Written Answers Nos 1388-1415
1388. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will allow a person (details supplied) to access the drug Stelazine on the medical card scheme as they cannot afford to pay for it privately. [25907/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1390. Deputy Michael D'Arcy asked the Minister for Health the status of the search for another premises in view of the recent refusal for planning permission for a kidney dialysis unit in Wexford town. [25918/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the management of the healthcare property estate is a service matter.
1391. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the measures he proposes to introduce to deal with the overcrowding in the emergency department, operation cancellations, deferred surgeries and growing crises within the hospital over the past year in view of his recent visit to Letterkenny University Hospital; the additional resources and funding the Government is committing to the hospital; the action plan he proposes to put in place to deal with this crises; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25921/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraLetterkenny University Hospital demonstrates excellent Patient Experience Times in their Emergency Department and has succeeded in reducing the number of patients waiting on trolleys this year. There is evident management intent and commitment to deliver quality unscheduled care.
Following a recent site visit, the SDU has made some recommendations to the hospital which, when implemented, will further improve the ED processes and flow of patients through Letterkenny University Hospital. The majority of these recommendations can be implemented by the hospital itself, with support from Saolta University Healthcare Group.
In relation to scheduled care, Letterkenny University Hospital is examining bed and theatre re-organisation to lessen the number of surgeries cancelled this winter. The hospital also has an excellent integrated system with the community, both in terms of home care supports and care in community hospitals, this will be further supported by the Winter Initiative 2016-17.
1392. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with a person (details supplied) regarding issues on maternity services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25922/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset I would like to offer my sincerest condolences to the family involved in this case. While I can confirm that University Hospital Kerry has an ultrasonography service and provides anatomy scans if clinically indicated, I cannot comment on individual cases.
I am not aware of any meeting request from the family concerned to date but any such request can be referred to my private office. As Minister for Health, I am always open to meeting individuals and organisations who request it but, due to the busy nature of Oireachtas and Government business, it is not always possible. Should the family wish to request a meeting regarding the care of their baby, they may firstly wish to seek a meeting with the HSE.
1393. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will address concerns by a person (details supplied) regarding the availability of vaccinations for children at present here; if a catch-up programme is being planned by Government for children who miss out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25924/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE Service Plan included additional funding of €2.5 million for the expansion of the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule in 2016. There will be two changes made to the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule later this year with the introduction of Men B and Rotavirus for all babies born on or after 1 October, 2016. The HSE is currently working on the necessary preparations for the introduction of these new vaccines. All vaccines administered through the Primary Childhood Immunisation Schedule are provided free of charge. The Men B immunisation programme which starts in quarter 4 this year makes Ireland the second country in Europe to make the vaccine available free of charge as part of its national immunisation programme.
NIAC makes many recommendations in relation to “at risk groups” but not all of these are included in the current immunisation schedule. The introduction of the vaccine to the childhood immunisation programmes means that all children born on or after 1 October, 2016 will automatically receive the vaccine. However, there are no plans at this stage to introduce a catch-up programme for older children. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered by their GP free of charge. However the purchase of the vaccine is not covered by the medical card scheme.
1394. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25925/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
1395. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a consultant psychiatrist position (details supplied) is to become vacant; when it is expected that this vacancy will arise; the date on which authorities were made aware that this vacancy would occur; the measures to be put in place to ensure that psychiatric services are not unnecessarily disrupted for service users; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25940/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1396. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to identify alternative sites for the provision of a primary care centre either by direct provision or by public private partnership since the decision by An Bord Pleanála in April 2016 to refuse permission for a PCC in Lucan, County Dublin; if the HSE has advertised looking for proposals; the direct steps being taken to provide for the long overdue facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25944/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1397. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the consultative process being undertaken with regard to the development of a new national drugs strategy; the consultative meetings to date; the progress to date; if there will be new and additional funding made available to actively promote a national awareness and prevention campaign similar in scale to the national road safety campaigns of the past ten years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25946/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a Steering Committee, with an independent chair, has been established to advise me on a new National Drugs Strategy, which will commence in 2017, when the current policy expires. On 6 September, I announced the details of a public consultation in order to assist the Steering Committee determine the key priorities to be addressed in the new Strategy. The public consultation will take place over a six week period and end on 18 October. A report on the consultation process will be prepared by independent consultants engaged by the Department and submitted to the Steering Committee to inform their deliberations.
In order to provide a nationwide perspective on the drug problem, regional consultation events have been held in Carrick on Shannon, Limerick and Cork. The next event will take place in Dublin on 19 September. Due to the level of interest in the public consultation, additional events will take place in Galway on 30 September and Kilkenny on 3 October. People can also provide their feedback by making a written submission, completing an online questionnaire or using a lo-call phone line. Further information about the consultation process can be found on the Department of Health website at www.health.gov.ie/drugs-strategy/.
The provision of resources to support the implementation of the new Strategy, including initiatives in the awareness and prevention area, will be determined in the context of the estimates process.
1398. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the approval sought by CHO7 management within the context of the pay bill management framework has been granted to fill four vacant dental posts in a clinic (details supplied); if he will review this urgently to ensure the filling of the dental vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25949/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
1399. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when an application for funding made by an organisation (details supplied) in Lucan, County Dublin to the HSE will be processed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25956/16]
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 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
1400. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) is not being provided with the home help they require; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25957/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1401. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health the reason the speech and language therapist is being taken from a child and adolescent mental health service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25960/16]
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 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
1402. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he will continue to make funds available to a person (details supplied) in order that their child with special needs can continue to avail of a place in a learning centre (details supplied). [25962/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As 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.
1404. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on disability allowance that have a medical card; the number of persons on disability allowance on means that have a medical card; and the reason County Meath has one of the lowest levels of medical card recipients and the lowest discretionary medical cards recipients per capita. [25970/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has been asked to examine this matter and to reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1405. 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. [25972/16]
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.
1406. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will request Beaumont Hospital to complete all of the necessary paperwork to allow a person (details supplied) access to the drug Fampridine on their medical card or the long-term illness scheme as they have been approved to use the drug; if the delay in providing the completed paperwork is due to lack of staff at the hospital or a staff issue relative to the processing of such paperwork; and if he will expedite the matter. [25973/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1407. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date for a second operation will be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); if it is a lack of funding from the National Treatment Purchase Fund that is causing this operation to be postponed; and if he will expedite the matter [25974/16]
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
1408. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the action taken by the HSE arising from a report into the death of a person (details supplied); if the ligature points mentioned in the report were removed and if so, when; the contact that the HSE or his Department have had with the person's family since their death; if issues of cost, legal and otherwise, have been discussed with the family; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25980/16]
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 10 working days, please contact my Private Office and they will follow up the matter with them.
1409. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he received complaints from families who have family members in care at a hospital (details supplied); if an investigation has been carried out to date regarding the level of care at this hospital; and if his Department will take action in the matter. [25982/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of a complaint made by a family member whom I met in the company of the Deputy on 20 July.
My office has contacted the HSE with details of the issues raised at the said meeting and I expect to be able to report back to the Deputy in the coming days.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the statutory authority under the Health Act 2007 which is responsible for the inspection, regulation and registration of residential services for children, older people and people with disabilities in Ireland. HIQA's role is to promote sustainable improvements, safeguard people using health and social care services, support informed decisions on how services are delivered, and promote person centred care for the benefit of the public.
HIQA has inspected every designated centre in Ireland for people with disabilities at least once. The Stewarts Care organisation is made up of 13 separated designated centres comprising of 35 residential units in total. There have been 21 separate inspections of these centres since November 2013.
If the Deputy or any members of the public have any concerns regarding the general level of care at any centre, I urge them to contact HIQA where their concerns can be investigated.
1410. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some general practitioners charge medical card holders for blood tests whilst the general medical services contract allows GPs to be reimbursed for these tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25986/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraPersons covered by the General Medical Services (GMS) Scheme should not be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP, or the Practice Nurse on behalf of the GP, which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition.
The HSE has addressed this issue and clearly stated its position to GPs, pointing out that where the service forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, it should be provided free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes they have been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by their GP, they may wish to make a complaint to their HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE's Complaints Policy. Contact details for all Local Health Offices can be found on the HSE's website.
1411. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken arising from a presentation made to the Minister of State with responsibility for mental health and older people by a group representing a care home (details supplied); if funding will be provided to achieve the goals and deal with the issues as outlined by the delegation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25989/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is an independent statutory authority established to drive high quality and safe care for people using health and social care services. HIQA's role is to develop standards and inspect and review health and social care services. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive framework, including the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People and the Health Act, 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations, 2013.
The National Standards set out what is expected in terms of the service provided to residents, with a focus on continuous development of safe and effective care. A revised set of National Standards were approved earlier this year. The revised Standards place a stronger focus on quality of life and a person centred approach to care of all residents.
The Authority has emphasised that all decisions on compliance are considered with regard to reasonableness, proportionality, fairness and in the context of the service provided. There are no plans at present to establish a working group to review these recently approved Standards.
Funding for groups such as the one referred to by the Deputy is by and large provided by the Health Service Executive under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004. As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1412. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the patient confidentiality clause in respect of a person's mental illness in view of the fact many persons who are adults have health issues and, ultimately, can lead to serious mental health issues and possible suicide and due to patient confidentiality their parents or next of kin or other family members cannot be informed and if they were they possibly would be able to provide distance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26008/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere have been calls to involve family and carers to a greater degree in the development of care and treatment plans for those suffering with mental illness. In addition there has also been a call that family involvement in the care and treatment of such patients should be made compulsory.
The Expert Group which reviewed the Mental Health Act 2001 and published its report in 2015, looked at the former and recommended ‘proactive encouragement for the patient at all stages to involve his/her family/carer and/or chosen advocate in the admission process and in the development of the care and treatment plan with the patient’s consent’ . Outcomes tend to be better when family are involved and the recommendation of the Expert Group in this regard is seen as important and is accepted by all key stakeholders. The vast bulk of patients are satisfied to allow families to be involved.
However, there are other considerations which must be taken into account where a patient reserves the right to withhold consent to share confidential information with his or her family.
Firstly, it should be clearly stated that the Medical Council’s Ethical Guide already specifically allows a doctor to ethically breach confidentiality if, for example, he/she believes that the patient is at risk of harming himself/herself or others. Doctors therefore have existing powers in exceptional circumstances and do use them where they consider it necessary. That is not to say, of course, that the prediction of risk is easy.
While encouraging family involvement in the care and treatment of mental health patients was recommended by the Expert Group, there was no such recommendation that such involvement should be made compulsory against the wishes of the patient.
There may be potentially serious downsides to such an absolute approach where those with mental illness may decide not to confide in their Doctor/medical team at all if they are strongly against involving family members involved for whatever reason. Last week the annual St Patrick’s Mental Health Services survey reported that 22% of people said they would not tell anyone if they were experiencing suicidal thoughts. The worry is that some patients, if told that any of their personal health issues could be discussed with family members without their consent, would not tell anyone about possible suicide ideation or seek appropriate medical advice in the first place. This is a legitimate concern that needs to be considered if any move was made to make family involvement compulsory.
1413. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health when additional home help weekend hours will be allocated to a person (details supplied) following assessment and approval of same by a home help services co-ordinator; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26009/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1414. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment in University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26011/16]
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.
1415. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation in respect of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26012/16]
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 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.
