Written Answers Nos. 667 - 683
667. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health the actions his Department and or the Health Service Executive have taken arising from the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children's report on end of life and palliative care in Ireland and in particular actions arising from the 37 recommendations in the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41397/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department, in collaboration with the HSE, has carefully considered the issues raised and is now in the process of finalising a reasoned response to the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children on the recommendations made.
The response will issue to the Joint Committee very shortly.
668. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Offaly. [41399/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe scheduling of appointments for patients is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. 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 case raised by the Deputy, as this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
669. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a patient's referral (details supplied) in County Donegal; the reasons the patient has yet to be referred to the relevant experts despite assurances given by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41406/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE operates a Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation 1408/71, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations 574/72, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. Patients, in conjunction with their Irish based public referring hospital consultant, have the ability to apply to the HSE TAS seeking access to public healthcare outside the state through model form E112. The treatment must not be available within the State or not available within a time normally necessary for obtaining it. Applications to TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment.
The TAS allows for an Irish based medical consultant to refer a patient that is normally resident in Ireland for treatment, in a public hospital, in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland, where the treatment in question meets the following criteria:
(a) The application to refer a patient abroad has been assessed and a determination given before that patient goes abroad.
(b) Following clinical assessment, the referring Consultant certifies the following:
- They recommend the patient be treated in another EU/EEA country or Switzerland;
- The treatment is medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
- The treatment is a proven form of medical treatment and is not experimental or test treatment;
- The treatment is in a recognised hospital or other institution and is under the control of a registered medical practitioner;
- The hospital outside the state will accept EU/EEA form E112 (IE).
Each application to TAS is processed and given a formal written decision. If that decision is one of decline, the reason for that decision is clearly outlined and the option of an appeal is afforded.
I am advised by the HSE's Treatment Abroad Scheme Office that an application in respect of the patient completed by the patient's Irish-based referring consultant was received on 22 October and that the application will be assessed by that office pending receipt of further information requested from the referring consultant.
670. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his views on funding for a nursing home (details supplied) in County Louth; his plans to address the crisis in nursing home waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41422/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe legislation underpinning the Nursing Homes Support Scheme requires all private nursing homes and voluntary nursing homes to negotiate and agree a price for the cost of care with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) should they wish to participate in the scheme. This is a necessary feature of the scheme due to the commitment by the State to meet the balance of the cost of care over and above a person's contribution.
The NTPF has statutory responsibility for the negotiation of prices with private and voluntary nursing homes. The NTPF is independent in the performance of this function and, in carrying it out, it must ensure value for money and for both the individual and the State. The NTPF negotiates with each nursing home individually and may examine the records and accounts of nursing homes as part of the process. This method of negotiation is necessary in order to ensure that the State obtains the best value for each individual in a nursing home and to comply with competition law.
Funding of €939 million is available to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme in 2014. Applications are processed within 3-4 weeks. Once a determination has been made applicants are put on the placement list in order of their approval date and funding issues to applicants in this chronological order to ensure equity nationally. The HSE operates the national placement list for the Nursing Homes Support Scheme to enable it to operate within budget.
In addition to the €939 million allocated to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme, a further €25 million was allocated to tackle the problem of delayed discharges in Budget 2015. The €25 million will help to ease the situation of the placement list times and the pressure in acute hospitals with beds being taken up by people awaiting a place in a nursing home.
671. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a blood test called brain natriuretic peptide (details supplied). [41423/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra697. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health in relation to a blood test called brain natriuretic peptide for the detection of heart failure, if general practitioners may carry out this test; if there is any distinction between public and private patients having this carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41538/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 671 and 697 together.
The Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) test can be requested by GPs in certain areas at present but it is not yet available in all HSE areas; however, availability is gradually increasing nationwide. The HSE is not aware of any differentiation between public and private patients in public laboratories.
If the Deputies require information about the availability of BNP testing in particular areas, I would be happy to enquire of the HSE on your behalf.
672. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the residential addiction treatment facilities available to people living in counties Louth, Meath, Monaghan and Cavan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41427/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
673. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made in relation to an application that has been made regarding a nursing home support scheme (details supplied) in County Galway; the reason for the delay in making a decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41428/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
674. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to previous questions on the matter, the latest preparations for any possible cases of Ebola in the State. [41437/14]
Amharc ar fhreagra756. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to a discovery of a vaccine against Ebola; if the EU is contributing to the research project; if so the amount Ireland is contributing to this research fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 756 together.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is the forum for coordinating the response between the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive during the planning and response phases of a public health emergency. It has met four times in recent weeks to coordinate preparedness in the Irish health services and meets regularly to review progress and coordinate the response to any cases in Ireland.
The EVD Coordination Group has been formed to coordinate preparedness on cross-sectoral issues. It includes representatives from a number of Government Departments and State agencies. The EVD Transport Sub-group has met to coordinate preparedness at ports and airports.
The HSE Emerging Viral Threats group meets regularly. Most of its work is progressed through the Communications and Training sub groups which are very active. The HSE has established a cross directorate group to fast track training of front line health care staff and this group is developing a plan to do so. In addition, the Acute Hospitals Directorate has established an Ebola response management group to increase preparedness across all hospitals.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre continues to provide extensive information for hospital clinicians, general practitioners and other health care workers to enable rapid identification and management of suspected Ebola cases. Health care workers in the National Isolation Unit and hospitals around the country have received information and advice on identification and management of Ebola patients. There is also extensive guidance relating to infection prevention and control which clearly describes the steps that staff must take to ensure that they protect themselves and other patients in the event of the presentation of a case or suspected case of Ebola. Two information sessions on Ebola and relevant guidance have taken place recently with representatives of the National Isolation Unit in attendance to answer queries. A number of hospitals have held, or are planning shortly to undertake, simulation exercises. This helps to increase preparation levels across hospitals and identify any further training and protocols that may be required.
The HSE has distributed Personal Protective Equipment packs to GP practices and out of hours services.
Within the EU, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is coordinating a review of potential Ebola virus treatments. The EMA recently gave scientific advice to a company developing a vaccine. Details are provided on the agency's website.
Ireland, through its delegates from the Health Products Regulatory Authority who participate on the scientific committees at the EMA, is working with experts from across the European Union to continuously assess data as it becomes available. Together with other regulatory authorities the EMA is advising the World Health Organisation on possible pathways for more rapid development, evaluation and approval of medicines to fight Ebola.
675. Deputy Derek Nolan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) whose income is below the qualifying threshold was refused the full medical card. [41438/14]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
676. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding extra home help in respect of a person (details supplied) in Dublin 3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41439/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the Deputy's question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for investigation and direct reply. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, he can contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with the HSE.
677. Deputy Ciarán Lynch asked the Minister for Health the way a person qualified and experienced in mediation might access employment opportunities in mediation services in the HSE or other statutory bodies such as the Equality Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41442/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAny opportunities for employment that arise within the HSE are published on the jobs page on the HSE’s own website (http://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/Jobs/). Since 2009, all public health sector recruitment has been centralised to the HSE National Recruitment Service (NRS) in Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim and Merchant's Quay, Dublin 8. The NRS can be contacted by email at asknrs@hse.ie.
The Equality Authority does not fall under the aegis of the Department of Health, however the Public Appointments Service is a shared recruitment service to a wide range of public sector organisations and they can be found at www.publicjobs.ie
678. Deputy Arthur Spring asked the Minister for Health the position regarding provision of a rheumatologist at Kerry General Hospital. [41444/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
679. Deputy Dan Neville asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the commitment in the programme for Government to review the Mental Health Act 2001. [41456/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Programme for Government contains a commitment to review the Mental Health Act 2001 "informed by human rights standards and in consultation with service users, carers and other stakeholders", and the Government and I attach great importance to this review.
The review is a two phased approach, the first phase of which saw a Steering Group being appointed to review the provisions of the Act having regard to its general operation since its commencement and to take account of the extent to which the recommendations of 'A Vision for Change', could or should be underpinned by legislation and the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities. The Interim Report of the Steering Group was published on 21 June 2012 and is available on my Department's website (health.gov.ie). The recommendations of the Interim Review have been well received by key stakeholders and fully endorsed the rights based approach to mental health law in addition to supporting the objectives of 'A Vision for Change' especially in relation to the promotion of community based mental health services.
In August 2012, I established an Expert Group to carry out the second and substantive phase of the review which is principally tasked with fleshing out the Steering Group recommendations. The Group is comprised of 15 people and includes expertise from a range of professionals and key stakeholder organisations. The Expert Group has finished its deliberations and has held its final meeting. Work is continuing in my Department on finalising the report following the decisions made by the Expert Group and I expect to receive the final report in the coming weeks.
680. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an assessment from the child and adolescent mental health services in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41465/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
681. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 445 of 21 October 2014, of the 21 applicants for prior authorisation for treatment under the cross-border health care directive, the number of these that were successful; the number that were unsuccessful; the average length of time taken to process requests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41467/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
682. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card review in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41469/14]
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.
If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office who will follow up the matter with them.
683. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to recent changes to the hospital transport provision which means patients regularly availing of this transport to get to hospital appointments, especially where public transport is not available or unsuitable, are no longer entitled to this service; the options now available to them; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41477/14]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly. If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
