Tuesday, 4 Dec 2018

Written Answers Nos. 316-337

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Questions (316)

Patrick O'Donovan

Question:

316. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding orthotics. [50174/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (317)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

317. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be accepted for a home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50176/18]

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.

Home Care Packages Data

Questions (318)

Fiona O'Loughlin

Question:

318. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the number of additional home care packages that will be granted in County Kildare in 2018; and the number of places that will be available in 2019. [50177/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Following the recent Budget announcement, the HSE and officials from the Department of Health are in 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.

Regarding Home Support Services delivered in 2018, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (319)

Charlie McConalogue

Question:

319. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when clients of a hospital (details supplied) will be moved to a community setting; the long-term plans for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50183/18]

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.

The Department of Health is also responsible for the development of policy on, and oversight of, the provisions of specialist health and personal social services for people with disability, including the reform programme for health funded specialist disability services.

Transforming Lives is the programme to implement the recommendations of the Value for Money and Policy Review of Disability Services. The Review is a multi-year project which is resulting in very significant changes to the way in which services and supports for people with disabilities are delivered in moving away from institutional models of care and service delivery to community based, person centred, models of service. The implementation of the recommendations in the VFM Review continues to be a priority in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2018.

The Report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” proposes a new model of support in the community moving people from Congregated settings to the community in line with Government policy.

The Programme for Partnership Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. The objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings.

At the end of December 2017, there were less than 2,400 people with a disability living in congregated settings. The HSE has prioritised the transition of 170 people from congregated settings in 2018 under its Service Plan. The HSE has established a subgroup, under the Value for Money Steering Group, which is developing an implementation plan for moving people from institutions that will be rolled out at a regional and local level, in full consultation with residents and their families.

To ensure that the needs of people transitioning from congregated settings are fully taken into account during the process, the model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan (PCP). The PCP may change over time in line with an individual’s needs and circumstances and the model of service delivery applicable at a particular time.

As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations on "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have arranged for the specific issues raised in the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (320)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

320. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50187/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (321)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50188/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. v 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.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (322)

Aindrias Moynihan

Question:

322. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the proposed changes in the fair deal scheme outlined in the media in February 2018 will be implemented as part of budget 2019; the full extent of these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50194/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions from farm assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. My Department is working on the development of draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.

It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.

A draft General Scheme of a Bill is currently with legal advisers for advice and legal quality control review. Subject to legal advice, I expect to bring the bill to Government in the coming months.

The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process.

Hospitals Data

Questions (323)

David Cullinane

Question:

323. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients at University Hospital Waterford who have been recalled for a medical test due to an issue with their original test, by medical test, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50197/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Health Services Provision

Questions (324)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

324. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the discussions he has had with the Minister for Justice and Equality or the Reception and Integration Agency regarding the need for healthcare resources and supports in County Donegal for proposed direct provision centres to be located there; his plans to ensure the health needs of the residents will be met; the additional health services which will be made available to support residents and local communities in which such facilities are planned; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50199/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Reception & Integration Agency in the Department of Justice and Equality is responsible for the provision of accommodation for protection applicants while they await a decision on their claim for international protection. Accommodation is offered to applicants while their protection claim is being processed. Services for persons seeking protection (those in RIA provided accommodation or those who live in the community) are delivered under the Government policies of direct provision and dispersal. The system means that State services are delivered directly to protection applicants through the relevant Government department or agency.

The Department of Health works closely with the HSE to identify measures to address the immediate health needs of persons seeking protection. The HSE provides access to medical services through the established GP and hospital systems. Protection applicants who are resident in RIA accommodation generally qualify for medical cards and are exempt from prescription fees.

I understand the HSE in Donegal has been notified by the Reception and Integration Agency about the opening of the direct provision centre and is examining how best to meet the health needs of the residents when they arrive.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (325)

Mary Butler

Question:

325. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for pain management at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50207/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Home Care Packages Provision

Questions (326)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

326. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not been provided with adequate home care in order to live independently at home; and when the person will be provided with the requisite home care. [50216/18]

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.

Hospital Staff Data

Questions (327)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

327. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant doctor vacancies in hospitals nationally by hospital and speciality in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50217/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Hospital Staff Data

Questions (328)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

328. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of nurse vacancies in hospitals nationally by hospital in tabular form. [50218/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Health Services Data

Questions (329, 330)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

329. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of developmental examinations carried out on babies in age ranges (details supplied) in 2016, 2017 and to date 2018, in tabular form. [50219/18]

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

330. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there have been difficulties in ensuring that all babies receive their developmental examinations at age ranges (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50220/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 329 and 330 together.

As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Health Services Funding

Questions (331)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

331. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to claims made by interviewees in a report (details supplied) that the HSE compelled organisations to sign service arrangements on the basis of known but formally unrecorded deficits; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50221/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Section 39 of the Health Act is the legal framework under which the HSE provides grant funding to agencies. The HSE has a Service Agreement (SA) with such organisations, which sets out the resources being provided, the outputs to be achieved, arrangements for the drawdown of funding, the nature of the review of performance and Assurance and governance requirements.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.

Health Services Reports

Questions (332)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

332. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50222/18]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I am aware of the recent publication of the Report, referred to by the Deputy. I facilitated a request to meet with Rehab and I am considering the contents of the Report.

Health Services Data

Questions (333)

Clare Daly

Question:

333. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) captures and records referral data on the children it assesses, including the source of report; and if so, the number of children for whom the source of report was Tusla since 2013. [50234/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

General Practitioner Services

Questions (334)

Brendan Smith

Question:

334. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to adequately resource general practice and to put in place a new contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50241/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Department and HSE recommenced engagement with the Irish Medical Organisation in early October on a package of measures comprising service improvements and contractual modernisation and reform.

The goal is to develop a contractual framework that has a population health focus, providing in particular for health promotion, disease prevention and for the structured care of chronic conditions. This will enable general practitioners to better meet the needs of patients and will also promote general practice as a viable and rewarding career for both existing doctors and future medical graduates.

Agreement on the delivery of these service improvements and contractual reforms has the potential to facilitate a substantial increase in the resourcing of general practice on a multiannual basis.

In line with the long established approach to such processes, and by agreement of the parties concerned, I am not in a position to give further details at this stage.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (335)

Bríd Smith

Question:

335. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he or his officials will meet with representatives of a group (details supplied) to discuss its concerns about the resources available to meet its needs and the allocation of resources specifically by an organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50243/18]

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.

Health Services Data

Questions (336)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

336. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the spend on agency staff in the health service in each of the years 2010 to 2017 and to date in 2018, by occupation, hospital and community healthcare organisation, CHO, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50245/18]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (337)

Robert Troy

Question:

337. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided to a facility (details supplied) to protect the level of service. [50255/18]

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.