Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:657. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the assistance that can be given to a family (details supplied) in Dublin 8. [24141/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Provision
Ceisteanna (657)
Freagraí scríofa
My Department will look into the matter and I will respond to you directly.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (658)
Finian McGrath
Ceist:658. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card application in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5 [24146/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (659)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:659. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1112 of 16 April 2013, the reason Health Service Executive employees in the areas of domestics, maintenance, porters and drivers are excluded from the possibility of securing a transfer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24214/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the matter raised by the Deputy is a service issue, I have requested the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (660)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:660. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for speech therapy for children under five in the greater Dublin area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24221/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (661)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:661. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time for speech therpy for children under five; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24222/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (662)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:662. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if all speech therapy postions are filled across the country and in particular if maternity leave is covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24223/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Availability
Ceisteanna (663)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:663. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the drugs refund scheme does not cover medication or special food requirements for patients with dyspahgia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24224/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The following products for the preparation of thickened foods are currently available for the treatment of dysphagia on the GMS and community drug schemes:
|
^^ |
Products |
|
81927 |
CLINUTREN THICKENER 300 G. PACK |
|
82236 |
INSTANT CAROBEL 135 G. PACK |
|
82249 |
NUTILIS POWDER PACK 300 G. |
|
83039 |
NUTILIS POWDER PACK 670 G. |
|
81109 |
NUTILIS POWDER SACHETS 12 G. |
|
81512 |
RESOURCE THICKEN UP 4.5 G. SACHET 75 |
|
82848 |
THICK & EASY 225 G. PACK |
|
81936 |
THICK & EASY 9 G. SACHET 100 SACHET |
|
83191 |
VITAQUICK 300 G. PACK |
The HSE does not reimburse commercially produced pre-thickened foods on the GMS and community drug schemes.
Medical Card Reviews
Ceisteanna (664)
Tom Fleming
Ceist:664. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason applicants who have recently been granted full medical cards that are valid for another 2 to 3 years are now being requested to complete a review form having already gone through a detailed application process; his views on whether this is a best use of resources and frustrating for applicants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24226/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive operates under the legislative framework of the Health Act of 1970, as subsequently amended. In the interest of probity, the HSE is obliged, irrespective of the age of the person, to ensure that a person’s eligibility is correctly recorded in line with the eligibility legislation and the national guidelines. The HSE aims to ensure that every person who is entitled to the medical card schemes is given the opportunity to avail of their entitlement.
Medical cards for persons aged 66 years are generally reviewed every 4 years and for those under 66, the length of validity is 3 years. Depending on the individual's circumstances, it may be issued for a shorter period. If an individual's circumstances change - or those of a dependant - he/she must inform the HSE, as he/she may no longer be eligible. In addition to the standard assessment and review processes, random audits of eligibility will also be undertaken by the HSE on an on-going basis. If selected for review under this process, the Medical Card holder will be informed and requested to submit up to date income details.
Any medical card holder undergoing a review to renew a medical card, who genuinely engages with the HSE in that review, will not have their entitlement withdrawn before the review is complete. This applies, regardless of the expiry date shown on the medical card and the reviewee is also advised of the appeals process.
Question No. 665 answered with Question No. 650.
Hospitals Building Programme
Ceisteanna (666)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:666. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular format details of the Model 4 hospitals in each new hospital group, the Model 3 hospitals in same and the Model 2 hospitals in same and indicate with regard to this category, if it is a Model 2D, a Model 2S or a Model 2R; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24237/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy in this matter.
Air Ambulance Service Provision
Ceisteanna (667)
Andrew Doyle
Ceist:667. Deputy Andrew Doyle asked the Minister for Health the regulations surrounding the use of helipads for delivering patients to hospitals throughout the country; the hospitals that have helicopter pads for landings; if each helipad is licensed for use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24243/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 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.
Question No. 668 answered with Question No. 647.
Question No. 669 answered with Question No. 608.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (670)
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:670. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the processing of the application will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24266/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
The Health Service Executive operates the General Medical Services scheme, which includes medical cards and GP visit cards, under the Health Act 1970, as amended. It has established a dedicated contact service for members of the Oireachtas specifically for queries relating to medical cards and GP visit cards, which the Deputy may wish to use for an earlier response. Contact information has recently reissued to Oireachtas members.
Alcohol Pricing
Ceisteanna (671)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:671. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if proposals to include minimum pricing of alcohol will be legislated for; if so, when he expects to publish legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24269/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to inform the Deputy that real and tangible proposals are currently being finalised on foot of the recommendations in the National Substance Misuse Strategy report. These proposals cover all of the areas mentioned in the report, including legislation on minimum unit pricing which is about setting a statutory floor price per gram of alcohol.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has considered these proposals and I intend to bring forward specific proposals for consideration by Government as soon as possible.
In the meantime work on developing a framework for the necessary Department of Health legislation, which I anticipate will be available later this year or early next year, is continuing. For example, in conjunction with Northern Ireland, a health impact assessment is being commissioned as part of the process of developing a legislative basis for minimum unit pricing. The health impact assessment will study the impact of different minimum prices on a range of areas such as health, crime and likely economic impact.
Patient Data
Ceisteanna (672)
Alan Farrell
Ceist:672. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on the possibility of introducing an online database of patients records to be made accessible to all medical professionals within the Health Service Executive; the data sharing databases that are in place currently throughout the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24271/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The concept of an EHR (Electronic Health Record) that enables patient information to be stored, accessed and shared in a secure environment by patients and authorised health providers is widely held to be a key enabler for a more efficient health systems delivery model. Such systems are critical for the support of patient safety and improved quality of care. The development of EHRs within the HSE and on a national basis poses considerable challenges but I am confident that the introduction of hospital groups will allow the health service to progress access to enhanced patient information systems between hospitals within the group structures.
There are a number of examples of systems in place currently which allow the sharing of data at local, regional and national level. These would include NIMIS (National Integrated Medical Imaging System), the Primary Care Re-Imbursement Service (PCRS) prescriptions database, the financial Information Management Reports (IMR) reporting data warehouse and the Endoscopy Reporting system (currently being implemented). In addition, there is a national messaging solution which allows data to be shared between various entities within the wider health sector.
My Department is currently developing an eHealth strategy that will outline the core building blocks required to develop the optimum environment to support the development of information systems required to enhance patient care, connected health, efficiency and reform. It is working closely with the HSE and HIQA in developing the necessary supporting infrastructure and information standards. The legislative environment required to underpin the governance for health information systems including EHR's will be provided for in the Health Information Bill to be published before the end of this year.
Hospitals Building Programme
Ceisteanna (673)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:673. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health with regard to the nine smaller hospitals which are to be Model 2 hospitals, if he will supply in tabular form, for each hospital a list of services that are currently available in those hospitals that will will no longer be available when the framework is put in place; the timeline for these changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24275/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, the Framework for Smaller Hospitals lists the services that are appropriate to a smaller hospital. The future growth in healthcare will be in the services such as ambulatory care (including chronic disease management and day surgery), diagnostics and rehabilitation which will be based in smaller hospitals. As a result of these emerging models of healthcare delivery, and the aging population, the total volume of activity of the smaller hospitals will grow substantially and no smaller hospital will close as a result of either the Hospital Groups Report or the Framework for Smaller Hospitals. This increase in volume is particularly evidenced in Roscommon where day case discharges have increased by 26% from 3,798 in 2010 to 5,127 in 2012.
Hospital groups will be required to submit a strategic plan within one year of formation which will outline its plans for future services within the group area, including those to be delivered in each smaller hospital. Smaller hospitals will play a crucial role in the delivery of services and when groups are established, services can be exchanged between sites. This will result in the enhancement of activity in smaller hospitals and will allow them to focus on the provision of care that is safe and appropriate.
The implementation of the Framework for these smaller hospitals has largely been completed around the country and the objective is to complete the remaining necessary changes dependent on required capacity being available in the regions and hospital groups concerned.
Hospital Appointment Status
Ceisteanna (674)
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:674. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Mayo will receive an appointment with a vascular doctor in University College Hospital; Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24303/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Building on work already undertaken by the HSE, the National Treatment Purchase Fund has now taken over the reporting of outpatient waiting time data. For the first time data is available on www.ntpf.ie. The collation and analysis of outpatient waiting time data in a standardised format will reveal the distribution of long waiters across all hospitals. In the first instance, this will allow resources to be targeted towards those patients who are waiting longest and ensure that they are seen and assessed. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has now been set of 12 months for a first time outpatient appointment.
In parallel with reducing the numbers of longest waiters, the SDU will also work with the HSE Clinical Programmes to reform the structure, 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.
In 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.
Universal Health Insurance Provision
Ceisteanna (675)
Michelle Mulherin
Ceist:675. Deputy Michelle Mulherin asked the Minister for Health when the universal health care system will be introduced; the progress that has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24305/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is embarking on a major reform programme for the health system, the aim of which is to deliver a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance (UHI), where access is based on need, not on income.
In February, I published The Path to Universal Healthcare, a preliminary paper on UHI which provides a comprehensive update on progress achieved to date and sets out the main actions for the road ahead (available on www.doh.ie). As outlined in that paper, many of the key building blocks for UHI have been progressed.
Of major significance is the recent Government decision to reorganise public hospitals into more efficient and accountable hospital groups that will deliver improved outcomes for patients. That decision was informed by two expert reports, namely, The Establishment of Hospital Groups as a Transition to Independent Hospital Trusts and The Framework for Development – Securing the Future of Smaller Hospitals.
Other key building blocks which have been progressed include the work of the Special Delivery Unit in significantly reducing waiting times for scheduled and unscheduled care; the enactment of the Health Insurance (Amendment) Act 2012 providing for a new scheme of risk equalisation for the private health insurance market; the delivery of a 'Money Follows the Patient' policy which was published in February and which provides for a fairer and more transparent means of funding healthcare, and the approval of national healthcare standards and ongoing work in relation to supporting licensing legislation.
The Department is currently undertaking detailed work in relation to the preparation of a White Paper on Universal Health Insurance. Broadly, this involves the development of detailed policy proposals covering issues such as the design of the UHI model, the scope and composition of the UHI basket of services and funding and financial support mechanisms for UHI.
A special UHI Design Team has recently been set up to oversee and support the work involved in the design of the UHI model and the preparation of the White Paper on Universal Health Insurance. The work involved in UHI design is both complex and technical and, as a consequence, the Design Team will be supported by specialised expertise at appropriate junctures. To this end, the Department has recently engaged legal expertise to assist in deliberations in this area. Work on the development of detailed policy proposals is proceeding with a view to publishing the White Paper as early as possible.
The reform programme is a major undertaking that requires careful planning and sequencing over a number of years and full implementation of UHI will take some time to achieve. I anticipate that by 2016 the necessary groundwork will be in place to enable us to phase in implementation of UHI, as promised in the Programme for Government. I should add that it is my intention to consult widely as part of the reform implementation process.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (676)
Ciaran Lynch
Ceist:676. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be provided with necessary eye treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24306/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 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.