Written Answers Nos. 155-174
155. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the statistics in relation to elective admissions and procedures which have been cancelled to date as part of the winter plan 2018 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2131/19]
View answer159. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the additional diagnostic investigations that have been made available to general practitioners as outlined in the winter plan 2018 to 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2135/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 155 and 159 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, the Winter Plan came into effect on 1 December 2018 and will continue until 31 March 2019. The Plan seeks to ensure that the health system is as prepared as possible for the increase in demand on services over the coming months, within existing capacity and financial parameters.
Key actions are now underway, as part of the Winter Plan, and a €30 million investment has been made in improving services for patients during this period of peak demand to include: the opening of additional beds, the use of private hospital capacity, frailty intervention teams in Emergency Departments, additional homecare packages and transitional care beds along with additional diagnostics in hospitals and for GPs.
In addition, the NTPF has established a fund of €1m which will support the HSE Winter plans with a focus on increasing access to diagnostics in both private facilities and in-house. To date, out of 5,000 vouchers, the NTPF has issued 2,300 vouchers to Emergency Departments to provide patients with access to diagnostics.
In relation to the specific query regarding additional diagnostics made available to GPs under the winter plan, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
156. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the number of additional cervical smears carried out to reassure women outside the normal cervical screening programme; the cost of the additional smears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2132/19]
View answerIn May, I made the decision to offer free out of cycle smears to any woman who was concerned about her health following issues which had emerged in relation to the CervicalCheck screening programme. This decision was made in good faith to address the considerable fears of the many anxious women in Ireland as a result of the issues that emerged in late April.
In regard to the specifics of the Deputy's question, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
157. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the type and location of the extra beds added to the health service in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2133/19]
View answer158. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the type and location of beds he plans to open during the course of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2134/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 157 and 158 together.
As Minister for Health, I recognise that 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 as outlined in the following table:
|
Hospital Group |
Hospital |
Type of bed |
Number of beds |
|
RCSI |
Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda |
Acute beds (part of new bed block) |
25 |
|
RCSI |
Beaumont Hospital |
Acute beds |
20 |
|
Dublin Midlands |
St James’ Hospital |
Acute beds |
23 |
|
Dublin Midlands |
Naas General Hospital |
Acute beds |
11 |
|
Ireland East |
The Mater Hospital |
Acute beds |
24 |
|
Saolta |
Galway University Hospital |
Acute beds |
28 |
|
UL |
Limerick University Hospital |
Short Stay beds |
17 |
|
Ireland East HG |
St Vincent’s Hospital |
Acute beds |
22 |
|
Ireland East HG |
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
HDU beds |
2 |
|
Ireland East HG |
St Luke’s Hospital Kilkenny |
Acute beds |
14 |
|
RCSI HG |
Our Lady of Lourdes Drogheda |
Acute beds (part of new ward block) |
4 |
|
South South West HG |
Cork University Hospital |
Acute beds |
30 |
|
South South West HG |
Cork university hospital |
Critical Care beds |
2 |
|
South South West HG |
Waterford University Hospital |
Acute beds |
17 |
|
Ireland East |
The Mater Hospital |
ICU bed |
1 |
|
Total |
240 |
The HSE's National Service Plan for 2019 provides for a comprehensive capacity programme for 2019. The main elements of the programme are:
- 78 additional beds are scheduled to come on stream by the end of Quarter 1 of 2019, including the 40 bed modular build in South Tipperary General Hospital and the 30-bedded ward in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Drogheda;
- 75 acute beds and 70 community beds are scheduled to come on stream during 2019, as part of the Winter Plan 2018/19;
- Preparation of 202 beds, of which 16 are critical care, during 2019, with a view to bringing this extra capacity into operation in the first quarter of 2020.
In relation to the specific information sought on the location and type of beds planned for 2019, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
160. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 735 of 7 September 2018, the reason the reply provided by the HSE does not contain the requested information; when a satisfactory response to same will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2136/19]
View answerIn relation to the particular query raised, I have asked the HSE to ensure that a reply is provided to the Deputy.
161. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an application by a person (details supplied) for inclusion on the cross border scheme will be expedited. [2145/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
162. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 368 of 11 December 2018, the details of the pilot programme to be rolled out in CHO areas 6 and 7; the target group, that is, disabilities, ages, time since neuro trauma and so on; the type of service being delivered; and the goals of same. [2149/19]
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.
163. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that persons who are chronically neurodisabled but need ongoing input from various specialties are being pushed down the waiting lists for services while existing poorly resourced services are struggling to deliver the most basic services to the recently discharged neurodisabled. [2150/19]
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 a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
164. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when the psychology department at Beaumont Hospital (details supplied) will be moved from the prefab in which it has resided for many years into a permanent and appropriate building. [2151/19]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
165. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason persons with disabilities attending the psychology department in Beaumont Hospital must pay to park in a limited number of disabled parking spaces in a multi-storey carpark (details supplied). [2152/19]
View answerHospitals which charge parking fees are cognisant of the financial implications parking costs can have on patients and their families, particularly those with long-term illnesses. Some hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge, thus capping this expense. I understand that some hospitals also provide reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.
In March 2018, I requested the HSE to carry out a review of hospital car parking charges, with the aim of establishing clear national guidelines in this area. The review involved a wide range of stakeholders and took account of the views of patient advocacy groups, the income generated by charges and the impact of any reduction in car parking income on hospital services.
I met with HSE officials in October 2018 to discuss the progress of this review. I understand that this report is currently being finalised by the HSE and will be submitted for my consideration shortly. My Department will then liaise with the HSE on the next steps to be undertaken.
166. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when occupational therapy and child psychology services will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2154/19]
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.
167. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be provided with the early intervention service at a local primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2156/19]
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.
168. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the health capital projects being suspended, held back or postponed in view of the overrun of the budget for the national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2167/19]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is currently developing its Capital Plan for 2019. The requirements of the new children's hospital and other health capital projects, currently at various stages of development, are being considered as part of this process.
169. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure free access for women and unfettered access to clinics, hospitals and general practitioner surgeries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2168/19]
View answerI assume the Deputy is referring to safe access for people attending at health services for the purpose of accessing termination of pregnancy under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018.
It is my intention to introduce legislation to ensure safe access to premises in which termination of pregnancy services may be provided. The intention of the legislation would be to allow patients, service providers, healthcare staff and members of the public to enter such premises without fear of intimidation or harassment.
While it was originally intended to provide for such safe access in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018, a number of legal issues were identified during the drafting process. In order to allow full consideration of these issues, Government approved the drafting of a separate piece of legislation on safe access to health services.
Officials in my Department will work with the Office of the Attorney General on this legislation.
170. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the progress and timeline for the satellite national children’s hospital at Tallaght University Hospital. [2169/19]
View answerWorks at Tallaght are under way. The new decant & crèche building at Tallaght were completed in November 2018, allowing the OPD & Urgent Care Centre construction works to commence at the end of this month with a target handover date of July 2020.
171. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the details of the parking for the new national children's hospital to be located at St. James's Hospital. [2170/19]
View answerAccess to the children's hospital at the St James's campus is well served by public transport, however the plans and design for the hospital recognise the need of most families to access the hospital by car.
The plans for the hospital provide for 1,000 car parking spaces, of which 675 will be dedicated for use by families, three times the number of spaces currently available at the three Dublin children's hospitals combined. The car park will be located in the basement of the new children’s hospital. Parents will be able to reserve their space ahead of arriving at the hospital.
The 1000 spaces also include 31 drop-off emergency spaces at ground level outside of the Emergency Department.
172. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an assessment and the operation needed for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; if urgent cases such as the case of same can be dealt with under the cross-border initiative; if so, if the HSE will make contact with the person to make the arrangements; the number of persons such as the one in question that were informed on 23 February 2018 that it would be 51 months plus before they would be seen; the steps being taken by him and the HSE to resolve this level of service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2182/19]
View answerReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government.
The patient may be eligible for treatment under the Cross Border Directive (CBD). The HSE operates the CBD in Ireland. Under the terms of the Directive, patients of an EU/EEA Member State who meet the necessary criteria may opt to avail of healthcare provided under the legislation of their Member State of affiliation in another EU/EEA Member State and be reimbursed the lesser of the cost of receiving the treatment abroad, or the cost in their own Member State. The HSE provides information for patients on the CBD on its website which can be accessed at http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes and also by phone at 056 7784551.
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.
In respect to the particular patient query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
173. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of home care packages being provided in each CHO area; the reason funding allocated for this purpose is not aligned with demand; the steps he is taking to ensure adequate funding is provided in 2019 to address the waiting lists for the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2185/19]
View answerImproving access to home support has been a priority for Government. Over the past four years we have seen a considerable increase of nearly €140 million in the budget which has grown from €306 million in 2015 to almost €446 million this year. This includes additional funding provided as part of Winter Planning 2018/2019.
The HSE’s National Service Plan sets a target that over 53,000 people will receive more than 18 million home support hours this year. This will assist older people to live independently in their own homes for longer and enable large numbers of people to return home following acute hospital admission. Our immediate focus is to support approximately 550 people leave hospital over this winter period.
Despite this significant level of service provision demand continues to rise and there is considerable variation in access to services in different parts of the country.
While the existing home support service is delivering crucial support to many people across the country, it needs to be improved to better meet the changing needs of older people. That is why we propose to establish a statutory scheme for home care which will improve access to the service on an affordable and sustainable basis while also introducing a system of regulation that will ensure public confidence.
Details of the breakdown of home support packages and number of home support hours per region is an operational matter for the HSE and this aspect of Deputy’s request has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
174. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of the proposed new national children's hospital; the reason the cost is higher than the original estimate; and the steps he plans to take to control the cost and to minimise the impacts on other capital projects. [2186/19]
View answer180. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the estimated overall cost of the children’s hospital; the cost expected to be incurred by the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2228/19]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 174 and 180 together.
The children’s hospital is one of the most complex and important public capital projects that this country has ever embarked upon. The hospital will facilitate the implementation of a new model of care that will have a profound impact on all paediatric services once the new hospital is open.
Considerable work has been undertaken on the project since April 2017 when Government gave the green light for the construction of the hospital. Enabling works on the main hospital site are complete and Phase A construction works (substructure works on the main site), which commenced in October 2017, are also now nearing completion. The Phase B 7-storey above ground works will begin early this year. Development is also well advanced on the paediatric outpatients and urgent care centres. Works at Connolly are on target for practical completion of the building in the Spring with the opening scheduled for July 2019. Works at Tallaght are underway with a target handover date of July 2020, and the construction of the main hospital to be completed in 2022.
At an early stage in the process, it was determined that the traditional method of procurement was not suitable or realistic for a project of this size and complexity. Accordingly, the contract is subject to a two-stage process with stage one consisting of a scope refinement and value engineering process, based upon tendered rates, to finalise the Phase B works (above ground). This approach allowed the early phases of work to commence on site while also allowing for the detail of later phases to be finalised and agreed. This approach brings issues on cost to the fore much earlier in the life of the project than is the case where traditional procurement approaches are deployed.
Following the completion of the second stage of the two-stage tender procurement process, the final cost of the design, build and equipment programme for which the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board is responsible is now at €1,433 million, €450m more than advised to Government in April 2017. €319m of the additional cost relates to construction costs, and the balance of €131m, which includes €50m in VAT, relates to costs associated with staff, consultants, planning, design team fees, risk/contingency, and Management Equipment Service.
There have been conflicting total cost figures mentioned in the media over the last few days, in particular a reference to €1.7 billion, and I would like to provide some clarity on the issue. €1,433m is the capital build cost of the project. There is additional investment from other sources associated with broader programme which is outside of these capital costs. This relates to investment in ICT and the Electronic Health Record rollout funded through the ICT capital programme, the comprehensive Children's Hospital Integration Programme which is well underway, funded through revenue, to ensure the successful clinical and operational merging of three paediatric hospitals, pre-2013 project expenditure relating to the former Mater project, and the planned construction of the Children’s Research and Innovation Centre to be funded through philanthropic funding.
As I have already stated the increased cost is a matter of great concern and I have made it clear that Phase B of the construction project must be delivered within budget and timescale. Accordingly, there will be an independent review, commencing in January, of the escalation in cost in determining the adjusted contract sum, the contributory factors and associated responsibilities so that any potential weaknesses are identified and comprehensively and speedily resolved in the interests of the successful completion of the project and the effective management of public funds. The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board will be required to provide on-going assurance to the HSE, Department of Health and Government that Phase B of the project is being delivered within budget and timescale.
