Written Answers Nos. 228-238
228. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in making a decision on a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42428/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
229. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health when eye clinic services will be restored in Ballinasloe for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42433/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
230. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the effects the €130 million package of health cuts will have for maintaining and continuing the delivery of services in both hospitals and in the community in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42436/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
231. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will maintain, develop and enhance home care front line services in order to keep people at home longer and lesson the financial burden on our hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42438/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraGovernment policy is to support older people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. Mainstream Home Help and enhanced Home Care Package services are core to not only supporting vulnerable older people's preferred wishes, but also to reducing pressures elsewhere in the wider care system. The demand for these services, and for additional supports such as Meals-on-Wheels and Day or Respite Care, will continue as the demographics, and complex needs, of older people change.
The capacity of the Health Service Executive to provide approved levels of home support services is continually reviewed in the context of overall resources available at particular times. However, this has been a challenging year for the health services generally, including trying to maintain services to older people in line with evolving resource pressures.
Notwithstanding the recently announced reduction in HSE home support provision over the remainder of the year, investment in such services will still be significant, with expenditure of around €335 million expected to be incurred for Home Help and Home Care Packages this year. All measures are being taken by each Local Health Office to ensure that as many people as possible continue to receive a prioritised service, in line with assessed individual needs. The objective of reducing pressures on the Acute Hospitals and the Long Term Residential Care systems is also being addressed by the HSE in the context of various on-going operational improvements to enhance the quality and focus of its home support services.
232. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed report in respect of the orthopaedic waiting lists in Counties Kerry and Cork; the number of patients currently on the waiting list; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42439/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am determined to address outpatient waiting times. Hence, improving access to outpatient services is the next priority for the Special Delivery Unit (SDU). The SDU, together with the National Treatment Purchase Fund, will shortly take over the reporting of outpatient waiting time data from the HSE. The collation and analysis of outpatient waiting time data by the SDU and NTPF will enable them to target their resources towards those patients who are waiting longest and ensure they are seen and assessed. In parallel with reducing the numbers of those waiting longest, the SDU will also work with the HSE Clinical Care Programmes to reform the structure and organisation and delivery of outpatient services to ensure that the right patient is seen and assessed by the right health professional at the right time.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
233. Deputy Michael Colreavy asked the Minister for Health when will the person who was offered the post of midwife, prior to the recruitment moratorium, at Sligo Regional Hospital, be appointed to the post; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42443/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
234. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if the north fringe area, dublin 13 is being considered for a primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42447/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management and delivery of the health capital programme is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
235. Deputy Paul J. Connaughton asked the Minister for Health the reason the eye clinic conducted at health centres in Ballinasloe and Loughrea in County Galway has been withdrawn and when it is planned that it will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42448/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
236. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Number 760 of 17 July 2012, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42451/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has advised that a reply issued to the Deputy on the 7th August 2012.
237. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No 358 of 18 July 2012 when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42452/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has advised that a reply to Parliamentary Question No. 358 of 18 July 2012, issued to the Deputy on 19 July 2012.
238. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No 446 of 25 September 2012 when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42453/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Health Service Executive has 15 working days from the date a question is asked to reply to the Deputy. In relation to Parliamentary Question No. 446, a reply is due by 16 October 2012.
