Written Answers Nos. 236-239
236. Deputy Gerald Nash asked the Minister for Health if he intends to appoint a paediatric orthopaedic surgeon at Our Lady Of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9142/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
237. Deputy John Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount of money expended by the Health Service Executive on legal fees for the year ending 2012 and for each of the previous four years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9148/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive it has been referred to the Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
238. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if the necessary five nursing personnel and two EEG technologists will be recruited by the Health Service Executive in order that the epilepsy units in Cork and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, may be opened and provide a round the clock inpatient service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9153/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraCork and Beaumont are two of six regional centres which have been identified by the HSE's Clinical Care Programme for Epilepsy for the provision of specialist epilepsy services. Developments so far under the Programme include the opening of Rapid Access Clinics at four of these centre, including Beaumont, St James’s, Galway and Limerick. The Rapid Access clinics are led by Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs). Under the Programme, 10.5 (WTE) Advanced Nurse Practitioners (ANPs) have been recruited to lead these clinics so that a total of 12 ANPs are now in place across the four centres, delivering services on site and on an outreach basis.
The two Epilepsy Monitoring Units (EMUs) planned for Cork and Beaumont under the Programme will increase pre-surgical evaluation capacity. Monitoring is required for those patients with the worst effects of epilepsy, and patients at these units will require 24/7 care.
The staffing requirements to enable the units to be safely opened have been identified. In regard to the planned EMU at Beaumont, I am advised by the HSE that, having secured recruitment approval from the National Control Group, Beaumont is progressing the recruitment of the posts necessary to support the service development. The recruitment of the necessary nursing personnel is a key element to facilitate phased opening of the unit as nursing staff come into post.
With regard to Cork, the HSE has advised that it is the intention of the Cork University Hospital management to open the EMU in Quarter 3 of this year and this will be included in the HSE South’s 2013 Regional Service Plan.
239. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will allow an exemption for asylum seekers who only receive €19 per week, older persons and persons with disabilities from the increased prescription charges, such groups should be allowed an exemption from the increase as it is resulting in further poverty. [9155/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card holders are required to pay a €1.50 charge per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists, subject to a cap of €19.50 per month for each person or family. Prescription charges do not apply to children in the care of the HSE or to methadone supplied to patients participating in the Methadone Treatment Scheme. There are no plans to provide for further exemptions from prescription charges.
