Written Answers Nos. 404-425
404. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number, in tabular form, of patients to date in 2018 in each acute hospital who have waited more than 48 hours in an emergency department prior to being admitted to a ward. [50661/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
405. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients in each relevant hospital who have been waiting more than two years for an outpatient appointment; and the number of patients in each who have been waiting more than three years for an outpatient appointment, in tabular form. [50662/18]
View answerImproving access to hospital treatment is a key priority for government. Each year, 3.3 million patients attend Hospital Outpatient clinics for appointments. While the total numbers on the outpatient waiting list continues to grow, a targeted approach by the HSE in late 2017 and into 2018 has impacted on the level of growth. From January to September 2018, the rate of growth of the outpatient waiting list was a quarter of what it was in the same period in 2017.
This year €55 million was allocated to the NTPF to provide treatment for patients. This has been increased to a total of €75 million for 2019 and as a result of this additional funding, my Department is working closely with the NTPF and the HSE to finalise a Scheduled Care Access Plan for inpatients/day case and outpatients for 2019.
I recently met with the CEOs of all hospital groups and requested that they develop innovative proposals to address their outpatient lists in 2019.
In 2019, the NTPF will continue to work closely with Hospital Groups, inviting proposals to facilitate the trialling of funded interventions, including weekend and out of hours clinics, to tackle Outpatient Waiting lists. This year has seen the NTPF approve almost 12,700 additional first-time outpatient appointments and this is projected to increase to 40,000 appointments next year. In addition, validation will play a key in ensuring the accuracy of the outpatient waiting list, and it is envisioned that 30,000 patients will be removed from the outpatient waiting list through the validation consultation process in 2019.
The data sought by the Deputy is contained at the following link.
406. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [50664/18]
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.
407. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has funding to purchase an upright MRI machine for patients with Ehlers–Danlos syndrome, EDS, in view of the fact upright MRIs have proven to be more beneficial for those diagnosed with EDS; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50669/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
408. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if all radiologists here are receiving up to date training on identifying Ehlers–Danlos syndrome in patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50670/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
409. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting to access autism services (details supplied); the average time a person is waiting to access these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50673/18]
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.
410. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a stoma reversal surgery for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [50675/18]
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.
411. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if all sections of the Health Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods Act 2013 have been commenced; if not, when remaining sections will be commenced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50679/18]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that all sections of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 have been commenced. Information on Acts of the Oireachtas, including commencement orders and statutory instruments, are available online at: irishstatutebook.ie.
412. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of births in maternity hospitals nationally and in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, respectively, in each of the years from 2000 to 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50685/18]
View answerI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
413. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a child (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50690/18]
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.
414. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health his views on the concerns being raised on the use of MAGEC rods for patients who have undergone operations for scoliosis; if there is a formal tracking register for patients who have had MAGEC rod implants; his plans to respond to the concerns being expressed about these; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50738/18]
View answerThe NuVasive MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is a CE-marked medical device and, as such, it has been assessed by an EU-based notified body as complying with the safety and performance requirements of the EU medical device Directives. Certification to the EU legislation necessitates that any clinical risks associated with a device are mitigated and reduced as far as possible, and that all risks cumulatively are acceptable when weighed against the clinical benefit. It is important to note that the MAGEC system has also been assessed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK as an effective surgical treatment option for scoliosis, where other treatments such as casting or bracing have failed or are not suitable.
Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin (OLCHC) has confirmed that these devices are only used in children with progressive scoliosis who are too young to undergo a full spinal fusion and who need a growing system to help straighten the spine but still allow growth. When a child receives their MAGEC Rods, they continue to attend a dedicated OLCHC outpatient clinic which ensures monitoring and adjustments to the rods while the child continues to grow.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is the competent authority for the regulation of medicines and medical devices in Ireland. The Agency has confirmed that it has not received any reported safety incidents from the Irish market in relation to the MAGEC system). However, the HPRA is aware of concerns raised in relation to this device and is currently conducting a market surveillance review in relation to the product. The outcome of this market surveillance will be communicated when available.
The HPRA’s primary function with regard to the regulation of devices is in post-market surveillance. The HPRA does not maintain a register of devices implanted in people in Ireland. However, orthopaedic surgeons at OLCHC have advocated for the development of a national Spinal Register, and the Children’s Hospital Group has undertaken to progress such a Register and to ensure that it is adequately resourced. While this is happening, the hospital will continue to monitor patients and audit their ongoing care, documenting any problems that arise.
The medical device legislation requires that a certain amount of information is made available with the device relating to its intended purpose, and that as far as practicable and appropriate the information needed to use the device safely must be provided with the device on the packaging or by a leaflet setting out use instructions and side-effects.
New EU Medical Device Regulation will be implemented over the coming years and will enhance and reinforce the existing regulatory system.
415. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatrists employed by the HSE in County Tipperary in the provision of mental health services, by grade and qualifications; if all positions are filled and being actively worked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50740/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
416. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed by the HSE in County Tipperary; if all positions are filled and being actively worked; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50741/18]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
417. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appointment and follow-up service from the child and adolescent mental health services will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50746/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
418. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appointment and service from the network disability team will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50747/18]
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.
419. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if home help assistance will be provided for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50749/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
420. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [50761/18]
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.
421. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application made by a person (details supplied) on 19 September 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50766/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
422. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the methodology used to calculate block allocations of funding to each community healthcare organisation area for the provision of home care packages; if age profile, social deprivation rates and so on are included in the calculation of this allocation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50809/18]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
423. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number, location and speciality of all clinical directors in the health service; the number of vacant posts; the recruitment process for the filling of clinical director posts generally; and the arrangements for the advertisement of these posts. [50810/18]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
424. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on the rising rates of HIV transmission in 2018; if further investment in testing services will take place in response to this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50815/18]
View answerThe HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre advises that the weekly HIV notification reports for 2018 are provisional. I remain concerned about these provisional figures that show a rise in HIV infection.
The HIV Annual Report for 2017 from the Centre was recently published. It is the latest annual trend data for HIV in Ireland. The report referred to 492 new diagnoses of HIV in Ireland in 2017, a rate of 10.3 per 100,000 population, representing a slight (2%) decrease between 2016 and 2017.
When those with a previous HIV diagnosis abroad were excluded, the number of new diagnoses decreased by 4% in 2017 compared to 2016.
The HIV Annual Report for 2017 referred to 223,609 HIV tests carried out in 13 laboratories in Ireland, giving a testing rate of 47.0 per 1,000 population. This compares to 40.5 per 1,000 in 2016 with data being provided by an extra laboratory in 2017.
HIV testing is available in Ireland through a variety of services, such as opt-out antenatal and sexual health services, emergency departments, NGO’s, drug and homeless services and primary care.
Over the past 2 years, community HIV testing is expanding, in order to reach those most at risk of HIV and identify those living with undiagnosed HIV. The KnowNow community HIV testing model has expanded since the pilot in 2016, and organisations in Dublin, Cork, Limerick and Galway have been funded to provide community HIV testing to populations at higher risk for HIV, such as Men who have Sex with Men (MSM) and migrants.
The HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme have a multi-faceted communications approach in response to the rise in HIV notifications. This includes the development and implementation of national campaigns such as Respectprotect on Twitter for young audiences 18-30 years and the Man2Man (.ie) website for MSM.
Finally, the website sexualwellbeing (.ie) was launched in April 2018. This website aims to be the trusted source of information on sexual health and wellbeing in Ireland. The website speaks to all people living in Ireland, regardless of their sexual orientation or age/ stage of adult life.
425. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the persons or bodies his Department and the HSE met to construct the winter plan for the health service; and the reason it has not been published despite it being deep into winter. [50816/18]
View answerWhile the HSE intend to publish the winter plan on 6 December, significant elements of the Plan are already underway. This includes the roll out of increased home support packages to help people to return from hospital to their homes as soon as possible with the supports they need.
My Department has engaged extensively with the HSE throughout the year to ensure the most effective response to the challenges faced by our hospital system in the provision of unscheduled care this winter.
In the first instance, the HSE carried out a review of unscheduled care performance during Winter 2017/18 to assess what worked well and highlight areas for improvement to inform the planning process for the winter ahead. As part of the review, the HSE convened a joint lessons learned session on 17 April attended by members of the HSE Leadership Team, relevant representation from associated divisions and programmes and officials from my Department.
The HSE then requested singular integrated winter plans from Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations in June 2018 and held review meetings with the Hospital Group CEOs and the associated Community Health Care Organisation to formally assess the plans against guidance issued.
I subsequently held meetings with Hospital Groups and Community Health Care Organisations to discuss their plans for winter preparedness during September and October. These meetings were attended by officials in my Department and senior management in the HSE.
Along with officials in my Department, I participated in meetings of the Emergency Department Task Force (EDTF) during the year, which had an ongoing focus on winter planning. I also attended the EDTF Unscheduled Care Forum on 4 September, which gathered a wide range of stakeholders from the Irish health system to provide perspectives from the frontline on initiatives to improve patient experience and overall system performance. These initiatives informed the winter planning process.
The EDTF endorsed the Winter Plan on 28 November, which is now in place and covers the period 1 December 2018 to 31 March 2019.
I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly about their engagement with other bodies in the winter planning process.
