Written Answers Nos. 128-133
128. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health if there is a system in place to allow those with haemochromatosis to donate blood instead of it being disposed of; his plans for such a system to be used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12221/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) has in recent years developed haemochromatosis services in its Stillorgan and D'Olier Street clinics in Dublin, as well as in its Cork clinic. This has facilitated the cost-effective treatment of many people with this common disorder. The service is provided free of charge to patients. The IBTS also benefits through the patients becoming blood donors in all cases where normal blood donation criteria is met.
The IBTS is planning to introduce a mobile clinic model for haemochromatosis patients in Limerick later this year. If this model proves successful the intention is to use it more widely through other mobile clinics.
129. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to an article in the Roscommon Herald on 12 March 2015 stating concerns regarding the closure of Rosalie Unit in Castlerea, County Roscommon, which is a 25-bed psychiatry-of-later-life unit and is under the care of the newly established POLL team; that in the past few months the staff have been informed that the unit will be reduced to a 15-bed specialist unit for dementia and Alzheimer's respite and assessment beds, and that current staff will be transferred to POLL community teams; and to facts (details supplied) regarding the unit; his views that these facts will render the unit unfit for purpose and that Health Service Executive management are using this as an excuse to close it, despite the impact this will have on residents who have been in this service for many years, many of whom lack any family to protect their interests and well-being, and are now having their future welfare undermined by the proposed closure; if he will meet with the nurse and clinical management in County Roscommon to discuss this issue and to prevent the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12235/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 15 working days, please contact my private office and they will follow up the matter with them.
130. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an autism assessment in respect of a child (details supplied). [12241/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the particular issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this 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.
131. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a medical card held by a child (details supplied) in County Meath between 1 July 2011 and 31 May 2014. [12243/15]
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.
132. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the additional expenditure incurred in the medical card section since 2011 including overtime, additional staff, administration and so on, on an annual basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12244/15]
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.
133. Deputy Seán Ó Fearghaíl asked the Minister for Health the reason a contract for transportation services was awarded to a company (details supplied) in County Kildare, without the long-term provider of that service being allowed to tender; and if the process used complies with the requirements for public procurement. [12257/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
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.
