Friday, 16 Sep 2016

Written Answers Nos. 1278-1305

Hospital Transfers

Ceisteanna (1278)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1278. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be transferred to University College Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25570/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1279)

Brendan Howlin

Ceist:

1279. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who is on a waiting list will receive the hospital treatment they require. [25571/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Primary Care Reimbursement Service Payments

Ceisteanna (1280)

Michael Ring

Ceist:

1280. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the primary care reimbursement service to accept a means assessment from the Department of Social Protection as evidence of self-employment and farming income (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25574/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Orthodontic Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1281)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1281. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for braces in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25585/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1282)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1282. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding waiting lists for orthodontic treatment in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25586/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

National Treatment Purchase Fund

Ceisteanna (1283)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1283. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25587/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The NTPF has indicated that it is not currently involved in a tender process in relation to orthodontic treatment in Co. Kerry.

Medical Aids and Appliances Applications

Ceisteanna (1284)

John Brassil

Ceist:

1284. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application for hearing aids in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25588/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1285)

Josepha Madigan

Ceist:

1285. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for an operation at Cappagh Hospital; if due to the urgency of the case, the operation will be sooner than May 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25590/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1286)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

1286. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for cataract surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25591/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1287)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1287. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene in the arranging of an appointment for a person (details supplied) who has been waiting a considerable period. [25593/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

National Counselling Service

Ceisteanna (1288)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1288. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 26 May 2016, if he will provide details of staff vacancies within the National Counselling Service; the number of posts currently vacant; the length of time they have been vacant and the locations of the vacant posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25594/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Counselling Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1289)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

1289. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 202 of 26 May 2016, the programme for Government funding that has or will be committed in 2016 to address priority long waiters; and the way this is intended to impact on waiting times in County Louth. [25595/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. If you have not received a reply within 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1290)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1290. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the excessively high number of patients awaiting surgery to remove eye cataracts; if he is aware of the number of patients already waiting over 18 months for an initial outpatient appointment; if he is further aware that many of these patients are confined to their homes owing to the loss of vision while awaiting removal of the cataracts thus losing their independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25596/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Dietician Service Provision

Ceisteanna (1291)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1291. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the recruitment of a community-based senior dietitian for persons with diabetes living in County Donegal will be completed; when it is anticipated that referrals to the service will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25601/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Maternity Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1292)

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin

Ceist:

1292. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the stage the second inquiry into an incident (details supplied) is at; if the second report is completed; if it has been provided to the parents; if the report and its recommendations will be published; the status of employment of the consultant obstetrician involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25602/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

At the outset, I am conscious of the personal tragedy of the family at the centre of this sad incident and would like to offer my sincerest sympathies to them on their loss.

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy. If the Deputy has not received a reply from the HSE within 15 working days, I would ask him to please contact my Private Office and my officials will follow the matter up.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (1293)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1293. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25604/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1294)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1294. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25611/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1295)

Peter Fitzpatrick

Ceist:

1295. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite the waiting time for an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25621/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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.

Ambulance Service Provision

Ceisteanna (1296)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1296. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the mechanism or body that exists in County Donegal for determining ambulance provision in the county; the way a decision is reached with respect to determining whether a patient is provided with a public or private ambulance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25627/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1297)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

1297. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment from Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25628/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1298)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1298. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25629/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1299)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1299. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25633/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (1300)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

1300. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in publishing the report on the future of services at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; and when the report is likely to be published. [25635/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As the Deputy is aware, Dublin Midlands Hospital Group produced a draft plan for clinical service delivery at Portlaoise Hospital and when it was discussed with my Department in May, it was agreed that further work was required by the HSE on the draft plan. This further work and consideration is currently on-going within the HSE prior to any final decision on the future design of service provision at Portlaoise Hospital. Once there is an agreed position on the draft plan, it is intended that the Hospital Group will engage closely with all interested parties, to ensure that the needs of patients and staff are addressed.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (1301)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1301. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will arrange to have a specific item made available to a person (details supplied) at the earliest date possible. [25638/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1302)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1302. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been waiting for two years to be admitted to hospital for urgent surgery; if he will assist in having an admission date arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25639/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 HSE, 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (1303)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1303. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25640/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider 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.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (1304)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

1304. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding dentists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25641/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (1305)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

1305. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the re-opening of the Sonas ward at St. Patrick's Community Hospital, Fermoy, which was closed on a temporary basis until the end of August 2016; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this ward remains closed to date; if he will confirm that the additional staff required in the hospital to replace retired staff have been recruited; his views on the matter in view of the serious effect that this ward closure has had on short-term respite care patients in the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25649/16]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.