Written Answers Nos 1101-1115
1101. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current payment structure for a consultation on call by a consultant; the annual cost to the Exchequer; the corresponding payment structure and annual cost for a remote consultation via the use of telemedicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34964/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraConsultants working in the public health service receive a flat annual payment (B Factor Payment) if they are working on a roster that requires them to perform on-call duties. They also receive a payment per call out (C Factor Payment). The table, which is extracted from the Consolidated Salary Scales for July 2013, provides a breakdown of these payments.
B and C Factor Payments
On Call/Call-Out Payments
|
- |
No. of Call-Outs |
Consultants Appointed prior to 01/01/2011 |
Consultants appointed from 01/01/2011 to end-September 2012 |
1/10/2012* |
|
Rota |
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Flat Annual Payment |
3,857 |
3,472 |
2,430 |
|
|
In addition to the Flat Annual Payment further payments will be made to Consultants on more onerous rotas as follows… |
||||
|
1 in 3 |
2,234 |
2,010 |
1,407 |
|
|
1 in 2 |
||||
|
1-80 call-outs |
5,577 |
5,019 |
3,513 |
|
|
81-120 call-outs |
6,445 |
5,800 |
4,060 |
|
|
121+ call-outs |
7,058 |
6,352 |
4,446 |
|
|
1 in 1 |
||||
|
1-80 call-outs |
6,693 |
6,024 |
4,217 |
|
|
81-120 call-outs |
8,470 |
7,623 |
5,336 |
|
|
121+ call-outs |
10,460 |
9,414 |
6,590 |
Emergency Call-Out Payments
|
Consultants Appointed prior to 01/01/2011 |
Consultants appointed from 01/01/2011 to end-September 2012 |
1/10/2012* |
|
|
€ |
€ |
€ |
|
|
Per call-out |
|||
|
First 30 call-outs |
78.59 |
70.73 |
49.51 |
|
31-120 call-outs |
118.21 |
106.39 |
74.47 |
|
121 call-outs or more |
156.15 |
140.54 |
98.37 |
|
If the call-out occurs after midnight |
|||
|
First 30 call-outs |
104.76 |
94.29 |
66.00 |
|
31-120 call-outs |
158.40 |
142.56 |
99.79 |
|
121 call-outs or more |
209.65 |
188.69 |
132.08 |
|
For each hour or part hour in excess of the first hour |
|||
|
First 30 call-outs |
52.31 |
47.08 |
32.95 |
|
31-120 call-outs |
78.06 |
70.25 |
49.18 |
|
121 call-outs or more |
104.84 |
94.36 |
66.05 |
|
Annual Limit |
22,303 |
20,073 |
14,051 |
* Interviews held on or after 1 October 2012 and excluding Academic Consultant appointments where the successful candidates are entitled to retain their previous salary scales.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the other issues he has raised.
1102. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the total cost of purchasing remote presence solution robots for the telemedicine rapid access for stroke and neurological assessment programme; the number of robots purchased; the number presently in use; the current storage costs for the remaining robots; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34965/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE National Clinical Care Programmes provide a national, strategic and co-ordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. In relation to the Stroke Clinical Programme, the aim of the programme is to save lives, reduce average length of stay (AvLOS) in hospitals and reduce admission of stroke patients to nursing homes. One of their objectives is the development of a national telemedicine network using the remote technology to provide expert support.
In relation to the particular query regarding the purchase, and use of, remote presence solution robots raised by the Deputy, I have asked the HSE to respond directly in this regard.
1103. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current thrombolysis rate for each acute hospital; the number of patients presenting with stroke in each acute unit in the last available 12 month period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34966/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE's National Clinical Care Programmes provide a national, strategic and co-ordinated approach to a wide range of clinical services. The programmes have three main objectives – to improve the quality of care, to improve access and to improve cost-value, effectiveness. The Clinical Care Stroke Programme aims to save save 1 death or disability per day, reduce Average Length of Stay by 2 days over 3 years and reduce admission of stroke patients to nursing homes by 1.5% nationally.
In relation to the detail of the Deputy's question, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to him.
1104. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in relocating long-term psychiatric patients from acute units in Roscommon and Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34967/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will appreciate that the Health Service Executive has statutory responsibility for the planning and delivery of services at local level and I have therefore asked that it reply directly to him to update him in detail on this matter.
From my own point of view, I have been closely monitoring developments on the issue raised and I met with officials from the Executive as recently as 10 July last to review the evolving situation. The Deputy can rest assured that I will continue to liaise with the Executive, with a view to ensuring the best outcomes for the future of the mental health services across Galway and Roscommon.
1105. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the Health Service Executive to carry out a disability impact assessment of public toilets leased by local authorities and if he will provide the cost of leasing contracts for superloo toilets to each local authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34969/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to advise the Deputy that I have no function in relation to the matter raised. Matters such as public toilets and such ancillary issues are under the control of Local Authorities which come under the auspices of the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government.
1106. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has sought and received legal advice outside the Office of the Attorney General; the number of times advice was sought per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; the costs of outside legal advice per year in 2011, 2012 and to date in 2013; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34984/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe information requested by the Deputy is currently being collated and will be forwarded to him as soon as it is available.
1107. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position on a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3. [35016/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 issued to Oireachtas members.
1108. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position on the safety of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 5. [35018/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1109. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the cost of care for public nursing homes for 2012 for each of the nursing homes in the country; the average weekly cost per patient in each of these nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35093/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1110. Deputy Jack Wall asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the working conditions of non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35102/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1114. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that no doctor is allowed to work more than a 24 hour shift. [35133/13]
Amharc ar fhreagra1122. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health the current regulations regarding hours worked by non-consultant hospital doctors; if Irish hospitals are compliant with labour law in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35175/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1110, 1114 and 1122 together.
S.I. No. 494 of 2004 European Communities (Organisation of Working Time) (Activities of Doctors in Training) Regulations 2004, which transposed the EU Working Time Directive, provides for:
- a maximum 48 hour average working week;
- a 30 minute rest break every 6 hours during period on-site on-call;
- 11 hours rest every 24 hours or equivalent compensatory rest before return to work;
- 35 hours continuous rest per week or twice a fortnight or 59 hours continuous rest per fortnight.
The Government is committed to achieving compliance with the European Working Time Directive in respect of non-consultant hospital doctors (NCHDs) by 2014. I have emphasised to the HSE the high priority the Government and I attach to this issue and also the need to address NCHDs working conditions more generally.
The Health Service Executive’s Service Plan for 2013 specifically recognises the need to address EWTD compliance in the short-term. Key objectives in 2013 are a reduction of average weekly hours worked and a reduction in the duration of shifts undertaken.
The HSE has established a national group to bring a clear and urgent focus to: implementation of the Directive, assessment of performance and site-by-site accountability for change. The objective is to achieve compliance by the end of 2014. The Group has engaged with management in each hospital regarding implementation plans and accountability. The immediate focus is to ensure that no doctor works more than 68 hours per week and that none work shifts (including on-call) of longer than 24 hours at a time.
The HSE is also conscious of the need to implement other measures to improve the working conditions of NCHDs, including protection of training time, the implementation of formal bleep policies and the transfer of tasks often inappropriately undertaken by NCHDs to more appropriate staff.
I am keeping this matter under ongoing review so as to ensure that the HSE, to the maximum extent possible, reduces the average working hours of NCHDs and implements other measures to improve their working conditions. Progressing compliance is a key priority which will in turn facilitate the provision of improved and safer delivery of services to patients.
1111. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Cork is on the waiting list for treatment at the respiratory outpatient clinic in Cork University Hospital; the length of time they will be expected to wait for an appointment; the standard waiting times for the respiratory outpatient clinic in 2011, 2012 and 2013; the action he is taking to address the issue of long waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35122/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to outpatient services is a key priority for the Government. Collaborating with individual hospitals, the SDU, together with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and the HSE, has developed the outpatient waiting list minimum dataset. This allows data to be submitted to the NTPF from hospitals on a weekly basis and, for the first time, outpatient data are available on www.ntpf.ie. For 2013, a maximum waiting time target has been set of 12 months for a first time consultant-led outpatient appointment and this is reflected in the HSE service plan. The SDU and the NTPF will work closely with hospitals towards achievement of the maximum waiting time.
Should a patient's general practitioner consider that the patient's condition warrants an earlier appointment, he or she would be in the best position to take the matter up with the consultant and hospital involved. In relation to the specific waiting list queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1112. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made towards free general practitioner care for all; the reason for delays; and the way he plans to proceed with the efficient running of primary care teams without the support of general practitioners [35123/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to introducing, on a phased basis, a universal GP service without fees within its first term of office, as set out in the Programme for Government and the Future Health strategy framework. This policy constitutes a fundamental element in the Government’s health reform programme. The current Government is the first in the history of the State to have committed itself to implementing a universal GP service for the entire population.
It has become clear that the legal and administrative framework required to provide a robust basis for eligibility for a GP service based on having a particular medical condition is likely to be overly complex and bureaucratic. Relatively complex primary legislation would be required in order to provide a GP service to a person on the basis of their having a particular illness. The assessment system for such an approach would have to be robust, objective and auditable in order to have the confidence of this House, as well as the general public. This legislation would have to address how a person could be certified as having such an illness, and who could do this, and how to select the diagnostic basis for medical conditions. As well as primary legislation, there would be a need for secondary legislation to give full effect to this approach for each condition. While it would not be impossible to achieve this, it would take several months more to finalise the primary legislation, followed then by the preparation of statutory instruments. In my view, this would entail putting in place a cumbersome legal and administrative infrastructure to deal with what is only a temporary first phase on the way to universal GP service to the entire population.
However, the Government is firmly committed to introducing a universal service within this term. The Cabinet Committee on Health has discussed the issues relating to the roll-out of the universal GP service. In doing so, it has considered the delay in the initial step and the importance of weighing the balance between, on the one hand, resolving the legal issues but with a further delay and, on the other, with the need to bring forward an important Programme for Government commitment with the minimum of further delay.
It has been agreed that a number of alternative options should be set out with regard to the phased implementation of a universal GP service without fees. Minister Reilly and I have updated the Taoiseach on this matter and we expect to report back to the Cabinet Committee in the near future. As part of this work, consideration is being given to the approaches, timing and financial implications of the phased implementation of this universal health service.
The Government has already made clear its commitment to delivering on the implementation of a GP service for the entire population by providing additional financial resources in the two most recent Budgets. The HSE Vote now contains funding of €30 million for this year for an initial phase of the provision of GP services as part of this Programme for Government commitment.
To conclude, this Government is determined to expedite the implementation of a national GP service for the entire population, something to which no previous Government has ever aspired.
1113. Deputy Sandra McLellan asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a hip operation for a person (details supplied) in County Cork [35128/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe management of inpatient and daycase 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 or 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.
1115. Deputy Damien English asked the Minister for Health his plans to hold a public consultation on the introduction of plain packaging for cigarettes; when this consultation will begin; if the drafting of the legislation will commence after the consultation has been completed and submissions assessed by his officials; if these submissions will be published online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35134/13]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with the Regulatory Impact Assessment Guidelines (RIA) published by the Department of the Taoiseach, my Department will be undertaking a regulatory impact analysis on the proposed legislation for the introduction of standardised packaging for tobacco products. Consultation with all relevant stakeholders is an integral part of the RIA process, which will also consider the costs, benefits and impacts of this proposal.
My Department is currently establishing a high level implementation group to oversee the implementation of a project plan in relation to the introduction of standardised packaging for tobacco products.
