Written Answers Nos. 170-178
170. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of meningitis B there have been in County Kerry on a yearly basis by age; when will the vaccine be rolled out as part of the vaccination programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1923/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe number of cases of Meningitis B in County Kerry on a yearly bases by age is not held by my Department. I have asked the Health Service Executive to collate this information and send directly to the Deputy.
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health.
NIAC has issued guidance in relation to the use of the Meningitis B vaccine in the control of clusters or outbreaks of Meningococcal B disease. Deliberations regarding the introduction of the Meningococcal B vaccine into the primary immunisation schedule continue.
171. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); if support will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1925/15]
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.
172. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when the necessary funding for the fit-out of the cystic fibrosis unit under construction at University Hospital Limerick will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1926/15]
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 my officials will follow the matter up.
174. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding efforts to improve the provision of respite services at a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1959/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe vision for the Health Service Executive's Disability Services Programme is to contribute to the realisation of a society where people with disabilities are supported, as far as possible, to participate to their full potential in economic and social life, and have access to a range of quality personal social supports and services including respite care to enhance their quality of life.
In relation to the specific query raised by the Deputy, as this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for 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.
175. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding efforts to improve the provision of multidisciplinary services at a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; if concerns of parents of children using the service have been addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1960/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. 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.
176. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the construction of a facility (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1993/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the delivery of the health care infrastructure is a service matter.
If you have not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days please contact my Private Office who will follow up on the matter.
177. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on the continued availability of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2003/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraRoaccutane (containing the active substance, isotretinoin) is authorised in Ireland and the EU for treating severe forms of acne which have been resistant to other standard therapies.
The guidance to support appropriate use and monitoring of Roaccutane is based on assessment of the currently available data, which changes over time, as new information is generated on an on-going basis from a variety of sources, including post marketing experience, further studies, literature reviews, etc. The current product information reflects these recommendations.
Roaccutane should only be prescribed by or under the supervision of physicians with expertise in the use of systemic retinoids for the treatment of severe acne and a full understanding of the risks of isotretinoin therapy and monitoring requirements. The requirements for specific monitoring of the patient are described in detail in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) in relation to psychiatric disorders, severe skin reactions, allergic reactions, liver enzymes, serum lipids and the pregnancy prevention programme. Monitoring in these circumstances is through ongoing review of the patient by the prescribing doctor, as part of their clinical practice.
Roaccutane has not been banned from any markets for regulatory reasons. It is understood that Roche Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Roaccutane, has discontinued marketing in some countries, including the US, for commercial reasons. Generic forms of isotretinoin continue to be available in these countries.
178. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on conditions at a hospital (details supplied) in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2004/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government regards trolley waits of over 9 hours as unacceptable and acknowledges the difficulties which the current surge in ED activity is causing for patients, their families and the staff who are doing their utmost to provide safe, quality care in very challenging circumstances.
Beaumont Hospital acknowledges and regrets the difficult conditions experienced by patients and staff at its Emergency Department, which provides services to over 50,000 patients each year, many of whom are older and have complex care requirements. As well as contributing to high levels of ED admissions, these factors can present difficulties in discharging such patients to home or other appropriate care settings. In addition, changes in service provision (e.g. cancer services) have increased the general patient attendance at Beaumont, placing additional pressures on bed capacity.
All hospitals have escalation plans to manage not only patient flow but also patient safety in a responsive, controlled and planned way that supports and ensures the delivery of optimum patient care. Beaumont Hospital has undertaken a number of initiatives to improve the patient pathway both through the ED and the hospital, in addition to working closely with the community. All available bed capacity is open and off-site capacity is also being utilised. Elective surgeries (with the exception of cancer cases) have been cancelled for this week and this option is being kept under constant review. With regard to nursing shortages, Beaumont Hospital is working with other major hospitals to initiate an overseas recruitment campaign to help meet their needs for nursing staff. The HSE would encourage patients to contact their GPs in the first instance where they can be directed appropriately to services such as rapid access clinics, day hospital services for older people and acute medical assessment units, as appropriate.
The Government has provided additional funding of €3 million in 2014 and €25 million in 2015 to address delayed discharges. This funding is being targeted at hospital and community services which can demonstrate initiatives to address specific needs of delayed discharge patients most positively and therefore improve timeliness for admissions from Emergency Departments and waiting lists. The Minister convened the Emergency Department Taskforce to find long term solutions to overcrowding by providing additional focus and momentum in dealing with the challenges presented by the current trolley waits. Following an initial meeting in December, the HSE is working on an action plan to be finalised by the end of January to specifically address ED issues with a view to a significant reduction in trolley waits over the course of 2015.
