Written Answers Nos. 470-491
471. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the average daily running cost of an in-patient hospital bed in a model 4 hospital based on data from the HSE healthcare pricing office; the total number of beds in each model 4 hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4955/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
472. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking regarding the provision of a dedicated diabetes care unit at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4962/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
473. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of dedicated whole-time equivalents of consultant endocrinologists, dietitians, advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, staff nurses, podiatrists and administrative support posts currently dedicated to the outpatient adult diabetes clinic in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4963/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
474. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking regarding the recruitment of a dedicated diabetes physiologist for people with Type 1 diabetes in University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4969/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
475. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to ensure that the HSE has the necessary funding to recruit and support the minimum number of staff, at University Hospital Waterford, required to manage the diabetes unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4971/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
476. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if University Hospital Waterford, as a model 4 hospital, has contingency plans in place for the staffing of the diabetes unit to ensure adequate cover in the event of staff illness or leave; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4973/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
477. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of adults attending UHW with type 1 diabetes who have requested insulin pump therapy, and when those patients can expect to avail of this diabetes technology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4974/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
478. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with diabetes who are awaiting an appointment to see an endocrinologist over the last five years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4975/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
479. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health for a status update concerning an inquiry into the historical licensing and use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential in the State; when the terms of reference for this inquiry will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4977/24]
View answer509. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health for an update regarding the establishment of the promised inquiry on the historical licensing and prescribing of sodium valproate; when he expects the inquiry will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5163/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 479 and 509 together.
Government approval has been secured for the establishment of an inquiry which will examine the licensing and use of sodium valproate in women of child-bearing potential in the State. This inquiry will be designed to give a voice to patients and their families while looking at the use of sodium valproate in Ireland since it was first licensed.
There is more work to be done to establish the inquiry and it is important that enough time and resources are invested in completing this work. There are many factors to consider, and I want to ensure that the inquiry established delivers and allows those impacted to tell their story and my officials are working to ensure that this will be facilitated.
I will ensure the establishment of the inquiry is progressed. Work is ongoing in my Department in relation to sourcing an appropriate person to Chair the inquiry, and the Deputy will appreciate that this is a sensitive matter. The Chair is an essential role that needs careful consideration. The role requires and experienced person who will run a fair and independent process, and who can give the inquiry the time and attention it deserves.
I will be glad to provide an update on this matter once this preparatory work is finalised.
My officials are engaging with the relevant patient groups. The release of the Terms of Reference will be published in parallel with the appointment of the Chair, and work in underway to find a suitable person to serve as Chair for this important inquiry.
480. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the current shortage in the medicine victoza; what measures are being taken to address this shortage; what alternative medicine can be prescribed to people due to this shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4979/24]
View answerCurrently, there are 2 shortages for Victoza® (liraglutide) by the Marketing Authorisation Holder (MAH), Novo Nordisk, Victoza 6 mg/ml Solution for injection in pre-filled pens (EU/1/09/529/002 and EU/1/09/529/003). The shortages affect the 2 pen and 3 pen pack sizes. Both are published on the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website with a return date of 20th June 2024 and accompanied by a detailed update from the MAH and a link to HSE Clinical guidance (Shortages List (hpra.ie).
Novo Nordisk, the Marketing Authorisation Holder for Victoza® has indicated that increased overall demand for both Ozempic® and Victoza® injectable glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) coupled with capacity constraints at manufacturing sites have led to shortages, including out of stock situations. In addition, to facilitate increasing supply of Ozempic®, Novo Nordisk has decided to temporarily reduce the supply of Victoza®. As a result, shortages of Victoza® are expected at least until Q2 2024.
The MAH, Novo Nordisk, has, in a letter to Healthcare professionals, indicated that no new patients should be started on Victoza® until at least Q2 2024, when supply is expected to normalize, and available product should only be used to continue treatment of patients currently treated.
Unfortunately, medicine shortages are a feature of modern health systems worldwide which have been exacerbated by recent worldwide events. There are a multitude of reasons why a medicine may not be available including: shortages of raw materials; manufacturing difficulties; sudden unexpected increase in demand; or product recalls due to potential quality issues. Pharmaceutical companies and wholesalers in Europe are responsible for ensuring a consistent supply of the medicines they sell.
Ireland has a multi-stakeholder medicine shortage framework in place, coordinated by the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), to prevent, wherever possible, and to manage medicine shortages when they occur. The Department of Health maintains regular contact with the HPRA regarding medicines shortages.
Patients who have any concerns about availability of their medication are encouraged to speak to their GP or pharmacist.
481. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have started the new insulin pump, in all hospitals within the RCSI Hospital Group, aged between 0-17 years and those aged 18 years or older, for 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4982/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
482. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health when the Sláintecare project on the development of a national diabetes register will recommence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4983/24]
View answerDiabetes is a complex condition that can require management across the entire spectrum of healthcare delivery, including self-management support as well as care delivered through general practice, community specialist care and hospital inpatient specialist care.
As part of Budget 2023, funding was allocated to implement a number of initiatives aimed at improving diabetes care. This includes the commencement of the development of a National Diabetes Registry. Implementation of the project was delayed by HSE ban on recruitment in 2023. Additional funding has been provided in 2024 in order to allow the HSE to take the project forward. The HSE National Clinical Programme for Diabetes are currently engaged in preparatory work for phase 1 of this multi-year project.
The development of a National Diabetes Registry will have a long-term benefit on patient care by facilitating benchmarking of individual care against guideline recommendations and feedback to practitioners, and on the provision of appropriate health services by providing reliable information to healthcare planners and policymakers.
483. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of hospital admissions that occurred through the University Hospital Waterford accident and emergency or the acute medical assessment units due to diabetic ketoacidosis in people aged between 0-17 years and those aged 18 years or older in each of the years 2017 to 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4985/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
484. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he can expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5004/24]
View answerUnder 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October 2023. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
485. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive their hospital appointment in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5006/24]
View answerUnder 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October 2023. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
486. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be allocated a GP; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5017/24]
View answerGPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders.
Where a GMS patient, a person that holds a medical card or GP visit card, experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, the person concerned having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area) can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign a GMS patient to a GP's GMS patient list, in accordance with the GMS contract.
Furthermore, GMS patients who are assigned to a GP's GMS panel and wish to change their GMS GP can do so via the “Change of GP form” available from the HSE website. The GMS scheme operates under a choice of doctor principle, meaning that patients who hold a medical or GP visit card have the freedom to choose their GP, or move from one GP to another, provided the new GP is willing to accept the patient to their panel, and that the GP concerned holds a GMS contract.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Neither my department nor the HSE have any role in assigning patients who do not hold a medical card or a GP visit card to a GP's patient list.
487. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of beds that are currently operational at the new 30-bed purpose build dementia unit in a nursing home (details supplied) in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5018/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday, 6 October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades were not engaging with political forums or processes. The Fórsa action has now ended. However, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
488. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health why there is a significant delay to provide cataract surgery for a medical card holder (details supplied) aged 85 years who has been waiting for this operation for more than three years; what options are available to ensure the procedure is carried out as quickly as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5041/24]
View answerUnder 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October 2023. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
489. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health to confirm the annual budget for the school dental programme for children and to detail, in tabular form, the number of appointments in the years 2020 - 2023, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5058/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
490. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on a National Ambulance Service base (details supplied), including details, in tabular form, of callouts during the years 2020 - 2023, staffing levels, the number of vehicles attached to the base and an update on any plans to expand the base; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5065/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
491. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health as part of the recently agreed public sector pay agreement, what payments, in addition to the previously agreed grants under section 39 of Health (Amendment) Act 2023, have been made to agencies which have staff paid for service provision through these grants; how the calculation was made for these additional payments; the planned process to provide the resources needed to meet the terms of the public sector pay agreement for these agencies in 2024 and into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5067/24]
View answerAdditional funding has been provided for in the Department of Health’s vote for 2024 to meet the costs aligned to 2024 increases and the retrospection for 2023.
Appropriate administrative arrangements are currently being developed by the HSE to ensure this additional funding for pay is made available to section 39 organisations to meet the requirements of the WRC agreement. These arrangements will enable the HSE to engage with employer bodies on the drawdown of funds.
The Department’s aim is to ensure the increased funding is made available as efficiently as possible to the employer organisations, while also providing for appropriate accountability and controls to be put in place.
