Written Answers Nos. 122-127
122. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if persons (details supplied) have returned to employment in St. Vincent's University Hospital in Dublin 4; if he is satisfied with this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39703/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraMr. Nicky Jermyn retired from his role as CEO of St. Vincent's University Hospital on 30 March 2014 and he resigned from his role as CEO of St. Vincent's Healthcare Group Ltd on the 30 June 2014. Given Mr. Jermyn's extensive experience at CEO level for over 20 years, the Board of SVHG engaged Mr. Jermyn in December 2014 to provide support and advice to it as Director of Strategy. This engagement is at no cost to the two public hospitals in SVHG.
Mr. Cormac Maloney retired as Director of Finance of St. Vincent's University Hospital in September 2014, and has served as Company Secretary to SVHG from its incorporation. The Board of SVHG asked Mr. Maloney to continue to serve as Company Secretary to SVHG in order to provide continuity and institutional memory to this important role. I am informed that this does not involve any cost to the two public hospitals in SVHG. I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
123. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health the status of a review of an application for a medical card for a person (details supplied) in County Limerick; when the decision will be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39705/15]
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.
124. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the action that is being taken to address failings with the treatment abroad scheme (details supplied); and if he is aware of the great distress suffered as a result of these failings. [39708/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009, and in accordance with Department of Health Guidelines. The HSE has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible. 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.
125. Deputy James Bannon asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) regarding the protection of the title of physiotherapist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39724/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraI expect that the Physiotherapists Registration Board will make the necessary by-laws to allow it to establish its register early next year in accordance with the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. On this basis, the title of physiotherapist will be protected for the exclusive use of the board's registrants when the register's 2 year transitional period ends in 2018.
I am currently examining the issue of also protecting the title of physical therapist. I am considering whether, on balance, it would be in the public interest to protect the title of physical therapist under the Act in order to reduce the potential for confusion in the public mind between the services offered by physiotherapists and those who are not physiotherapists but who are also providing musculoskeletal therapies.
Earlier this year I wrote to a number of relevant organisations regarding my proposal to protect the title and invited them to submit their views. The submissions are now being examined and I expect that I will make a decision on the matter before the end of the year. As you can appreciate there are many factors to consider. However, I can assure the Deputy that my main concern will be to protect the members of the public who are my main responsibility when it comes to any decisions in this regard.
126. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Galway will be called for orthodontic treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39740/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive 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.
127. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the allocation of resources to community care given the circumstances outlined in correspondence (details supplied). [39741/15]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe needs of our older people are, and will remain, a high priority for the Government, and resources will be applied to provide the best possible mix of services and supports.
The HSE is continuously working to develop the services provided and to ensure they match the needs of older people as much as possible within the overall level of funding provided. In 2015 the HSE expects to deliver 10.3 million home help hours, which is the same level of service provided in 2014. The projected target for home care packages is that 13,800 people will be in receipt of a package. This is an increase of approximately 600 on the previous year. In addition the HSE has introduced Intensive Home Care Packages for clients with more complex care needs. This will benefit about 190 people in a full year.
A priority for 2016 will be the development of an integrated model of care with a strong emphasis on home and community care. Details of the budget allocation for home care services, including Home Care Packages, will be outlined in due course, in the HSE's 2016 National Service Plan.
