Barry Cowen
Question:646. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with the orthopaedic clinic, Midland Regional Hospital, Tulllamore. [43496/21]
View answerHospital Appointments Status
Questions (646)
Written 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.
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.
Medicinal Products
Questions (647)
Alan Dillon
Question:647. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when the required managed access programme being developed by the HSE medicines management programme will be completed; if a drug will be included (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43498/21]
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.
In line with the 2013 Health 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 licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost-effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
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 HSE has advised that it received an application on 25 September 2018 for the reimbursement of Rivaroxaban (Xarelto) 2.5mg co-administered with acetylsalicylic acid for the prevention of atherothrombotic events in adult patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) orsymptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) at high risk of ischaemic events.
On 17 October 2018, following the completion by the NCPE of a rapid review, the HSE commissioned a full pharmacoeconomic assessment with respect to this indication, as per agreed processes.
On 14 January 2019, the NCPE received the applicant’s submission for this assessment. On 18 June 2019, the NCPE completed its assessment and recommended that this application not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments.
In February 2021, having considered all of the evidence, the HSE Drugs Group made a positive recommendation to support reimbursement of Rivaroxaban for this indication, subject to the establishment of a managed access programme (MAP). The minutes of this Drugs Group meeting are publicly available online: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cpu/drugs-group-minutes/hse-drugs-group-minutes-february-2021.pdf
The HSE Executive Management Team (EMT) is the decision-making body for the reimbursement of medicines under the Health Act 2013. The HSE EMT considered the recommendation of the Drugs Group and subsequently supported reimbursement of Rivaroxaban 2.5mg subject to the implementation of the recommended MAP.
The processes necessary to implement the required MAP are currently being developed by the HSE Medicines Management Programme (HSE-MMP) along with relevant internal stakeholders. The timelines involved will vary depending on the requirements for the MAP. While such processes are ongoing the HSE is unable to give a definitive date for conclusion.
Dental Services
Questions (648)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:648. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of an orthodontic appointment for a child (details supplied); when the child will be seen by an orthodontist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43516/21]
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Questions (649)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Question:649. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if the waiting time of 18 months designated by Clare early intervention services for an assessment of need for a child (details supplied) will be reviewed; if there is a way this process can be expedited in view of the fact that the child’s mother has obtained a diagnosis privately but accessing supports and services is delayed until the Clare early intervention services assessment of need has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43534/21]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (650, 657, 658)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:650. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when County Carlow will have an ambulance base which is fit for purpose; his views on whether it is acceptable for a town the size of Carlow not to have its own ambulance base and no communication from the HSE in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43536/21]
View answerJennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:657. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the current availability on any day of an ambulance in County Carlow; the procedure when that ambulance has left the base; the availability of relief ambulance resources on any given day; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43543/21]
View answerJennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:658. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of times in 2020 and to date in 2021 an emergency ambulance from Carlow was called to a premises in another county, by county, in tabular form; the highest calls to lowest calls; the length of time it took each call to return to base in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43544/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 650, 657 and 658 together.
As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Ambulance Service
Questions (651)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:651. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase resources at the air ambulance service based at Custume Barracks, Athlone, County Westmeath; the number of missions tasked in each month to date in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43537/21]
View answerWritten answers
The nationwide Emergency Aeromedical Service (EAS), based at Custume Barracks, is a dedicated service which is provided during daylight hours by the National Ambulance Service (NAS) working in conjunction with the Irish Air Corps. The service is staffed by an Air Corps flight crew, an Emergency Medical Technician and a NAS Advanced Paramedic. Reserve EAS support is provided by the Irish Coast Guard.
The 2015 Government Decision which established the EAS on a permanent basis determined that the service would be subject to review in the context of ensuring a sustainable long term service arrangement. A review into the operation of the EAS is currently ongoing between the Department of Defence and my Department, with the primary objective of ensuring that the EAS remains a suitable, sustainable and resilient service into the future.
In regard to the specific mission tasking data requested, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Ambulance Service
Questions (652)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:652. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulance personnel who were tasked with Covid-19 testing in the past 12 months; the current number of ambulance personnel who are working as Covid-19 testers; the number of personnel out of the total who are currently working on purely ambulance duties; the average length of time it is taking for ambulances to reach persons who have called them out, in each county, in tabular form; the longest length and shortest length of time it is taking for ambulances to reach persons who have called them out, in each county, in tabular form; if he will detail these figures for each level of injury, ill-health and severity; if he will provide the details for the past five years up to 30 June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43538/21]
View answerWritten answers
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Ambulance Service
Questions (653)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:653. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the electric ambulance bought by the National Ambulance Centre; the amount the electric ambulance cost; when it was bought; the length of time it was in operation; the number of miles it was driven; if the ambulance is currently in operation; if not, the location in which the ambulance can be found; if the National Ambulance Service was refunded for same; if there are more plans for roll-out of such vehicles nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43539/21]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (654)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:654. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of times in 2020 and to date in 2021 an emergency ambulance has been used for hospital discharges in which the intermediate care ambulance is not rostered on, in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43540/21]
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.
Ambulance Service
Questions (655, 656)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:655. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the current average ambulance response time, in each county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43541/21]
View answerJennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:656. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the average length of time it takes for an ambulance to arrive at a scene after a call was received, by county, in tabular form; the number on a response area basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43542/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 and 656 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 656 answered with Question No. 655.
Question No. 657 answered with Question No. 650.
Question No. 658 answered with Question No. 650.
Health Services
Questions (659)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:659. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if delays to developmental checks for young children in counties Carlow and Kilkenny will be addressed; when these developmental checks by public health nurses will resume; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43545/21]
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.
Health Promotion
Questions (660)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:660. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if his Department has examined studies which identify significant advantages for babies if they are breastfed; his plans to initiate a campaign which would promote same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43546/21]
View answerWritten answers
Prior to the development of the Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland- Health Service Breastfeeding Action Plan 2016-2021, my Department commissioned the Health Research Board to carry out two pieces of research to help provide an evidence base for actions that would favourably promote an increase in breastfeeding levels in Ireland. These reports were 'A review of practices that increase breast feeding - an evidence brief' and 'Interventions that promote increased breastfeeding rates and increased duration of breastfeeding among women'.
These research reports emphasised the importance of Improved Health Service Structures and actions to improve these structures are outlined in the Breastfeeding Action Plan.
This year as part of this implementation of the Slaintecare Healthy Living Pillar, Healthy Ireland is making a significant investment towards giving children the best start in life through facilitating the implementation of the National Breastfeeding Action Plan. Ireland has a culture of bottle feeding and, in order to improve child and maternal health, as well as reductions in childhood obesity and chronic diseases, we need to improve our breastfeeding rates. In May I announced funding of €1.58m to provide the additional 24 Lactation Consultants across hospital and community settings, that are required to ensure timely skilled assistance for mothers who wish to breastfeed and support enhanced training, skills and knowledge to frontline staff.
With regard to campaigns the HSE have an annual National Breastfeeding Week. This year the National Breastfeeding Week is 1-7th October and the theme is 'Feeding the future: supporting breastfeeding through a pandemic and beyond'.
Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the delivery of some actions, the HSE will extend the implementation of the Breastfeeding Action Plan into 2022 and continue to work on priority outstanding actions.
Health Promotion
Questions (661)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:661. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the amount of taxpayer funding which has been paid to support research or research positions which would benefit the infant formula industry in Ireland; the amount of funding paid to support breastfeeding research or research positions in Ireland independent of the formula industry, excluding industrial involvement; if research funding devoted to analysis of breastmilk by formula companies is classified as formula company research; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43547/21]
View answerWritten answers
The information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. I will survey the Department and the collated replies will be prepared into a full response to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (662)
Pat Buckley
Question:662. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Owenacurra mental health facility, Midleton, County Cork is to close by October 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43556/21]
View answerWritten answers
I have been liaising with the HSE regularly on this very important matter since it was announced. I am assured by the HSE in the context of the closure of the Centre that the needs and preferences of each resident are of paramount importance.
On 28 June, the HSE notified the Department of Health that the HSE’s Cork Kerry Community Healthcare Organisation had taken the difficult decision to close the Owenacurra Centre in Midleton as the building is not fit for purpose.
Owenacurra is a long-term residential centre with 19 residents but also accommodates a mental health day service.
The Mental Health Commission (MHC), as regulator, had raised serious concerns about the centre, and the HSE shares those concerns. HSE Estates confirmed that the building is in very poor condition, with major defects and is not fit for purpose. It was originally planned to refurbish the building but as work progressed on those plans it became clear that no matter what refurbishment takes place, the building could not meet either building or Commission standards. The HSE’s priority is the welfare of the 19 residents of the centre.
The relocation process is progressing. I have been informed by the HSE that all of the residents have had their needs assessed so that they can be appropriately placed in accordance with their assessed needs and I understand meetings with the multi-disciplinary team (MDT) to discuss options and the residents’ wishes (with family, where consent is provided) are ongoing. It is planned to complete the programme of meetings this week .
The MDT continues to have ongoing discussions with all residents and a key contact lead is available as a facilitator for residents, families and the team. Social work input has been increased, including support from a housing co-ordinator, and increased consultant input is also available.
A member from the independent Irish Advocacy Network (IAN) is part of the project steering group in addition to a Mental Health Service User Family Member & Carer Engagement representative, to ensure the residents and families continue to have independent supports available throughout the process.
The process of engagement with the staff is also being progressed. Arrangements will be informed by the terms of the Public Service Stability Agreements ‘Building Momentum (2021-2022)’ and underpinned by the nationally agreed Redeployment Protocol. The future of the entire site will be considered at a later stage.
The HSE are reviewing what healthcare services are required in the Cork/Kerry area and if this site is suitable for the delivery of any of these services.
A suspended mental health day service is also located within the building. Work is underway to identify an alternative location for this service, as close as possible to the current location.
The Department and the HSE will continue to work with the MHC to ensure that quality and standards in our mental health facilities continue to be improved in line with best practice and recommendations.
Mental Health Services
Questions (663)
Pat Buckley
Question:663. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the location in which the 19 residents and patients will be redeployed to in east County Cork after the closure of the Owenacurra mental health centre, Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43557/21]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (664)
Pat Buckley
Question:664. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the location to which the staff will be redeployed in east County Cork after the closure of the Owenacurra mental health centre, Midleton, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43558/21]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (665)
Pat Buckley
Question:665. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the purpose for which the Owenacurra mental health centre, Midleton, County Cork will be used once it closes later in 2021; if the building is deemed not fit for purpose if it be will used for an alternative purpose; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43559/21]
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (666)
Pat Buckley
Question:666. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the plans that are in place for the site of the Owenacurra mental health centre, Midleton, County Cork in order to reinstate the services that were there previously; if the existing building will be demolished and a new centre built in its place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43560/21]
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.