate use and patient care. Under these arrangements, the patient's GP or consultant applies to the MMP for reimbursement approval on behalf of the patient. If an application is refused, the clinician may submit an appeal to the MMP, making a clear clinical case for the patient. Information for patients and practitioners is on the HSE MMP website at: hse.ie/yourmedicines.
The outcome of an application or an appeal for reimbursement of lidocaine patches is a matter between the MMP and the treating clinician. The Deputy will appreciate that, as Minister for Health, I cannot intervene in individual cases.
The decision to introduce a new reimbursement approval process is a matter for the HSE. However, I fully support the objectives of the HSE Medicines Management Programme.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (410)
Mick Wallace
Question:410. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious financial problems experienced by a service (details supplied); if his attention has been further drawn to the fact the HSE has not honoured an agreement made in 2016 on a core deficit for ongoing services the service was providing without funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47963/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Trade Union Membership
Questions (411)
Shane Cassells
Question:411. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the situation regarding the continued refusal of the HSE to facilitate payroll deductions of union subscriptions for new members of a trade union (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47970/18]
View answerWritten answers
SIPTU is recognised by the HSE and has negotiating rights for ambulance grades employed by the Executive. As a result, the HSE deducts subscriptions at source for those ambulance staff that are members of that union.
However, the National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA) is not recognised by the HSE and, therefore, does not have negotiating rights. Whilst individuals have a right to membership of any trade union, if they choose to join an association which is not recognised by their employer, such membership is not facilitated by their employer. This means that the HSE does not facilitate deduction of union subscriptions for this particular Association.
Services for People with Disabilities
Questions (412)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:412. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if an interim child psychologist has been appointed to the south Kildare disability network team to replace the senior child psychologist that is on maternity leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47978/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Data
Questions (413)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:413. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of women here diagnosed with endometriosis by county and the stages of the disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47982/18]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Home Care Packages Provision
Questions (414)
Seán Fleming
Question:414. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if the full number of approved homecare hours will be implemented each day for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47986/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Rare Diseases Strategy Implementation
Questions (415)
James Browne
Question:415. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of the 48 recommendations of the national rare disease plan 2014-2018 that have been implemented; the recommendations that have not been implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47995/18]
View answerWritten answers
In 2017, the Department published a progress report on the National Rare Disease Plan and this is available on the Department’s website at: http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/interim-report-on-national-rare-disease-plan-for-ireland-2014-2018/. It provides an update on all 48 recommendations as outlined in the Plan and progress achieved.
One of the principal recommendations in the Plan was the establishment of a National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases which is responsible for assisting with mapping and developing care pathways for rare diseases; facilitating timely access to centres of expertise, nationally and internationally; and developing care pathways with European Reference Centres for those ultra-rare disorders where there may not be sufficient expertise in Ireland.
In line with the National Rare Diseases Plan, the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases and the Department of Health encouraged designated centres of expertise in Ireland to apply for membership of European Reference Networks (ERNs) during the first round of calls from the European Commission for participation in ERNs. Membership of ERNs will bring opportunities for engaging in research relating to Rare Diseases in keeping with the National Rare Diseases Plan. Further centres are expected to apply for membership or affiliated membership of ERNs when the next call takes place.
The establishment of a National Rare Disease Office (NRDO) featured prominently in the recommendations of the Rare Disease plan. The office provides current and reliable information about rare diseases to the general public, health care professionals, researchers and policy makers. The National Rare Diseases Office is responsible for updating Orphanet Ireland. Orphanet is the international rare disease reference and information portal funded by the EU. The office also manages the National Rare Diseases Information Line (a Freephone service) and provides online information about rare diseases on http://www.rarediseases.ie/.
A number of recommendations about access to appropriate drugs and technologies were contained in the plan. One chief recommendation in this regard refers to the HSE developing a Working Group to bring forward appropriate decision criteria for the reimbursement of orphan medicines and technologies; and that the approach should include an assessment system similar to that for cancer therapies established under the National Cancer Control Programme. The HSE Acute Hospitals Division has developed the terms of reference, required membership and reporting relationship for this committee and Dr Michael Barry has been appointed as committee chairperson. A first meeting has taken place and membership of the Committee includes two public/patient representatives from a selected panel of three. The Rare Diseases Medicinal Products/Technology Review Committee is responsible for:
1. Reviewing proposals received from industry or expert groups in Ireland for funding of new products for rare diseases, or expanded indications for existing products for rare diseases and making recommendations as to the implementation of the relevant recommendations from the National Rare Diseases Plan 2011-2018; and
2. Providing contributions to the development of clinical guidelines for relevant Orphan Medicinal Products (OMPs) and supporting the implementation of guidelines in conjunction with the National Drugs Management Programme Office where applicable.
This Committee will also be supported by the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases Clinical Advisory Group.
The national plan for rare diseases recommended that the Health Identifiers Bill and the Health & Patient Safety Bill be published. The former was published in 2013 and enacted in 2014. The Individual Health Identifier part of the project is now being implemented by the HSE. The Patient Safety Bill 2018 is available on the Department’s website: https://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/general-scheme-patient-safety-bill-5-july-2018/.
Two recommendations referred to training in rare diseases for healthcare professionals. The Department of Health has contacted formally the various healthcare representative and professional bodies about implementing these recommendations. The National Rare Diseases Office developed eLearning modules for healthcare professionals. These modules are available on: http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/5/rarediseases/healthcareprofessionals.html.
The issue of rare diseases and of the creation of an all-island patient register has been raised in the context of on-going discussions at North-South meetings. It is also anticipated that the Model of Care for Rare Diseases will set out recommendations for rare disease registries. A public consultation was held on the Draft Model of Care, the results of which are currently under consideration.
The National Clinical Programme has developed a Model of Care for Transition from Paediatric to Adult Healthcare Providers in Rare Diseases. This has been now finalised and approved by the Clinical Advisory Group.
The National Rare Disease Plan continues to be implemented. It recommended that an Oversight Implementation Group of relevant stakeholders, including patients' groups, be established to oversee and monitor implementation of the plan’s recommendations. This group was established by the Department of Health in 2015 and has met on a number of occasions.
While the current National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland will continue to be implemented, as part of its Work Programme for 2019 my Department is considering how best to take forward the next phase of the Plan.
Rare Diseases
Questions (416)
James Browne
Question:416. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of times the rare disease technology review committee has met; the name of each member; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47996/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Rare Diseases
Questions (417)
James Browne
Question:417. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of drugs considered by the rare disease technology review committee; the names of the drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47997/18]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Paediatric Services
Questions (418, 419)
James Browne
Question:418. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an appointment with a genetic consultant here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47998/18]
View answerJames Browne
Question:419. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an appointment with a genetic counsellor here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47999/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 418 and 419 together.
Children's Hospital Group (CHG) advise that Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin (OLCHC) holds the Genetic Counsellor and Consultant waiting lists for patients referred by a clinician to OLCHC and Temple Street Children's University Hospital (TSCUH). I am advised that the waiting list for Genetic Counsellor as of the 20th of November stands at 1,276. The majority of these patients are adults (over 80% are adult patients).
The number of children (only) awaiting an appointment for a Genetic Consultant is 1,450 as of the 20th of November.
Medicinal Products
Questions (420)
James Browne
Question:420. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of times he has met with pharmaceutical companies in a dialogue on access to new medicines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48000/18]
View answerWritten answers
I am keen to engage with industry and to explore ways in which new medicines might be more easily introduced in Ireland. However, any innovative approaches that may be tabled must be compatible with the statutory provisions which are in place and must also recognise the context of finite Exchequer resources.
A recent bi-annual meeting was held between the Department of Health and the Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Association and this proposed dialogue was discussed. It is envisioned that this will take the form of a structured platform of engagement, building a stronger partnership between the State and industry to create better patient access to new treatments.
In November 2015, an Open Policy Forum in relation to access to new medicines took place between the Department of Health, the Department of Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform and the Irish Healthcare Pharmaceutical Association.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Questions (421)
James Browne
Question:421. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the names and titles of those on the HSE national drugs committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48001/18]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Home Services
Questions (422)
Mattie McGrath
Question:422. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of dementia-specific nursing homes in County Tipperary that have the ability to cater for patients with dementia; the number of nursing homes in County Tipperary not in a position to cater for patients with dementia; his plans to increase the number of residential beds available in County Tipperary for persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48005/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Homeless Persons Supports
Questions (423)
Clare Daly
Question:423. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the action he has taken further to being informed of the imminent eviction of a person (details supplied) from a service into the general homeless provision despite the person's extensive list of disabilities and mental health issues. [48011/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Emergency Departments Data
Questions (424)
Seán Fleming
Question:424. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances at each accident and emergency department in hospitals throughout the country in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48025/18]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Birth Data
Questions (425)
Seán Fleming
Question:425. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of births in each hospital in each of the years 2014 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48026/18]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.