Duncan Smith
Question:667. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE plastic surgery registrars working in Portlaoise Regional Hospital in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [16102/24]
View answerHospital Staff
Questions (667)
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 (668)
Duncan Smith
Question:668. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE ANP for diabetes in pregnancy working in the maternity unit at St. Luke's General Hospital, Kilkenny, in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [16103/24]
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.
Public Sector Pensions
Questions (669)
John McGuinness
Question:669. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the pension entitlements due to a person (details supplied) will be paid on the basis of their position in St. Canice’s Hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will expedite the matter. [16107/24]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (670)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:670. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital procedure for a person (details supplied); when an appointment be offered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16130/24]
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (671)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:671. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the age limit with regard to bowel cancer screening (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16132/24]
View answerWritten answers
I am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes, which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
Any decisions about further changes or expansion of our screening programmes, will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC). This independent expert group considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria. It is important that we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards and that the benefits of screening outweigh the harms.
The Programme for Government commits to expanding the age range for BowelScreen to those aged 55 to 74. Progress continues to be made in this regard, with the HSE offering screening to people aged 59 since October 2023, bringing the age range for bowel screening to 59 to 69. BowelScreen plans to next offer screening to people aged 70. However, further extending the age range eligibility for BowelScreen will need to give due consideration to balanced capacity in endoscopy facilities.
I would stress to the Deputy that careful consideration must be given to any proposed expansion of Ireland’s screening programmes and that this process must be afforded the necessary amount of time to complete. In this regard, I am pleased to report that NSAC is already progressing work to consider the further expansion of our cancer screening programmes and has asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to evaluate the evidence for the further expansion of the age range eligibility for the BowelScreen programme to those aged 50 – 54. Work has already commenced in this regard and a report is expected to be submitted to NSAC for consideration in mid-2025.
It is important to note that population health screening measures are not individual diagnostic tests. Screening is for people who do not have symptoms. Anyone who is worried about symptoms at any time is advised not to wait for screening but to contact their GP immediately, for appropriate follow-up care.
Health Services
Questions (672)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:672. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the shortfall between the cost of prosthetic limbs for amputees and the reimbursement from insurance companies; and what action he proposes to bring them in to line. [16145/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible clients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.
The HSE Service Improvement Programme (SIP) has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances. The HSE advise that currently funding of prosthetics is undertaken through the Community Funded Schemes based on an individual's clinical needs and their eligibility status. A priority for the HSE SIP in 2024 is a review of the existing provision of limb prosthetic services.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
Ireland has a voluntary private health insurance market which operates under the principles of community rating (including lifetime community rating), open enrolment, lifetime cover and minimum benefits. The Minister for Health regulates the Private Health Insurance Market in Ireland. The Health Insurance Act 1994 (Minimum Benefit) Regulations 1996 require insurers to offer a minimum level of cover to every insured person.
The Minister does not have a role in the commercial decision-making of any private health insurer. Private Health Insurance companies operate as commercial entities in a competitive private health insurance market. Beyond prescribing under the Regulations the minimum level of coverage that health insurers must provide, the Minister is not in a position to direct any insurer to provide cover for any particular procedure or service, or direct how that cover is to be provided.
The Minister recommends that individuals seeking to utilize their health insurance, check with the relevant insurance company in advance of using a service. This is to ensure that their policy provides sufficient cover prior to using a service in case they are not covered.
Health Services
Questions (673)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Question:673. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health if he will extend the availability of paid for prosthetic limbs on the HSE to amputees beyond the first prosthesis and give full life long support to amputees in line with other long term health conditions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16146/24]
View answerWritten answers
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible clients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.
The HSE Service Improvement Programme (SIP) has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances. The HSE advise that currently funding of prosthetics is undertaken through the Community Funded Schemes based on an individual's clinical needs and their eligibility status. A priority for the HSE SIP in 2024 is a review of the existing provision of limb prosthetic services.
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 conditions covered by the Scheme. These 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 LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. There are currently no plans to extend the list of conditions.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (674)
Thomas Gould
Question:674. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that an investment fund is intending to convert a currently-operating GPs surgery in Blackpool, Cork, and close the existing service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16148/24]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services to medical card and GP visit card holders. Most GPs also hold other HSE contracts for the provision of health services such as services under the Primary Childhood Immunisation Scheme or National Cancer Screening Service. As GPs are self-employed practitioners, they may establish practices at a place of their own choosing and they themselves manage the practice.
Where a GMS vacancy arises, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP for the panel concerned. While recruitment is ongoing, the HSE may put a locum or other suitable arrangement in place to provide continuity of care for the area concerned.
As this may relate to a GMS service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Questions (675)
Niamh Smyth
Question:675. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; if they will be provided with a place in the step down unit in Monaghan urgently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16167/24]
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.
Disability Services
Questions (676)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:676. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health for an update on the provision of adult ADHD services in CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16168/24]
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 (677)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:677. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health to ensure a referral (details supplied) is put forward and an appointment to be given at the earliest opportunity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16169/24]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (678)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:678. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when will an appointment be offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16171/24]
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.
Healthcare Policy
Questions (679)
Patrick Costello
Question:679. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if will he publish the updated HSE palliative care strategy as a matter of urgency in line with recommendation 12 of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Assisted Dying report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16195/24]
View answerWritten answers
Publication of a new national palliative care policy is a Programme for Government commitment. It is expected to be published in the coming months.
The new policy will consider both the needs of the person with a serious illness and that of their carer. It will address service demands arising from the projected increase in Ireland’s older population, and the number of people with life limiting conditions who would benefit from palliative care.
The policy sets out a future vision for palliative care in Ireland. It will reflect the changes in end-of-life care including: increased demand for adult palliative care; the shift towards care in the community; the emphasis on Sláintecare to address geographic variations in the provision of both community and hospital palliative care services; and developments in international best practice.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (680)
Alan Kelly
Question:680. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health how many operations have been cancelled in Croom Hospital on a weekly basis since 1 January 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16200/24]
View answerWritten answers
I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when hospital appointments and procedures are cancelled.
While every effort is made to avoid cancellations or postponements, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, and unforeseen circumstances that may impact a service.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, hospitals follow HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
Cancelled hospital appointments and procedures are, where appropriate, rescheduled as early as possible with priority given to patients requiring time-sensitive and urgent treatment.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Procedures
Questions (681)
Alan Kelly
Question:681. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health how many operations have been cancelled in Nenagh Hospital on a weekly basis since 1 January 2024, in tabular form. [16201/24]
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 Procedures
Questions (682)
Alan Kelly
Question:682. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health how many operations have been cancelled in Ennis Hospital on a weekly basis since 1 January 2024, in tabular form. [16202/24]
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 Procedures
Questions (683)
Alan Kelly
Question:683. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health how many operations have been cancelled in St. Johns Hospital on a weekly basis since 1 January 2024, in tabular form. [16203/24]
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 Procedures
Questions (684)
Alan Kelly
Question:684. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health how many operations have been cancelled in UHL on a weekly basis since 1 January 2024, in tabular form. [16204/24]
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.