Darren O'Rourke
Question:1270. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of school dentists based in CHO8 in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [48324/23]
View answerDental Services
Questions (1270)
Written 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 Staff
Questions (1271)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:1271. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE plastic surgeon registrars based in each hospital part of Ireland East Hospital Group in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [48325/23]
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 Equipment
Questions (1272)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:1272. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of birthing pools in use in each maternity hospital and maternity unit nationwide, in tabular form. [48326/23]
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.
Substance Misuse
Questions (1273)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:1273. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant general adult psychiatrists with a special interest in substance misuse in the CHO8 mental health service in the years of 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [48327/23]
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 Staff
Questions (1274)
Darren O'Rourke
Question:1274. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE clinical specialists in inpatient orthopaedics with a special interest in spinal disorders at the Mater Hospital. [48328/23]
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 Facilities
Questions (1275)
Willie O'Dea
Question:1275. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the new 96-bed block in UHL is going to be completed and ready to accept patients; how many of the beds will go towards increasing existing capacity and not replace existing beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48364/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Questions (1276)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Question:1276. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when the drug ozempic will be made available for GPs to prescribe to diabetes patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48365/23]
View answerWritten answers
Ozempic (Semaglutide); this medication is licensed by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) in Ireland and indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Novo Nordisk markets Ozempic in Ireland.
To date, there have been particular challenges in the supply of Ozempic to all markets, including to the Irish market.
Novo Nordisk, has advised of supply issues with its GLP-1 receptor agonist products including Ozempic and Saxenda. The pre-existing supply issues due to increased global demand, will continue throughout 2023 and into 2024. These supply issues are not unique to Ireland and increases in demand for these medications and supply constraints have been observed in the UK, throughout the EU and across the world in recent months. Shortages of Ozempic are linked to the increased demand which has been attributed to the off-label use of the product to treat obesity.
Novo Nordisk has implemented monthly allocation to pharmacies to help ensure continuity of supply and equitable distribution of Ozempic stock to Irish patients. The company has issued advisory letters to healthcare professionals to ensure they are aware of these supply issues and how to manage them.
In one such recent communication to healthcare professionals, the company stated that prescribing and dispensing of Ozempic should be prioritised for the licensed indication and restricted to a one-month supply.
Novo Nordisk is continuing to work on increasing its capacity to produce more of this medication. The HPRA is engaging closely with the company and the wholesalers involved in the supply of this product. This is to closely monitor available stock and to keep the health system and the public informed.
There are a number of authorised alternative medicines indicated for treating adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus are available at this time, including other glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) receptor agonists. Where this shortage impacts ongoing treatment for a patient, prescribers and pharmacists, in conjunction with patients, should discuss the most appropriate course of action, based on suitable alternative treatment options available.
Reimbursement support for Ozempic from the HSE is available for the licensed indication and approved dosage only. Reimbursement support for the 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg pen presentations of Ozempic to make up a 1mg dose is not approved under Community Drug Schemes or any other HSE arrangement. National supply at wholesale level for all medicines in this class will continue to be monitored closely
The Department of Health, along with relevant experts from the HSE, HPRA, Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland and the Medical Council are continuing to work together during this time of limited supply to mitigate the impact of the shortages on patients.
The Minister for Health has no role in the clinical decision-making process of a medical practitioner and patients that have been prescribed Ozempic by their doctor and are struggling to source it, are encouraged to speak to their doctor and to the pharmacies in their area as early as possible, in order to seek support in accessing appropriate treatment for their medical condition.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1277)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:1277. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) will have to wait for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48384/23]
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.
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 Staff
Questions (1278)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1278. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if the complement of nursing staff at St. Mary's Health Centre, Thurles, County Tipperary, can be increased if more permanent nursing staff could be employed there, rather than agency staff, considering that many patients with mental health difficulties who avail of the mental health centres such as this often build up a relationship with a nurse on duty and find it very upsetting when such staff members leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48414/23]
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.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1279)
Catherine Connolly
Question:1279. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1046 of 20 September 2023, the status of the development of a primary care centre on Inisbofin; the status of the land transfer and if it has concluded to date; the expected timeline for the development of the primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48437/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Abortion Services
Questions (1280, 1281)
Carol Nolan
Question:1280. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide in tabular form the number of abortions performed at the Ireland East Hospital Group, broken down by category of the 2018 Health Act (ss. 9-12) for the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48443/23]
View answerCarol Nolan
Question:1281. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide in tabular form the number of abortions performed at the RCSI Hospital Group, broken down by category of the 2018 Health Act (ss. 9-12) for the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48444/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1280 and 1281 together.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters we have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Question No. 1281 answered with Question No. 1280.
Abortion Services
Questions (1282)
Carol Nolan
Question:1282. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide in tabular form the number of abortions performed at the Saolta Hospital Group, broken down by category of the 2018 Health Act (ss. 9-12) for the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48445/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters we have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Abortion Services
Questions (1283)
Carol Nolan
Question:1283. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide in tabular form the number of abortions performed at the UL Hospitals Group, broken down by category of the 2018 Health Act (ss. 9-12) for the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48446/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters we have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Abortion Services
Questions (1284)
Carol Nolan
Question:1284. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health to provide in tabular form the number of abortions performed at the South/Southwest Hospital Group, broken down by category of the 2018 Health Act (ss. 9-12) for the years 2019 to 2023 inclusive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48447/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters we have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Care Services
Questions (1285)
Pearse Doherty
Question:1285. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if respite services can be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal for one week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48464/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (1286, 1287)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Question:1286. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an electric bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48468/23]
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.
Patrick Costello
Question:1287. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health following the recommendations of the Citizens Assembly on Drugs if his Department will legislate to give effect to this parliamentary term. [48470/23]
View answer
It is expected that the final report with the recommendation from the Citizens' Assembly on Drug Use will be placed before the Houses of the Oireachtas by the end of 2023. The report will then be referred for consideration to the relevant committee of both houses. Following its consideration, the response to the recommendations will be brought to the Oireachtas for debate and decision. I look forward to receiving the final report of the Assembly and commit to giving detailed consideration of the report and its recommendations, in conjunction with the Oireachtas and the Government.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (1288)
Catherine Connolly
Question:1288. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1921 of 11 September 2023, if he will provide an update on the development of the new elective hospital in Merlin Park; the status of the development of the pre-tender business case, including the Draft Project Brief and Draft Procurement Strategy; the timeline for when he expects the project to complete Stage 2 of the Public Spending Code; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48435/23]
View answerWritten answers
I have asked the HSE, as Sponsoring Agency with day-to-day responsibility for the delivery of the new Elective Hospital at Merlin Park in Galway, to respond to you directly in relation to the matters raised.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1289)
Robert Troy
Question:1289. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for surgery. [48479/23]
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.
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.
Disease Management
Questions (1290)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1290. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if there is a specialist consultant for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; if not, whether there are any plans to put one in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48480/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.