Written Answers Nos. 405-419
405. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if a general practitioner can refer a patient to a consultant within the European Union and the European Economic Area, for inpatient care under the cross-border directive scheme; if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4398/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Cross Border Directive (CBD) allows Irish residents to avail of healthcare in other EU or EEA (excluding Switzerland) Member States that they would be entitled to within the public health system in Ireland, which is not contrary to Irish legislation. Public patients may access the healthcare they require in either the public or private healthcare system of the country abroad under CBD. Access to healthcare abroad is based on patients following public patient pathways - i.e. patients must demonstrate they have followed the equivalent public patient pathways that a patient would follow if accessing public healthcare in Ireland. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other HSE clinicians.
406. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4402/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn March 2013, a Private Members Bill entitled the Autism Bill 2012 was debated and passed Second Stage in the Dail. The Bill, as introduced, makes provision for the preparation of an autism strategy and a national framework for addressing the specific needs of adults with autism. The broad thrust of the Bill was accepted by Government and it was not opposed at Second Stage. Although the needs of people with autism have received some recognition in recent years, the Bill is seen as contributing to a more enlightened and educated public debate.
In the context of the Autism Bill, it is important to note that the Government is already committed under the National Disability Strategy (NDS) to ensuring that people with autism are empowered by policy and programmes to participate meaningfully as citizens in Irish society. The NDS is driven by this basic but fundamentally important objective and is the most effective combination of legislation, policies, institutional arrangements and services to support and reinforce equal participation for all people with disabilities.
The Cabinet Committee on Social Policy has been examining issues around autism across Government Departments in association with the National Disability Authority (NDA). This work by the NDA, which has included consultation with families, has been of significant assistance in informing how best to address the needs of people with ASD as part of the National Disability Strategy which covers a wide range of policy areas and Government Departments and agencies, so that we can be sure that they are appropriately reflected and included in policies and actions. The proposed approach was also discussed with the National Disability Strategy Steering Group.
I understand from the NDA that a programme of specific measures has now been agreed for delivery by the relevant Government Departments and agencies, including specific actions to be delivered by the NDA.
The Minister for Justice and Equality is currently preparing a revised National Disability Inclusion Strategy with a view to having it in place by early 2016 following a wide consultation with interested parties.
407. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 134 of 27 January 2016, why he has referred this question to the HSE, given that the same information sought in a previous question (details supplied) in 2010 was provided without referral to the HSE. [4422/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the HSE captures data relating to the number of acute hospital beds available in public hospitals on a monthly basis. This information is not routinely available with my Department. As I advised the Deputy in my previous response last week, the information that he has requested is a service matter, and as such, 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.
408. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if the HSE is planning an awareness campaign in relation to a certain condition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4423/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre of the HSE is responsible for the surveillance of notifiable infectious diseases such as Lyme Disease. The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC has established a Lyme Borreliosis Sub-Committee, the aim of which is to develop strategies to undertake primary prevention in order to minimise the harm caused by Lyme Borreliosis in Ireland. 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 practice;
- To explore ways in which to improve surveillance of neuroborreliosis in Ireland;
- To develop strategies to raise awareness among the general public particularly in areas of higher tick populations
- To produce a Final Report covering all the above areas.
Each year in late Spring/early Summer, the HPSC holds a Lyme Awareness Week to raise awareness among clinicians and the general public on the risk of infected tick bites, protecting oneself against tick bites and identifying the disease. In addition, there is extensive material regarding Lyme Disease on the HPSC website, www.hpsc.ie.
409. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the shortage in the number of nurses (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4424/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of the difficulties some people are experiencing in registering with the NMBI. I would like to advise the Deputy of the actions taken by the NMBI and the Department in this regard:
- the Department has approved the filling of 19 posts;
- the NMBI have put a number of contact channels in place for applicants following up on the progress of their application. For example, in October 2015, the NMBI opened a dedicated call centre line for overseas applicants. This call centre is open Monday through to Friday, 9.00am to 5.30pm. The call centre can provide regular updates to overseas applicants on the current status of their application. To mid January, this call centre has taken over 4,500 calls.
- the NMBI is also imminently launching a new website which will have additional features for overseas applicants to include a facility to “Track their Application” on-line;
- new forms to simplify the process of applying have been introduced including a revised information booklet;
- further adaptation courses are being provided for nurses who are required to complete a course prior to registration. The NMBI have approved a new aptitude test with RCSI as an alternative method to assess candidates for registration. Nurses are currently being advised of the availability of this test;
- the Department of Health has had discussions with the Department of Justice and Equality with a view to resolving certain visa difficulties and the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation regarding work permits. It has been confirmed that the current provision of an atypical working visa has been extended to those choosing to undertake the aptitude test.
- proposals for significant upgrading of the overall IT systems, particularly the registration system, are being developed by the NMBI;
- meetings to review registration and other governance issues are held between the Department of Health and the NMBI monthly with the accompanying reports; and
- to address the issues of delays in registration the NMBI has informed the Department that it continues to collaborate closely with key stakeholders including representatives from the HSE, Nursing Homes Ireland, Directors of Nursing/Midwifery and agencies to ensure complete applications received are expedited, particularly for those applicants who have confirmed job offers. This engagement has led to very positive working relationships with these Stakeholders.
The central function of the NMBI is protection of the public and we therefore must be satisfied that all documentation required to progress an application to decision stage meets all the necessary requirements.
410. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will have an appropriate assessment carried out by the HSE or by the person's service provider; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4436/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the issue raised by the Deputy relates to an individual case, this is a service matter for the Health Service Executive. I have asked the HSE to look into the particular matter raised and to reply directly 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.
411. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Offaly with a doctor in the Midland Regional Hospital in Tullamore in County Offaly [4438/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The 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.
412. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health to have a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath immediately admitted to a hospital to undergo a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4444/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The 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.
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.
413. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health how many elective surgeries have been cancelled in Tallaght hospital, Dublin 24, since 1 October 2015 [4463/16]
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.
414. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the Health Products Regulatory Authority, formerly the Irish Medicines Board, received proof or assurances from Roche Pharmaceuticals that all clinical trials phases were completed for the licensing of Lariam as a prophylaxis and preventive drug for malaria; and if the authority or Roche Pharmaceuticals recommended that users should take 250 milligrams of Lariam one week prior to departure to a malaria zone. [4464/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLariam (mefloquine hydrochloride) is used as malaria prophylaxis as well as a treatment for a specific form of malaria that has become resistant to other antimalarial treatments.
The HPRA has confirmed that the safety and efficacy of the product were established through an evaluation of the results of relevant pre-clinical and clinical studies before it was licensed in 1989, with an approved dose of 250mg to be taken one week before travelling to an area with malaria.
The data submitted by Roche, including the clinical trial data, demonstrated that the benefits of this treatment outweighed its risks. The HPRA, together with its EU counterparts, considers that the benefits of treatment with Lariam outweigh the risks, when it is used in accordance with the conditions and guidance contained in the approved product information. The safety of this medicine, as with all medicines, continues to be carefully monitored, and systems are in place to review any new safety signal, should they arise.
415. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4468/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The 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.
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.
416. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of long-term stay beds in operation at Lifford community hospital, at Saint Joseph's community hospital and at Ramelton community hospital in County Donegal; the number of these beds which will close as a result of plans to remove long-term residential care at these units to a new community nursing unit in Letterkenny; how many additional beds this transfer will create; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4470/16]
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.
417. Deputy Regina Doherty asked the Minister for Health if he will amend the VAT rates on sunbed sessions and on sunscreen, given the 13.5% rate on sunbed sessions and the 23% rate on sunscreen, and given the significantly increased risk of a number of skin cancers attributable to sunbed use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4585/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the issue of setting Value Added Tax rates is a matter for the Minister for Finance. I have no remit in this matter.
418. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health how persons will lodge complaints in a timely manner to the Medical Council, given how long the process takes, that he has not implemented a statutory of candour and that it is left to the courts to investigate cases of medical negligence; the advice he has for these parents in terms of filling out a complaint to the Medical Council given that children of ten to 12 years of age have recently won medical negligence cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4586/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Medical Council handles complaints relating to a doctor's fitness to practise medicine. The Council can take action where it is believed that a doctor has serious failings in his/her practice. The Medical Council acts in the public interest, and can impose restrictions on a doctor’s registration, which would restrict or remove their right to practise medicine in Ireland.
Anyone can make a complaint about a doctor who is registered in Ireland. This includes members of the public, employers and other healthcare professionals. The Medical Council can only take action where complaints are of a serious nature and raise concerns over a doctor's fitness to practise. A complaint can be made to the Medical Council by submitting a complaint form. This form can be found on the Medical Council website www.medicalcouncil.ie.
It is generally best that complaints are dealt with locally when they occur and all efforts made to resolve them with the patient or person who has the complaint. Most complaints can be dealt with locally at the place where the person receives care. There are a number of options open to an individual to make a complaint about the health services at present. Part 9 of the Health Act 2004 states that a person has the right to complain about any action of the Health Service Executive (HSE) or a service provider that they believe was not fair or had an adverse affect on them. The HSE has appointed designated Complaints Officers to ensure the effective management of complaints throughout their relevant areas of responsibility.
The HSE actively encourages and promotes consumer feedback and links with customers on a regular basis to ensure that the complaint handling processes are effective, are being communicated and are achieving outcomes that are satisfactory to the consumers. The HSE continues to seek improvements in its complaint handling ability and capacity in order to respond to the needs of patients. Feedback from service users and their families is welcomed and valued by the HSE, taken seriously and investigated in line with ‘Your Service Your Say’ as they allow the HSE to continually improve services.
If an individual is unhappy with the way in which his/her complaint was dealt with the National Advocacy Unit of the HSE will appoint an independent officer to review the complaint. If an individual is still unhappy with the outcome of this process he/she can request an independent review of the complaint from the Office of the Ombudsman or Ombudsman for Children. Healthcomplaints.ie is an on-line information service which was developed by the Office of the Ombudsman in cooperation with a number of organisations including the Department of Health and the HSE. This service provides information on how to make a complaint or give feedback about health and social care services in Ireland. This website has been developed for people who use health and social care services in Ireland, as well as for their families, care-givers and advocates.
A National Policy on Open Disclosure was developed jointly by the HSE with the State Claims Agency and launched in November 2013. The Heads of the Bill on legislation to strengthen the provisions under the open disclosure policy by protecting the disclosure from legal proceedings were published on the Department’s website in November 2015. This directly addresses fears that health service providers, doctors and nurses may have that being open can increase the risk of being sued and of that information being used against them in the litigation process.
419. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health why the HSE is not conducting an independent review into the aftermath of a case as a person's family (details supplied) have requested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4590/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraWith regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy, 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.
