Written Answers Nos 233-243
233. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he intends taking any action to reduce the length of time it takes for a medical review for medical card applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9331/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information sought by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the Health Service Executive to supply this information to me and I will forward it to the Deputy as soon as possible.
234. Deputy Nicky McFadden asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to ensuring a specific timeframe is given for the provision of bilateral cochlear implants for children, particularly for children who already have one implant; if he will provide an update on progress being made between the Health Service Executive and Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9337/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra262. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the provision of funding to provide two cochlear ear implants for children who require such devices; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9504/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 234 and 262 together.
The HSE undertook a National Review of Audiology Services. The National Audiology Review Group developed a comprehensive set of recommendations to address the inconsistencies and inadequacies in audiology services which are contained in the HSE Report of the National Review of Audiology Services published in April 2011.
This report provides the blueprint for the planning, development and delivery of HSE audiology services, from new- born screening to assessment and management of adults and children with hearing problems, including cochlear implantation. That report included a recommendation that continued ring-fenced financial support be provided for the cochlear implant programme but at levels which allow for simultaneous bilateral implantation for children.
Since then, the HSE Audiology Clinical Care Programme was formed to oversee the implementation of the recommendations detailed by this report. Progress is being made on the modernisation of audiology services in Ireland with the introduction of a universal national programme of new-born hearing screening a key priority.
Beaumont Hospital is the centre for delivering Ireland’s national cochlear implant programme, with surgical provision for patients under six (6) years carried out in the Children’s University Hospital Temple Street. While no dedicated programme for simultaneous or sequential cochlear implantation is being carried out in Ireland at this time, some bilateral implantation has already occurred for patients, mainly very young children with certain medical conditions such as a history of meningitis or blindness. It is estimated that there are approximately 200 children in Ireland today who may be suitable for a second implant. Not all suitable patients proceed with the second implant when appraised of all the issues involved.
I am aware that Beaumont Hospital, HSE Management and the HSE’s Audiology Clinical Care Programme have met recently to discuss a joint process to identify the options for developing and resourcing a programme of simultaneous and sequential cochlear implantation. An important element of this will be the development of clear clinical criteria to prioritise clients for assessment and follow on implantation. The introduction of this service is a matter between the HSE and Beaumont hospital and the HSE has advised me that these plans will be progressed through the HSE 2014 estimates process.
236. Deputy Marcella Corcoran Kennedy asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange for the processing of an application for a valid E112 card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9356/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
237. Deputy Patrick Nulty asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) in Dublin 15 will receive an appointment with the child and adolescent mental health services; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9373/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
238. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans for future residential care for psychiatric patients in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9383/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
239. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9384/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the delivery of healthcare infrastructure is a service matter the Deputy's question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply
240. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9385/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the healthcare property portfolio is a service matter. Therefore the Deputy's question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
241. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9386/13]
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.
242. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9387/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraValentia Community Hospital is managed and operated by Valentia Community Health and Welfare Association. The HSE has a local service level agreement with the Valentia voluntary group for the provision of its residential and day services. With the introduction of the Nursing Home Support Scheme (Fair Deal) in October 2009, the Valentia Group, similar to other private and voluntary residential care providers, agreed a rate per long stay bed with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to provide such residential services to recipients of funding under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. The HSE continues to engage with the Board of Directors of the hospital to support the process of decision making with regard to the future direction of service provision at the hospital.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund, as the agency charged with the negotiation of prices under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, has identified a number of facilities, including that referred to by the Deputy, which face particular challenges. The Department is continuing to work with the HSE and the NTPF to scope out the optimal way forward.
243. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the benefits of revenue for a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9388/13]
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.
