Written Answers Nos. 819-838
819. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, details of each child and adolescent mental health service by Health Service Executive administrative area, broken down into speciality or role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22109/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra845. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, separately for each of the community mental health teams in each Health Service Executive administrative area, broken down into speciality or role, the total staffing headcount currently active on the payroll; the total number of vacant positions that are being actively recruited for; the projected required staffing levels required to deliver the service in accordance with the executive's service plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22235/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra854. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the number of children waiting for their first appointment for child and adolescent mental health services for zero to three months, three to six months, six to nine months, nine to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, 18 to 24 months, and more than 24 months, detailed in separate tables, the national figures, and then one for each Health Service Executive administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22253/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra855. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form, broken down by month from January to May 2015, and into each child and adolescent mental health service in every Health Service Executive administrative area, the total number of children admitted to adult inpatient psychiatric units; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22254/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 819, 845, 854 and 855 together.
As this is a service issue, these questions have 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.
820. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the financial performance in the year to date 2015 for each mental health service, broken down by Health Service Executive administrative area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22110/15]
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.
821. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the total health care budget allocated to the Central Mental Hospital in the years 2012, 2013 and 2014; the health care spend at that facility in each year, and for the data to be presented in total format per annum, and in the format of per head of population within the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22120/15]
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.
822. Deputy Anne Ferris asked the Minister for Health the suicide prevention policies applied at the Central Mental Hospital; the number of suicide-related deaths per year over the past ten years at that facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22124/15]
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.
823. Deputy Colm Keaveney asked the Minister for Health how many prosecutions the Mental Health Commission recommended be taken, or has initiated, under Part 2 or Part 5 of the Mental Health Act 2001; if is he satisfied with this level of enforcement activity; if he will consider giving the commission powers similar to those that the Health and Safety Authority has to provide for the enforcement of the Mental Health Acts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22129/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Act 2001 provides the Mental Health Commission with a range of powers to register approved centres and to ensure that such centres meet and maintain certain statutory and regulatory requirements. The Commission's registration and enforcement procedures are designed to protect the health, welfare and safety of all residents accessing in-patient mental health services.
The Commission adopts a responsive approach to regulation. Where an approved centre is non-compliant under the regulations, rules or codes of practice under the Act, the Commission takes account of the service's conduct and behaviour when deciding on regulatory action to be taken. Consequently, if a service demonstrates a willingness to comply with regulatory requirements and can provide the Commission with evidence to support these efforts, the Commission will consider these actions. The Commission endeavours to support services to achieve full compliance. Where a regulatory breach occurs, the Commission's approach is to use 'persuasion' to assist services to meet requirements, once the welfare and safety of residents is not compromised. However, the Commission will escalate its actions when notified of a serious concern by the Inspector of Mental Health Services. In response to non-compliance with the regulations the Commission may request a service to provide a regulatory compliance report or attend a regulatory compliance meeting. In some circumstances services are required to conduct audits on foot of issues raised in inspection reports. To date, there have been no prosecutions recommended or initiated by the Mental Health Commission under Part Two or Part Five of the Mental Health Act 2001.
The Expert Group review of the Mental Health Act 2001 was published in March 2015. During the course of its deliberations, the Expert Group discussed the powers and responsibilities of the Mental Health Commission and the Inspector of Mental Health Services and accordingly has made a number of recommendations in this regard. These recommendations include (i) statutory responsibility for standards in mental health services should be explicitly referenced in a revised section 33 of the Act which specifies the functions of the Mental Health Commission; (ii) a revision to the Act to ensure that there is compliance by approved centres with all codes of practice prepared by the Commission, including the standards in mental health services; and (iii) an amendment to the Act requiring the Inspector to visit a centre and provide a report to the Commission regarding the suitability for registration prior to it being entered into the register of approved centres.
I have instructed my officials to draw up a general scheme of a Bill to reflect all of the recommendations of the Expert Group.
824. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will support a person (details supplied) with a disability. [22139/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach Local Health Office area in the Health Service Executive (HSE) has a dedicated Disability Manager to coordinate the delivery of services to people with disabilities. It is open to the individual and their family to pursue this matter with the Disability Manager for their area who can be contacted at Coolock Health Centre, Cromcastle Road, Coolock, Dublin 5, telephone 01-8164292.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy. 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 the matter up with the HSE.
825. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether the Choosing Wisely policy that is in use in the United States of America, Australia, Germany and other countries has been examined in an Irish context, a policy that is designed to stop using various interventions that are not supported by evidence and others where risks outweigh harm, but not to withhold necessary care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22147/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Choosing Wisely Campaign which began in the United States in 2012 is focused on promoting conversations between clinicians and patients about unnecessary tests, treatments and procedures. Its principles lie in being physician led, patient focused, shared decision making, evidence based and multiprofessional.
As part of the Patient Safety First Initiative I appointed the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) to prioritise and quality assure to the level of international methodological standards a suite of National Clinical Guidelines to direct clinical practice decisions for key areas of clinical practice. Clinical guidelines are internationally recognised methods for defining healthcare interventions, improving the effectiveness of care and treatment and reducing variation in care delivery based on the best available evidence. This is a quality improvement approach which promotes cost-effective healthcare that is evidence-based, with subsequent improved clinical decision making and clinical outcomes. Both the NCEC and guideline development groups involve patients and the public in the guideline process.
NCEC National Clinical Guidelines endorsed by the Minister for Health are mandated for implementation in the Irish health system. Six NCEC National Clinical Guidelines have been published to date: National Early Warning Score (February 2013), Prevention and Control of MRSA (December 2013), Surveillance, Diagnosis and Management of Clostridium Difficile Infection in Ireland (June 2014), Sepsis Management (November 2014), Maternity Early Warning System (November 2014) and Clinical Handover in Maternity Services (November 2014).
The NCEC Sepsis Management Guideline has received international recognition and is accredited by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
In addition the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertakes health technology assessments (HTA) appropriate to decision makers’ needs to inform national policy and service decisions and National Clinical Guidelines. HTAs are a form of research which evaluates the clinical and cost effectiveness of health technologies such as drugs, equipment, diagnostic techniques and health promotion activities. HIQA has published HTA recommendations on treatment thresholds for a number of procedures including gallstone disease and surgeries such as tonsillectomies and cataracts.
Recommendations based on evidence are made for clinical practice by NCEC, HIQA and the HSE. For example the decision for targeted rather than universal MRSA screening in Irish hospitals was based on a cost-effective analysis published in the National Clinical Guideline on the Prevention and Control of MRSA (December 2013). The national antibiotic campaign was launched to raise awareness on the correct use of antibiotics. The key message of this campaign is that antibiotics are wasted on viral illnesses, such as colds and flu, and are of no benefit to those suffering from them.
I will continue to examine new ways that we can drive forward the agenda for increasing the use of evidence for clinical decision making including participation in international campaigns such as 'Choosing Wisely'.
826. Deputy Tom Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who have been facilitated in the paired kidney exchange programme with the United Kingdom in each year from 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; the arrangements that are in place to facilitate the current waiting list of nearly 60 patients; the number of kidney donors, including live voluntary donors, who are currently available; the number of transplants that have been performed here in each year from 2010 to 2014 and in 2015 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22148/15]
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 my officials will follow up the matter with them.
828. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form, the waiting times for audiology assessment in each of the counties Roscommon, Leitrim and Galway; if he will provide, in tabular form, the waiting times in each of these counties for the provision of a hearing aid following audiology assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22156/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive (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.
829. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the names and qualifications of the persons who conducted the investigation into the allegations made against a person (details supplied) who was struck off the nursing register in early 2015 after the person was found guilty of professional misconduct, arising from incidents reported while the person worked at a location in County Kilkenny; if he will explain the procurement process in the selection of the two investigators and outline their costs; if compensation was paid; if the report will be published and if not the reason why; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22158/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.
Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. Therefore, I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply.
If you have not received a reply from the NMBI within 15 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
830. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the Health Information and Quality Authority's standards position regarding the funding required by the L'Arche community project, County Kilkenny, relative to the costs of meeting these standards; if he will ensure that the Health Service Executive will issue a response to the submission made by L'Arche, Kilkenny, to a person (details supplied) the executive in Kilkenny; if he will arrange for an early reply, with an outline of the funding plan for the next five years. [22160/15]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. 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 the matter up with the HSE.
831. Deputy Anthony Lawlor asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the establishment of the various hospital groups, in particular the Royal College of Surgeons group; if he will provide a timeframe for when he expects it to be possible for staff to transfer between non-Health Service Executive and Health Service Executive hospitals once the groups are established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22171/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraSeven hospital groups, including the Children's Hospital Group, have been established on a non-statutory administrative basis. Chairpersons are in place for six hospital groups. The Saolta Group Chair role is being filled on an interim basis by an existing Board member pending appointment of a new Chair. Board members have been appointed to three out of seven hospital groups (Saolta, UL Hospitals Group and Children’s Hospital Group) and it is expected that Board members for the remaining groups will be in place shortly. Group CEOs have been appointed (with an interim CEO in Saolta Group) and considerable progress has been made in putting Group management teams in place. Specifically, the RCSI Hospitals core management team, which comprises a Chief Operating Officer, a Director of Nursing, a Clinical Director and a Chief Finance Officer is now in place.
My priority for 2015 is to get all the Hospital Groups up and running as single cohesive entities before then moving towards developing the appropriate underlying legislation as part of the wider structural reforms. A key step in this regard will be the development of Hospital Group Strategic Plans. The Strategic Advisory Group, established to provide objective advice and expertise on the implementation of Hospital Groups, is currently finalising a guidance paper on developing the strategic plans. This guidance will ensure a coherent approach nationally and will be provided to the Hospital Group Chairs to inform and assist them in developing their strategic plans. I understand that the Systems Reform Division in the HSE has also been engaging with the Group Chairs and Group CEOs and will be providing them with assistance in the development of their plans.
Essentially, in developing their plans, Hospital Groups will be expected to demonstrate a co-ordinated approach to the planning and delivery of services within and across the hospital groups, with an increased focus on small hospitals managing routine urgent or planned care locally and more complex care managed in the larger hospitals and appropriate deployment of staff is key to achieving this. Hospital Groups are subject to the Employment Control Framework and Public Service Pay Policy in respect of staff numbers, pay, terms, conditions and other relevant matters. However, as part of the drive to empower management, encourage innovation and ensure autonomy with real accountability, it is intended that the HSE will devolve authority to the Hospital Groups to recruit and deploy staff across the Group.
832. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health whether the estimated cost to the State of between €330 million and €365 million for the introduction of free general practitioner, GP, care for all citizens included persons who are younger than six years of age or persons who are older than 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22173/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe estimate of €330m-€365m as the additional cost of providing a universal GP service to the entire population, as provided previously to the Deputy, was made on the basis of the existing scope of the service, rates of payments to GPs and eligibility. It did include costs related to the provision of the service to those persons aged under six years and those aged over 70 years of age; however it did not take account of the costs of the new enhanced service for those aged under six years under the proposed GP contract for that particular cohort.
833. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost and make-up of a community neuro-rehabilitation team and all the supports it requires; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22174/15]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. 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 the matter up with the HSE.
834. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the full-year cost and make-up of a dedicated acquired brain injury transitional unit intensive rehabilitation post-acute unit to enable people to return home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22175/15]
Amharc ar fhreagra835. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of dedicated acquired brain injury transitional units; the cost of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22176/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 834 and 835 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. 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 the matter up with the HSE.
836. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the number of adult and paediatric patients waiting for neuro-rehabilitation beds for longer than two months, six months and 12 months; the numbers of such beds; the plans to increase the number of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22177/15]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy. 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 the matter up with the HSE.
837. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an issue concerning private health insurance raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22182/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraTaking out health insurance is optional. Anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland is entitled, subject to certain charges, to receive public in-patient and out-patient hospital services. People who do not take out health insurance continue to have the same entitlement to services in the public hospital system.
Community rating, reflecting the principle of intergenerational solidarity, is a fundamental cornerstone of the health insurance system. This means that people who are old or sick do not have to pay more than the young and healthy, whereas in other health insurance systems the level of risk that an individual presents directly affects the premium paid. Under community rating, premiums for younger or healthier lives are typically higher than their expected claims would require, whereas for older or less healthy lives, premiums are typically lower than the expected claims would require. In effect, older people who have been paying health insurance premiums for many years will have supported the older generation when they were younger and can reasonably expect to benefit in a similar way as they themselves now become older.
When an individual takes out health insurance for the first time in this country, they may have to serve waiting periods before they are fully covered, but accident and injury will be covered immediately. The application of waiting periods helps to support community rating and is an important tool for insurers to combat practices where someone could potentially take out a health insurance policy to avail of a particular treatment and then cancel the policy once treatment had been received, without either penalty or sustained contribution to the community-rated system.
In the same way, a person who previously lived abroad who becomes resident in Ireland is subject to waiting periods when taking out health insurance for the first time in this country. Periods of cover on health insurance plans held outside the State are not taken into account for the purposes of waiting periods, as such plans do not comply with the Irish private health insurance regulatory system.
838. Deputy Michael McCarthy asked the Minister for Health the information, advice and supports that have been provided to a group (details supplied) in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22199/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has recognised the need to increase the level of consistency and standardisation in the way both early intervention services and services for school-aged children with disabilities, including autism, are delivered.
The Executive is currently engaged in a major reconfiguration of its existing therapy resources for children with disabilities into multi-disciplinary geographically based teams, as part of its National Programme on Progressing Disability Services for Children and Young People (0-18 years). The key objective of this Programme is to bring about equity of access to disability services and consistency of service delivery, with a clear pathway for children with disabilities and their families to services, regardless of where they live, what school they go to or the nature of the individual child's difficulties.
The Programme is a key priority for the HSE's Social Care Directorate. An additional €4m was allocated in 2014 to assist in implementing the Programme, equating to approximately 80 additional therapy posts. Further investment of €4 million will also be made to support the development of therapy services in 2015 (equating to €6 million in a full year). The transition to this new service model is taking place on a phased basis and includes consultation and engagement with stakeholders, including service users and their families.
My Department has asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the detailed operational issues that he has raised. 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.
