Written Answers Nos. 604-625
605. Deputy Ciara Conway asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update from the expert review group set up to look at legislation on the X case; the reason for the delay in publishing the findings of this group; when this group will publish its recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51244/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights submitted its report to me on 13th November and I intend to bring the Report to Government next Tuesday, 27th November, seeking Cabinet approval for its publication.
606. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the initiatives there are to encourage live organ donations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51256/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMembers of the National Renal Transplant Programme as well as members of the senior management team at Beaumont Hospital are actively working with the HSE's National Organ Donation and Transplantation Office and my Department to increase the rate of kidney transplantation, especially using living organ donation. Approximately 30 living donor transplants, the highest number ever, will be performed in 2012 and Beaumont Hospital has developed plans to increase this in the future.
Patients who require a transplant, meet with a surgeon and a transplant co-ordinator in preparation for their placement on the transplant list for a deceased donor. At this stage also, the possibility of live donation is discussed on an individual basis.
Members of the Irish Kidney Association and the Irish Donor Network create a greater awareness of this form of donation and recent media coverage of living kidney donation by well known personalities, has heightened awareness of this procedure.
607. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline efforts to combat TB; if he will outline the funding, resources and facilities for same for the years 2009 to 2012; if he will introduce a screening programme for vulnerable groups in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51259/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra650. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate €50,000 to assist the homeless in relation to the disease TB. [51617/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 607 and 650 together.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes countries with an incidence of less than 10 cases per 100,000 population as a low incidence country. In 2010 and 2011, the annual TB notification rates in Ireland were 9.2 per 100,000 (420 cases in 2010 and 424 cases in 2011) which is the lowest rate recorded since surveillance of TB began in the 1950s and now categorise Ireland as a low incidence country and represents a drop from 11.3 per 100,000 (480 cases) in 2007.The number of TB notifications for 2012 up to week ending November 9th is 339 cases, which is a decrease of 49 cases compared to the same period in 2011 (388 cases).
The overall rate of tuberculosis continues to decline and this decrease has prompted a review in the HSE of the continuing requirement for BCG which is currently in progress.
WHO data indicates that TB notification rates always tend to be higher in inner city locations compared to the general population as is reflected in all major cities worldwide. The rates of TB remain high in parts of inner city Dublin and North Dublin, ranging between 17 per 100,000 to 30 per 100,000 in some areas.However, LHO 7 (comprising mainly Dublin 1 and 7) has shown a decline in rates of TB from 2010 when the rate was 22.9 per 100,000 population (31 cases) to a rate of 14 per 100,000 (19 cases) in 2011. In 2011 a prison outbreak in Dublin increased the TB rate in that local area to 28/100,000.
Homeless people are at increased risk of TB, have higher default rates and worse treatment outcomes (including mortality) than the general public. In many industrialised countries, TB rates among the homeless can be up to 20 times higher than the general population.TB has also increased in other marginalised groups such as prisoners and those involved in substance misuse.
Similar to other low prevalence countries in Europe the disease is more focussed in marginalised groups such as homeless, prisoners, substance misusers, immigrants from countries of high endemicity. The recommendations of recent expert advice on the Control and prevention of TB are being reviewed and implemented. The focus on TB is being prioritised to the key high risk groups, homeless, immigrants from high endemic countries, and prisoners; and this will guide future funding and developments in services for people with TB.
608. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number and list of health agencies/boards that are awaiting Ministerial appointments; the timeframe they have been waiting for same; the number that do not currently have a quorum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51260/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following tables set out the information requested by the Deputy. It should be noted that there are some other vacancies that have not yet been submitted to me for approval.
Boards of Agencies
|
Board |
Number of vacancies |
Timeframe |
Quorum |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
4 |
12th May 2012 |
Yes |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
6 |
24th May 2012 |
Yes |
|
Health Research Board |
5 |
12th June 2012 |
Yes |
|
Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council |
17 |
28th June 2012 |
Full board to be replaced |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
22 |
12th October 2012 |
Full board to be replaced |
|
Opticians Board |
1 |
25th October 2012 |
Yes |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
2 |
1st November 2012 |
Yes |
|
Food Safety Authority of Ireland |
6 |
27th March 2012 |
Yes |
|
VHI |
1 |
1st November 2012 |
Yes |
Other Boards
|
Board |
Number of vacancies |
Timeframe |
Quorum |
|
Hepatitis C and HIV Compensation Tribunal |
7 |
9th September 2012 |
Yes |
|
St James's Hospital Board |
4 |
30th October 2012 |
Finalised this week |
|
Social Workers Registration Board |
3 |
1st November 2012 |
Yes |
|
Dietitians Registration Board |
13 |
1st November 2012 |
N\A (board yet to be established) |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
13 |
1st November 2012 |
N/A (board yet to be established) |
|
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board |
13 |
1st November 2012 |
N/A (board yet to be established) |
609. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health when payment will issue from the Health Service Executive in relation to the nursing home care of a person (details supplied) in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51276/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe purpose of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, A Fair Deal is to provide financial support for people assessed as needing long-term nursing home care. The scheme, administered by the Health Service Executive, is founded on the core principles that long-term care should be affordable and that a person should receive the same level of State support whether they choose a public, voluntary or private nursing home.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
610. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding home care cash grant reduction in the Bray area, County Wicklow (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51291/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has a statutory responsibility to live within the budget voted to it by the Oireachtas. In this context, the HSE recently developed a range of measures to reduce expenditure overall to the end of the current year.
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
611. Deputy Billy Timmins asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an appointment for a hip operation in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51363/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of waiting lists for patients awaiting public health care is based on the principle that after urgent and cancer patients are treated, then clinically assessed routine patients should be seen in chronological order (i.e. longest waiter first). Should the patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he/she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
612. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 188 of 11 October 2012, when a reply will issue from the Health Service Executive. [51394/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have referred the Deputy's query to the Health Service Executive. However, in order to respond, the HSE will require further information, on a confidential basis, in order to identify the issue. Accordingly, I would be grateful if the Deputy would supply the Health Service Executive with the specific procedure he is referring to in his original question.
613. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when the expert group report into the A, B and C v. Ireland case will be published. [51406/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Expert Group on the A, B and C v Ireland judgment of the European Court of Human Rights submitted its report to me on 13th November and I intend to bring the Report to Government next Tuesday, 27th November, seeking Cabinet approval for its publication.
614. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the ownership status of the site at St. James' Hospital, Dublin, now identified for the new National Paediatric Hospital; if it is publicly or privately owned; if the latter, is it leased or rented; if so, from whom; if that situation applies, what are the possible implications, if any, for the new hospital, including cost to the public purse, fixity of tenure and so on; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51417/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Tuesday, 6 November, I announced that the new children's hospital would be co-located with St James's Hospital on its campus. Following the announcement, the HSE and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board immediately engaged with St James's Hospital in relation to the site and site preparation. The matters raised by the Deputy will be examined and addressed during this process, which is focused on ensuring that this hugely important project proceeds securely and as swiftly as possible to completion.
615. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that as and from Tuesday the 30 of October 2012, the provision of nursing services in satellite clinics with the exception of ARC will be by referral from a doctor using an appointment system; reasons for same;; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51443/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy is referring to the review and reconfiguration of nursing services in the Addiction Services in the HSE Dublin Mid-Leinster region. I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
616. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on progress on the introduction of the free GP card to those on the long term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51449/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government commits to reforming the current public health system by introducing Universal Health Insurance with equal access to care for all. As part of this, the Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, GP care without fees within its first term of office. Primary legislation is required to give effect to Government commitment to introduce a universal GP service without fees.
Legislation to allow the Minister for Health to make regulations to extend access to GP services without fees to persons with prescribed illnesses is currently being drafted by this Department and the Office of the Attorney General and will be published shortly. Implementation dates and application details will be announced in due course.
617. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health his policy for dealing with persons who require coronary care over the week ends in the mid west area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51450/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.
The Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) Programme is trying to improve and standardise the care of ACS patients by ensuring that ambulances are equipped and paramedics trained to recognise the most common type of major heart attack (STEMI) and transport these patients to a primary PCI centre hospital for appropriate care. Primary PCI centre hospitals are designated based on having available catheter laboratories plus a requisite number of cardiologists that are trained in PPCI.
The Mid-West Regional Hospital in Limerick were approved on 1st October as a PPCI centre operating Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The service was reviewed on 23rd October and approved for operation on a 24/7 basis which began on 30th October. It is estimated that approximately 2 patients per week use the out of hours service.
618. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the cost to the Health Service Executive to furnish and maintain the HSE Office at Model Farm Road Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51454/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the health property estate is a service matter. Therefore your question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to you.
619. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason elective orthopaedic procedures at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital have ceased for the period 12 September to 12 December 2012; the impact these actions will have on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51455/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra620. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason two newly appointed Orthopaedic Surgeons do not have access to an elective surgery list at the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital, Cork, despite the fact that a newly refurbished theatre appears to lie idle; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51456/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 619 and 620 together.
The funding pressures now being experienced in the health services mean that the acute sector must reduce its costs in order to deliver the agreed level of activity within the resources available to it. This means that we must concentrate on maximising efficiency and getting the best possible services for patients from the budgets available to us. However, this on its own is not sufficient. Activity levels in our acute hospitals have been running ahead of the levels set in the approved HSE Service Plan and therefore it is inevitable that activity levels must also be reduced. This will be a significant challenge, and in meeting it we must be flexible and responsive to service needs, in order to ensure that essential services are protected and that patient safety and quality remain paramount.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
621. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the cost to run the urgent care centre at St. Mary’s Orthopaedic Hospital Gurranabraher, Cork; the number of patients seen and the cost per patient; his views on the value for money that this current service represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51457/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe detailed information sought by the Deputy is not readily available in my Department. I have therefore requested the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in relation to this matter.
622. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding in respect of an organisation (details supplied) in County Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51460/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has received an application for funding from the 2012 National Lottery allocation from the organisation in question. This is one of a large number currently being assessed by my Department, and the Deputy will be informed of the outcome of the application as soon as a decision has been made.
623. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will clarify his proposal to charge private patients for medical services provided in public hospitals (details supplied) [51463/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI think the Deputy may be speaking about the VHI's recent claim that charging private in-patients who occupy public beds in public hospitals the daily maintenance charge, would result in a 45% increase in health insurance premia.
The situation is that a system of bed designation has been in place in public hospitals since the 1990s. Under this system, most beds are either designated as public beds or private beds: there is a small number of non-designated beds, such as those in Intensive Care Units. Under the current framework, private in-patients who occupy public beds in public hospitals are not levied the daily maintenance charge, which ranges from €586 to €1,046 in most public hospitals.
The Comptroller and Auditor General reported in 2010 that 45% of in-patients treated privately by their consultants were not charged for their maintenance costs because they were not occupying designated private beds. As part of Budget 2012, I announced that I intended to bring forward legislation to provide for the charging of all private patients in public hospitals, irrespective of whether they occupied a public or a private bed. In view of the significant potential cost implications for private health insurers, I subsequently indicated that I would be prepared to postpone implementation of the legislation until 2013 provided that the funds targeted for the current year were raised through a system of improved cashflow from the private insurers. Arrangements for this improved cashflow have been agreed in principle with the insurers, and the legal details are being finalised at present.
In relation to charging all private patients in public beds, the issue will be dealt with as part of the budgetary process for 2013 and I will bring legislative proposals to Government on the matter in due course. I am committed to keeping the cost of health insurance premia as low as possible and, to this end, my Department is working closely with the four health insurers, through the Health Insurance Consultative Forum. The objective of the forum is to explore ways to minimise costs, while always respecting competition law.
624. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the roster policy for the ambulance service throughout the country; if he will provide details of any regional variation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51467/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra625. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to ensure that ambulance service staff are no longer exceeding the maximum 16 hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51469/12]
Amharc ar fhreagra627. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a detailed report on the status of the implementation of the Labour Court recommendations facilitating the removal of on-call from the Cork Kerry Region Ambulance Service which was issued in February 2011; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [51472/12]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 624, 625 and 627 together.
The Deputy may be aware that, following a referral to the Labour Court under the Public Service Agreement, the HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) is currently progressing a number of efficiencies arising from a decision of that court. These operational efficiencies include the removal of on-call arrangements in rosters, where ambulance staff are not actually on duty in ambulance stations or vehicle but may be contacted in the event of a 999 call. This means that it could take over 20 minutes for an emergency ambulance to leave its station after the crew has been tasked. All parties have accepted that, in accordance with a Labour Court recommendation, providing ambulance services under on-call arrangements should cease.
The NAS is not a static service. It deploys its resources in a dynamic manner and works on an area and national, rather than a local, basis. The dynamic deployment of ambulance resources ensures that the nearest appropriate resource is mobilised to the location of any incident, including incidents in the greater Dublin area. In this context, any removal of overtime inefficiencies will be addressed through more efficient deployment and utilisation of resources.
As the details of rostering policy for the ambulance service, including details of any regional variation are, operational matters for the HSE, this question has been forwarded to the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
