Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1130. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding home helps; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21420/20]
View answerHome Help Service
Questions (1130)
Written answers
I have referred this to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1131)
Duncan Smith
Question:1131. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department has failed to fund treatment for the hereditary blood disease amyloidosis in the form of patisiran or other relevant treatments which has been utilised as treatment for the disease by the NHS in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21422/20]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.Reimbursement is for licenced indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.I am advised by the HSE that it has received an application for the reimbursement of patisiran (Onpattro®) for the treatment of hereditary transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR amyloidosis) in adult patients with stage 1 or stage 2 polyneuropathy.In January 2019, a full health technology assessment was commissioned by the HSE. This assessment was completed in February 2020 with the NCPE recommending that patisiran (Onpattro®) not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments. The HSE engaged in commercial discussions with the company in May 2020 regarding this application. The Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. Patisiran was considered at the additional meeting of the Drugs Group in July 2020. The final HTA report was reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group, along with the outputs of commercial discussions, and the patient group submission received during the HTA processThe decision-making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT). The HSE EMT decides on the basis of all the demands it is faced with (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new uses of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013The application remains under consideration and will be decided upon in line with the 2013 Act.
Hospital Services
Questions (1132)
Patrick O'Donovan
Question:1132. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the definitive dates when the tender on the second catheterisation laboratory at University Hospital Waterford will be awarded, contractors appointed and construction commenced; and when the existing catheterisation laboratory refurbishment will be completed and cardiac services relocated back to University Hospital Waterford from UPMC Whitfield. [21426/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare services and infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Questions (1133)
David Cullinane
Question:1133. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the number of vacant consultant posts are already provided for in budget 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21429/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Questions (1134)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1134. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding orthodontic appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21430/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (1135, 1136)
David Cullinane
Question:1135. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average wait times for gastrointestinal scopes on 1 January and 1 August 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21432/20]
View answerDavid Cullinane
Question:1136. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for gastrointestinal scopes on 1 January and 1 August 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21433/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1135 and 1136 together.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has advised my Department that the number of people on the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Active waiting list as of the end of 2019 (19th Dec 2019) was 22,244 and the number of people on the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Active waiting list as of 30th July 2020 was 34,983.
The NTPF have further advised that they do not currently report on wait time statistics and are not in a position to calculate the average wait time for procedures. However, the NTPF has provided my Department with a breakdown of the Active waiting lists for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy by time band as of 19th Dec 2019 and 30th July 2020 respectively, in the tables attached.
GI Endoscopy Wait bands July 2020
GI Endoscopy Wait bands Dec 2019
A full breakdown of waiting bands and hospitals for all specialties is available on the NTPF website at https://www.ntpf.ie/home/inpatient.htm
Question No. 1137 answered with Question No. 976.
Respite Care Services
Questions (1138)
Robert Troy
Question:1138. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if respite hours through the school age team will be allocated to a child (details supplied). [21436/20]
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.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
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (1139)
Robert Troy
Question:1139. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for ADHD medication assessment will be expedited for a child (details supplied) through the school age team. [21437/20]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1140)
Robert Troy
Question:1140. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [21440/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Questions (1141)
James Browne
Question:1141. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if Lyme disease will be recognised as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21441/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Lyme disease was not included on the above list and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €124 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1142)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:1142. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) will have to wait for a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21442/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Respite Care Services
Questions (1143)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1143. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the ongoing respite crisis and the closure of a centre (details supplied) which is having a profound effect on families in counties Cavan and Monaghan; the alternatives being provided; when the services will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21444/20]
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.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 (1144)
Maurice Quinlivan
Question:1144. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) will have to wait to receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21447/20]
View answerWritten answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Reform
Questions (1145)
David Cullinane
Question:1145. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of implementing Sláintecare over the next 18 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21459/20]
View answerWritten answers
In total, €45.5 million has been provided to the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office to progress Sláintecare priorities in 2020. Apart from the €3.5 million for the operation of the office, the funding has been allocated to the Sláintecare Integration Fund of €20 million, the Enhanced Community Care Fund of €10 million and the Care Redesign Fund of €12 million.
With regard to the Integration Fund, the majority of projects received their first tranche of funding on signing their Grant Agreements (35% of the total grant), with a total of just under €10 million being released in grants to projects thus far.
With regards to the Enhanced Community Care Fund, an extensive document was submitted by the HSE shortly before the outbreak of COVID-19 in Ireland, setting out a model for a reformed approach to primary and community care. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the detailed response to the business case was held to allow all focus to be appropriately placed on the emergency response but was issued this month. The SPIO, the Department of Health and the HSE are now finalising the work on the Enhanced Community Care business case to ensure that recruitment of staff can be in place before year end and the €10million (2020) to €60million (2021) can be committed to.
The HSE have also submitted their Sláintecare Care Redesign Fund proposal so that the Enhanced Community Care Fund (€60million), the Care Redesign Fund (€12million), and the Integration Fund for 2021 (€20million), are being considered at the same time in order to maximise impact. These proposals have been approved in principle at this time.
Further developments relating to Sláintecare in the coming 18 months are being considered as part of the Estimates 2021 process currently. These decisions are likely to be announced on Budget day, October 13th 2020, as part of the annual estimates process.
Health Services
Questions (1146)
David Cullinane
Question:1146. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to establish six new regional health areas; the timeline for the delivery of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21460/20]
View answerWritten answers
Following the announcement by the outgoing Government in July 2019 of the geographies for six new regional health areas, a joint action programme co-sponsored by the HSE, the Department of Health and the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office was initiated to commence work on the reconfiguration of the health service and development of Regional Health Areas. A draft programme plan was considered by the programme sponsors in early 2020, prior to the onset of the COVID-19 emergency. In April 2020, recognising the need for a robust programme plan to support a reform of this scale, the Sláintecare Programme Implementation Office engaged contractors to work with Sláintecare, HSE and DOH to validate (insofar as possible) the draft programme plan for the service reconfiguration and development of the Regional Health Areas and develop recommendations to enhance the plan based upon international learnings and insights. This work was overseen by the programme sponsors and was completed in May. This report, including the enhanced programme plan, is being considered and finalised. As agreed, when the new Regional Health Areas geographies were announced last summer, a business plan for the establishment of these health areas is expected to be brought to Government for its approval. The intention is that this plan will set out the high-level organisational design for the system, including: the respective roles, functions, responsibilities and accountabilities of the Department of Health, HSE centre and new regional structures; the relationship between these entities; and the overall legal construct. These proposals should also outline a timeline for the establishment of regional organisations and for any legislative changes required to realise the Sláintecare vision.
Health Services Reports
Questions (1147)
David Cullinane
Question:1147. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the details of the phase one report of the elective hospital oversight group will be provided; if the report will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21461/20]
View answerWritten answers
As part of Phase One, the elective hospitals oversight group completed a Catchment Area Analysis within Dublin, Cork and Galway, within a national capacity context, but also within the catchments defined by the proposed Regional Health Areas, aimed at selected scopes of service.
This phase will provide a technical base for further work that will be required to develop a business case for the development of Elective Ambulatory Facilities. It was never intended that phase one would be published, but rather that it would allow the Elective Hospitals Oversight Group to develop the future requirements of the Public Spending Code.
Question No. 1148 answered with Question No. 1006.
Health Services Funding
Questions (1149)
David Cullinane
Question:1149. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing an additional 1,000 posts under the enhanced community care fund including therapists, nurses, other professionals and dementia advisers in the community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21463/20]
View answerWritten answers
Budget 2020 included an additional provision of €10 million in 2020 and €60 million in a full year for the enhancement of community and primary care. The advance commitment to €60 million in 2021 will enable the recruitment of up to 1,000 therapists, nurses and other professionals in the community on a phased basis during the course of 2020, and will allow for these posts to be fully funded throughout 2021 in order to address the needs identified in the Health Service Capacity Review recommendations. This funding will also facilitate the recruitment of dementia advisers.