Lisa Chambers
Question:290. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he has sourced extra capacity to deal with the backlog in CervicalCheck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20434/19]
View answerCancer Screening Programmes
Questions (290, 291, 292, 293)
Lisa Chambers
Question:291. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health if he has sourced extra capacity to deal with the backlog in a laboratory (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20435/19]
View answerLisa Chambers
Question:292. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the wait time for women waiting on smear test results; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20436/19]
View answerLisa Chambers
Question:293. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the backlog in CervicalCheck; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20437/19]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 290 to 293, inclusive, together.
In April 2018, following issues which had emerged in relation to the CervicalCheck screening programme, I made the decision to offer free out of cycle smears to any woman who was concerned about her health, where her GP felt she should have a further test as part of her reassurance.
Approximately 112,000 consultations were provided by GPs, and 57,810 early repeat smear tests were provided between 1 May and 31 December – in other words, about half of the consultations resulted in a smear test.
Laboratory turnaround times have increased since that time, as a consequence both of the out of cycle smears and the increased uptake generally. The CervicalCheck programme has agreed with laboratories to prioritise those slides which originate from women who attended colposcopy, as this cohort of women are considered to have the most serious need. In addition, agreement has been reached with the laboratory with the largest backlog to process tests based on a HPV initial testing model; i.e. HPV testing will be carried out on samples prior to cytology. I am advised that this approach was chosen as the most effective way to process all outstanding tests based on prioritising women most at risk.
However, the HSE has advised that the natural history of cervical cancer would indicate that the disease would normally develop over a period of 10 to 15 years. It has said that in this context, a delay in the return of cervical screening results, whilst undesirable, is not necessarily dangerous and poses a very low risk to women.
Nevertheless, the reduction of turnaround times is a priority. With the programme now back to normal call-recall procedures, lab turnaround times are improving and the HSE reports that more than half of tests are being returned in 9 weeks. However, they can take as long as 33 weeks, and this remains a significant challenge. The HSE is continuing to work actively to reduce these turnaround times. In order to do so, it has been undertaking a global search for additional laboratory capacity to support the programme. Additional capacity has now been identified and the HSE is currently engaged in intensive negotiations to finalise commercial arrangements, in order to enable it to incorporate this capacity into the CervicalCheck programme.
Ensuring the programme is fully supported, in the interests of public health, remains my priority.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Questions (294)
Lisa Chambers
Question:294. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when the HPV screening programme that was due to begin in September 2018 will be rolled out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20438/19]
View answerWritten answers
The introduction of primary HPV screening is in line with developments in cervical screening internationally. Ireland will be among the first countries in the world to make this transition. The HSE has been engaging with other countries who have already made the switch – the Netherlands, and Australia - or who are preparing to do so, to identify learnings for the project across a range of workstreams including reconfiguration of laboratories, procurement, ICT and colposcopy services.
A well organised screening programme, when combined with HPV vaccination for boys and girls, can bring us very close to eliminating cervical cancer. That is this Government’s goal and that is why we are committed to introducing the HPV vaccine for boys and to implementing the recommended improvements in our cervical screening programme.
I have asked the HSE to introduce HPV testing as the primary screening method for the prevention of cervical cancer as soon as possible. Funding to implement the switch to HPV screening, and extend HPV vaccination to boys, has been allocated in Budget 2019.
Psychological Assessments
Questions (295)
Robert Troy
Question:295. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for ASD assessment for a child (details supplied). [20440/19]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (296)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:296. 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. [20441/19]
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.
Audiology Services Provision
Questions (297)
Barry Cowen
Question:297. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with the audiology department. [20444/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Air Ambulance Service Provision
Questions (298)
Michael Moynihan
Question:298. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when the air ambulance service based in Rathcoole, County Cork, will commence operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20447/19]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy will be aware that the Programme for a Partnership Government commits to exploring the feasibility of the expansion of air ambulance services, including the possibility of a second base. In that context, I met with the Irish Community Rapid Response (ICRR), some time ago, to discuss its proposal to establish a charitably funded Helicopter Emergency Medical Service in the South. At that meeting it was agreed that the ICRR would work with the National Ambulance Service (NAS) with a view to reverting to me with an agreed proposal.
I am advised that the NAS is currently finalising consideration of the proposed service arrangement and this will be submitted to me for decision in due course. The Deputy will appreciate that before any decision is made to proceed with the new service, I will need to be fully satisfied that the necessary clinical and corporate governance arrangements are such that the new service will be safe, robust and sustainable.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (299)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:299. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a renal ultrasound scan in Crumlin children’s hospital. [20448/19]
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.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Questions (300)
Niamh Smyth
Question:300. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is waiting for an appointment to the position of healthcare assistant after being interviewed at least a year ago; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20456/19]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Payments
Questions (301)
Denis Naughten
Question:301. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive payment under the nursing home support scheme; the reason for the delay in same; the waiting period from approval to payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/19]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Respite Care Services Provision
Questions (302)
Seán Haughey
Question:302. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if additional respite will be provided to the family of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20472/19]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (303)
Eugene Murphy
Question:303. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway can expect to be called for an operation in Merlin Park University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20473/19]
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.