Michael Healy-Rae
Question:116. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons as of 1 December 2018 waiting for orthopaedic surgeries in UHK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52521/18]
View answerHospital Waiting Lists Data
Questions (116)
Written answers
Improving access to hospital treatment is a key priority for government. This year €55 million was allocated to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (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.
Waiting list figures are published by the NTPF on their website www.ntpf.ie. Figures for October 2018 show that the number of patients waiting for an Inpatient or Daycase procedures has fallen to 72,000 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 2019, the NTPF and the HSE will continue to work closely with Hospital Groups, inviting proposals to improve access for patients waiting for either Inpatient/Daycase or Outpatient procedures.
According to the latest NTPF figures, there are 177 patients on the Orthopaedic waiting list in UHK, and of these 76% (134) are waiting 6 months or less, 98.8% are waiting 9 months or less and 2 patients are waiting longer than 12 months.
The information requested by the Deputy is set out in the following table.
IPDC Orthopaedic Waiting List – University Hospital Kerry
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
Total |
|
67 |
67 |
41 |
0 |
2 |
177 |
Health Services Staff
Questions (117)
Catherine Murphy
Question:117. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Questions Nos. 444 and 452 of 27 February 2018 and the deferred reply from the HSE, the number of office staff and the number of trained medical staff that have availed of the shorter working hours scheme by hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52525/18]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (118, 119, 120, 121, 122)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:118. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters (details supplied) regarding the HPV vaccine will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52526/18]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:119. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters (details supplied) regarding the HPV vaccine will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52529/18]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:120. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters (details supplied) regarding the HPV vaccine will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52530/18]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:121. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters (details supplied) regarding the HPV vaccine will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52531/18]
View answerMichael Healy-Rae
Question:122. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if matters (details supplied) regarding the HPV vaccine will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52532/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 118 to 122, inclusive, together.
The Health Service Executive is committed to providing accurate information for parents about diseases, the vaccines to prevent them and potential side effects to allow them to choose whether or not to give consent to vaccination.
The HSE's National Immunisation Office has developed a comprehensive range of materials for parents, schools and medical practitioners as part of the immunisation programme. All the information provided to parents about vaccination takes into account the available licensed documentation for each vaccine, the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and Patient Information Leaflet (PIL).
The Patient Information Leaflet provides information on the vaccine, its uses and on any precautions that require advice from a healthcare professional before it is administered. Therefore, like other countries providing school immunisation programmes, the Patient Information Leaflet is replaced by an information leaflet which provides the same information on the potential side effects of the vaccine in a manner that ensures that it is easily understood.
The information is presented in clear and simple language which has been approved by the National Adult Literacy Agency, ensuring that it can be understood by all adults. The Health Information and Quality Authority guide ‘Communicating in plain English’ (2015), developed in partnership with NALA, states that “one in six people find reading and understanding everyday texts difficult: for example, reading a health leaflet, bus timetable or medicine instructions”.
Prior to all school immunisations, parents receive an information pack in a sealed package with an information leaflet, consent form and cover letter. The information packs for all immunisations are standardised nationally. The information booklets include information on all the known potential side effects that can occur after each vaccination (as is the case with the HPV vaccine, Gardasil). Parents are also given contact details for their local immunisation office and advised to speak to a member of the school immunisation team if they have any further questions.
It is not the case that parents are being denied the information on the Patient Information Leaflet. In fact, the HSE parent information leaflet refers parents to the HPV website (hpv.ie) where links to additional information including the licensing documentation, the Summary of Products Characteristics and the Patient Information Leaflet for each vaccine can be found. The HPV website has been endorsed by the World Health Organisation.
While no medicine (including vaccines) is entirely without risk, the safety profile of Gardasil has been continuously monitored since it was first authorised in September 2006 both nationally and at EU level.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland. The HPRA operates a national adverse reaction reporting system, which members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to submit any suspected adverse reactions through this system. All Reports received by the HPRA are routinely transmitted to the European Medicines Agency's adverse reaction database for inclusion in global signal detection and monitoring activities.
The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) continually monitor adverse events to vaccination. Gardasil is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products. The vast majority of reports received by the HPRA have been consistent with the expected pattern of short term adverse side effects for the vaccine, as described in the product information. The most frequently reported side effects are local redness and /or swelling at the point of injection and fever. These are usually mild and temporary reactions to any kind of vaccination. Fainting has occurred after vaccination with Gardasil, especially in adolescents. Mild and temporary reactions to any kind of vaccination are not unusual.
It is important to reiterate that all medicines, including vaccines are subject to on-going review and evaluation of all available data from a range of sources, including systematic scientific literature review, to consider any impact that their data may have on the overall assessment of the benefits and risks of a medicinal product. Taking into account the totality of the available information, the benefits of the HPV vaccines continue to outweigh their risks. The safety of these vaccines continues to be monitored at EU level through the EMA and its expert committees, which includes representatives from member state competent authorities such as the HPRA.
I would also like to reassure anyone who is suffering ill health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms. As there is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term illnesses, the HPV vaccine cannot be held responsible for these illnesses.
I would urge any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination to engage with your family doctor, or alternatively to visit the HPV website.
General Practitioner Services Provision
Questions (123)
Bobby Aylward
Question:123. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the impending retirements of general practitioners at medical centres (details supplied); his plans to ensure that services do not diminish due to possible delays in securing replacement general practitioners; his plans to ensure the recruitment campaign for these specific medical centres is adequate in securing the services required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52537/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
Questions (124)
James Browne
Question:124. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if an application by an organisation (details supplied) for increased funding will be considered based on its increased caseload of psychotherapy in the instances of bereaved children; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the charity provides a service with most referrals originating from hospitals here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52539/18]
View answerWritten answers
There is no specific funding made available directly by the Department of Health to voluntary organisations. Health specific grants are usually provided through the HSE or other lead agencies. In the case of this organisation, I understand that funding is provided by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, and so is a matter for my colleague the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs, Katherine Zappone, T.D.
Maternity Services Provision
Questions (125)
Róisín Shortall
Question:125. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 406 of 2 October 2018, the parties involved in the discussions regarding the draft legal framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52551/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Government remains committed to the National Maternity Hospital relocation project, which involves the development of a new maternity hospital on the campus of St Vincent’s University Hospital at Elm Park. My Department is currently engaging with the National Maternity Hospital and the St Vincent’s Healthcare Group in relation to the legal framework required to protect the State's investment in the new hospital. The proposals will require consideration by Government before they are finalised.
Health Services Funding
Questions (126)
Lisa Chambers
Question:126. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the level of funding made available for the treatment and research of motor neurone disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52555/18]
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 Funding
Questions (127, 128, 129)
Lisa Chambers
Question:127. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the level of funding made available for the treatment and research for neurological services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52556/18]
View answerLisa Chambers
Question:128. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of patients here with a neurological disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52557/18]
View answerLisa Chambers
Question:129. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure the best possible care for patients with a neurological disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52558/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 127 to 129, inclusive, together.
The National Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy, published in 2011, made a number of recommendations in respect of services for people with rehabilitation needs, including clinical, therapeutic, social, vocational and community supports. Since then the HSE established a Rehabilitation Medicine Programme which aims to ensure the optimal care pathway for different clinical needs.
This Programme provides a national, strategic, and coordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services and includes the standardisation of access to and delivery of high quality, safe and efficient hospital services nationally as well as better linkages with primary care services. The scope of the Programme covers the whole of the patient journey from self-management and prevention through to primary, secondary and tertiary care.
The Model of Care for Neurology was launched by the HSE in late 2016. This was developed by the HSE’s National Clinical Programme for Neurology in collaboration with consultants, nurses, health and social care professionals and patient support groups. It aims to address the need for strategic development of neurology services in the provision of better care for these patients.
In 2018 a number of significant investments were made for the diagnosis and treatment of a number of neurology related conditions. This year, funding has been allocated by the HSE to commence development of peri- and post-operative services to support patients receiving Deep Brain Stimulation. Also, additional funding has been allocated to further develop the national narcolepsy services, in particular the transition of adolescents from Children's University Hospital to St. James's Hospital.
Other improvements across neurology services include the development of nurse led clinics, condition specific outpatient clinics and the development of links across specialties including stroke, old age medicine and genetics.
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for all people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in assessing 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 and is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
I have also asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Questions (130)
Lisa Chambers
Question:130. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans to recruit more nurses for an association (details supplied); if not, the reason therefore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52559/18]
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.
Hospitals Capital Programme
Questions (131)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Question:131. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if the capital submission request from the HSE in respect of the upgrade of St. Patrick’s Community Hospital, Fermoy, County Cork has been approved. [52563/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management and maintenance of healthcare infrastructure, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (132)
Seán Fleming
Question:132. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who has been waiting three years and five months for an appointment in the Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, County Laois, will receive same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52564/18]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Trade Union Recognition
Questions (133, 134)
Bríd Smith
Question:133. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the decision of the HSE to refuse to recognise a trade union that represents ambulance drivers will result in industrial action by those workers; his plans to deal with such a dispute; the effects this will have on hospital services nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52565/18]
View answerBríd Smith
Question:134. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be instructed to recognise the union chosen by workers in the ambulance service to represent them; if the decision to withdraw from cooperation with this union was notified to him by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52566/18]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 133 and 134 together.
I understand that the HSE has received a series of formal notifications from the General Secretary of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA), advising that the PNA ambulance personnel members are taking industrial action. Phase 1 of the industrial action commenced on 10 October 2018 and phase 2 followed on 7 November 2018. A letter dated 28 November 2018 advised that whilst Phase 1 will continue, Phase 2 of the action is suspended with immediate effect. It also informed the HSE that NASRA members will engage in strike action on Wednesday 19 December 2018. I am pleased to advise that the PNA have, today, further advised that this strike action has been deferred to late January 2019.
The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA), which is affiliated with the PNA, is a group which is not recognised by the HSE and therefore does not have negotiating rights. The PNA do not have negotiating rights for ambulance personnel. As a non ICTU affiliated union, the PNA have negotiating rights for nurses working in psychiatry and intellectual disability sectors. The union which is recognised by the HSE for ambulance grades is SIPTU.
The NAS are monitoring the situation closely and are currently working on contingency plans to be put in place to minimise any disruption that may arise in January to ensure that patient safety is not compromised. I am clear that industrial action is never the solution to industrial relations issues. The interests of patients are always best served through negotiation and by avoiding any such action.
Hospital Staff
Questions (135)
Louise O'Reilly
Question:135. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on reports that Cork University Hospital has only one medical registrar at night due to staff shortages and that the hospital cannot procure a replacement. [52571/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible
Ambulance Service Provision
Questions (136)
Brendan Smith
Question:136. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional resources will be provided for the National Ambulance Service in the north-east region with particular reference to the urgent need to upgrade the services in counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52573/18]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (137)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:137. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of a ward (details supplied); if funding has been released to recruit the staff required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52584/18]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy will be aware, hospitals are increasingly operating at or above capacity, with year-round demand pressures that are further challenged over the winter months. It is against this background that the Health Service Capacity Review 2018 recommended an increase in acute hospitals beds of over 2,600 by 2031 to support the projected increase in demand for services in the years ahead.
Increasing capacity is therefore a priority for the Government. Over the past 12 months, an additional 240 beds have been opened and a further 78 additional beds are planned for early 2019.
The Winter Plan 2018/19, which was published on 6 December, will also seek to increase capacity and my Department is currently in discussions with the HSE, in the context of the National Service Plan 2019, to identify the sites for investment and the associated number of beds, as part of an agreed capacity programme for 2019. The question of increasing bed capacity in Letterkenny University Hospital will be considered as part of this process.
Health Services Provision
Questions (138)
Brendan Smith
Question:138. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure additional resources are provided for orthopaedic assessment and procedures in the north east, in particular in counties Cavan and Monaghan, in view of the long delays for persons accessing such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52586/18]
View answerWritten answers
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Motorised Transport Grant
Questions (139)
Charlie McConalogue
Question:139. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the replacement schemes for the motorised transport scheme and the mobility allowance; when he plans to announce the details of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52590/18]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme towards the end of the last Dáil session. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at the time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period, was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
Health Services Funding
Questions (140)
John Brassil
Question:140. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if the funding requirement for an association (details supplied) for 2019 will be fully met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52595/18]
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.