Written Answers Nos. 461 - 474
461. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will receive an appointment for a medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13941/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014,has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
Under the Health Act 2004 the HSE is required to manage and deliver health and social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment to any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as 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.
462. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the reason workers in an agency (details supplied) were never paid twilight premium-time payments, although these were promised to them; the reason the Health Service Executive never provided the required funding for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13946/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy's question relates to an operational matter therefore I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matter. 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.
463. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health in respect of utilising the services of fire fighters, employed full-time or on a part-time retainer, in their capacity as trained emergency first responders as a back-up to the ambulance service, his plans to meet with the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government to discuss a memorandum of understanding between the Health Service Executive and local authorities, as well as the financial resources that would be required to implement these supports across the State. [13961/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile there are no formal arrangements in place, fire services already respond to calls for assistance from other emergency services, and provide assistance where appropriate. For the National Ambulance Service (NAS), this could, for example, involve the provision of an emergency first response (EFR) to an incident where an ambulance is not nearby or immediately available, specialist assistance at a road traffic accident, or assisting in the removal of patients to an ambulance where this presents difficulties for the ambulance crew. In a number of areas, there are already local arrangements between the NAS and fire services to provide EFR assistance for 112/999 calls, in particular for cardiac incidents.
As I have already publicly stated, I am very supportive of this initiative and would like to see development of emergency first responder capability across all our emergency services. To this end, I would like to see EFR capacity extended across our fire services. Fire services are well placed geographically and this would be an excellent enhancement of existing capacity and resources in communities across Ireland. As well, it would very neatly complement the voluntary network of community first response teams which is already in place.
Given the scope for such development, its potential value for getting initial treatment to people as quickly as possible and the obvious patient benefit, I would very much like to see consideration at national level, between the NAS and fire services, as to how best to approach this issue, particularly in terms of operational interaction and clinical governance. This is being done for community first response and that may be a good model for fire services emergency response. I would be happy to facilitate such discussions, along with my colleague, the Minister for Environment, Community and Local Government.
464. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the progress on the issues raised with regard to the testing, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease since the hearing of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health and Children in December 2014; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13962/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraLyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The infection is generally mild affecting only the skin, but can occasionally be more severe and debilitating.
Lyme borreliosis is is a notifiable infectious disease, the notifiable entity being the more severe neurological form, Lyme neuroborreliosis. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) collects and collates surveillance data on the condition. 20 cases of the condition have been provisionally notified in 2014. This number is likely to fall following validation.
Lyme borreliosis can be asymptomatic or have a range of clinical presentations. Current best advice is that diagnosis should be made only after careful examination of the patient's clinical history, physical findings, laboratory evidence and exposure risk evaluation. Exposure to ticks prior to disease manifestations is necessary for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Since an awareness or recollection of a tick-bite is not always present, however, this should not exclude the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis. Later stages require the use of antibody detection tests (or advanced DNA detection techniques). Testing for Lyme Disease is undertaken in most of the larger hospitals in Ireland. In undertaking Lyme testing, it is essential that the results are interpreted in the light of the clinical condition of the patient. If the result of this initial screen is equivocal, the patient's samples are referred to the U.K.'s Public Health England Porton Down facility which uses a two-tier system recommended by American and European authorities. This involves a screening serological test followed by a confirmatory serological test. Because of the general availability of initial screening for Lyme disease in Ireland and the provision of a confirmatory testing service in the UK, there is no need for Irish citizens to travel abroad for testing.
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee. The aim of this Sub-Committee is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. These strategies will be published in a Final Report. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency and an Environmental Health Officer. A representative from the Patients' Association is also being sought. The Terms of Reference of the Sub-Committee are:
- To raise awareness in Ireland of Lyme Borreliosis amongst clinicians and the general public;
- To identify and highlight best international practice in raising awareness about Lyme Borreliosis for the General Public;
- To develop policies of primary prevention of Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland based on best international evidence;
- To explore ways in which to improve surveillance of neuroborreliosis in Ireland;
- To develop straegies to raise awareness among the public particularly in areas of higher tick populations;
- To produce a Final Report covering all the above areas.
The Sub-Committee will hold its inaugural meeting on May 6.
Each year the HPSC holds a Lyme Awareness Week. This involves raising awareness for clinicians and the general public as to the risks of infected biting ticks, protection against tick bites and identifying the disease. Much use is made of the media to broadcast these messages in addition to the extensive material provided on the HPSC website. This years Lyme Awareness Week takes place from April 27- May.
465. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the second investigation into the tragic loss of a baby (details supplied), and other cases of concern that have taken place in the maternity unit at Cavan General Hospital; when he expects to receive the report; if he will recommit to publish this report on receipt; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13968/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the investigation to which the Deputy refers is being undertaken by the HSE, I have asked them 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.
466. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for a medical card in respect of a person (details supplied). [13975/15]
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.
467. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a motorised transport grant or an alternative to same will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13986/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraConscious of the reports of the Ombudsman regarding the legal status of the Motorised Transport Grant and Mobility Allowance Scheme, in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes. The Government is aware of the needs of people with a disability who rely on individual payments which support choice and independence. Work is ongoing on the policy proposals to be brought to Government for the drafting of primary legislation for a new travel subsidy scheme. Once policy proposals have been finalised and approved by Government, the time frame for the introduction of a new scheme will become clearer. The Health (Transport Supports) Bill is included in the Government's legislative programme for 2015.
468. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health regarding the Health Service Executive's plans for the rapid growth in the older-old population, that will present an extensive increase in the requirement for gerontological nursing care, the position in relation to the requirement of increasing the number of places for undergraduate nurses to help ensure an availability of nurses to meet the clinical care needs of the older population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13994/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe particular issues referred to by the deputy are operational in nature and are a matter to be dealt with directly by the HSE. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's questions to the HSE for attention and 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.
469. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the delay in bringing the Beaumont renal transplant programme into operation, which requires the recruitment of transplant surgeons, thus reducing the cost to the State of the medical care of patients on dialysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13995/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe kidney transplant programme at Beaumont Hospital has not been de-prioritised in any way and is continuing to operate.
At the end of 2014, two consultant transplant surgeons left the programme, one on retirement and the second on leave of absence for professional development purposes. Given the limited number of surgeons who specialise in renal transplantation, any vacancies pose a challenge. While every effort is being made to fill the vacancies, adequate surgeons are available to provide transplant services. All available kidneys suitable for transplantation have been utilised and no kidneys have been exported.
Beaumont Hospital is collaborating with other transplant services in relation to the development of an intra-abdominal organ retrieval service as well as a combined approach to kidney/pancreas transplants.
The deceased donor transplant programme is largely dependent on the generosity of families at a time of immense grief. While donor numbers were lower in 2014 than the previous year, numbers are subject to fluctuation year on year. Additional funding of almost €3m has been provided to the HSE’s Organ Donation and Transplant Ireland to facilitate the development of the most appropriate infrastructure to support organ donation and transplantation. The extra investment includes provision for the appointment of 19 whole-time-equivalent staff dedicated to organ donation and transplantation across the country. These staff will work to foster a strong culture of organ donation and to optimise conversion rates.
It is envisaged that the measures being put in place will lead to an increase in organ donation and successful transplants, thereby reducing waiting times for patients on the transplant waiting list and also the need for dialysis in these cases.
470. Deputy Terence Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding Beaumont Hospital in Dublin 9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14010/15]
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.
471. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive an appointment in the South Infirmary Hospital in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14011/15]
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 should take the matter up with the consultant and the hospital involved. In relation to the specific case raised, 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.
Under the Health Act 2004 the HSE is required to manage and deliver health and social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment to any individual.
472. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an urgent throat operation in the South Infirmary Hospital in County Cork in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14014/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Waiting List Management Policy, A standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the Health Service Executive, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
Under the Health Act 2004 the HSE is required to manage and deliver health and social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment to any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as 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.
473. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding a workforce plan for the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14015/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAction 46 of Future Health commits the Department of Health to work with the HSE to implement an approach to workforce planning and development that achieves the objectives of: recruiting and retaining the right mix of staff; training and upskilling the workforce; providing for professional and career development; and creating supportive and healthy workplaces. This approach will include the development by my Department of a national integrated strategic framework for health workforce planning during 2015. A cross-sectoral Working Group will be convened to develop the framework in the near future. The Group's deliberations will take into account issues including population ageing and any relevant considerations arising from the review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme currently underway. Consultation with key stakeholders will form part of the Group's work.
In relation to the recruitment and retention of nurses in the nursing home sector, two areas are currently under active review.
Firstly, with regard to the recruitment of nurses educated and trained in Ireland, the Office of the Nursing and Midwifery Services Director has facilitated the nursing home sector to meet with graduate students in higher education institutions. In addition, the Chief Nursing Office in my Department has engaged with the nursing home sector in promoting nursing of the older person as a career choice. The Office has facilitated discussions, spoken at conferences and engaged with higher education institutions in seeking solutions. Discussions have involved exploring career pathways within older people services to encourage staff into this area of nursing practice.
Secondly, with regard to the international recruitment of nurses, three adaptation courses are available in April, June and August 2015 respectively. These courses are 6 weeks in duration and facilitate the integration of nurses to nursing in an Irish context. Of the 195 places available, only 60 places have been taken to date. The nursing home sector is aware of these vacancies. Options are also being explored regarding a one-day programme of assessment through an examination format. A pilot of this programme is planned for 2015.
474. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce a patient safety authority as outlined in the programme for Government 2011; the form this authority will take; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14018/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe establishment of a Patient Safety Agency is being reviewed in the context of the strategic reform of the health services and the measures that are being taken to strengthen patient safety, including advocacy and related services, within the Health Service Executive. This review will enable me to decide on a course of action that will be in the best interest of patients.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
