Written Answers Nos. 1334-1353
1334. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an urgent appointment will be made for a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this matter was raised with the HSE in April 2016 and no response was received. [1827/17]
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.
Accordingly, as this query concerns a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1335. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason there are no physiotherapy services available through the HSE for persons under the age of 18 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1832/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1336. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health the plans under way to assist those with hearing difficulties; the regulations that currently govern catering for those with hearing difficulties by broadcasters; and if there are plans to develop legislation further in this area. [1838/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has no role in relation to the regulation of broadcasters. This specific part of the question is more appropriate to the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment.
However, I can provide some information in relation to health services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments.
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities, including those with hearing impairments, 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.
Budget 2017 includes an increased allocation to the Disability Services Programme to address a number of key priorities in the Programme for Partnership Government. The allocation for disability services will rise to over €1.654bn in 2017, an increase of €92 million on the Budget 2016 allocation.
Under Section 67 of the Health Act 1970, the HSE is required to provide free audiology treatment and appliances to children in respect of defects noticed at child and school health examinations and also to adult medical card holders and their dependants. The Health (Amendment) Act 1996 provides for free audiology services to certain persons who have a Health Amendment Act Card. Legislation is reviewed and updated as appropriate.
1337. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1839/17]
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 in Ireland. Since 2009 all nursing homes whether public or private are registered and inspected by HIQA. This includes a number of nursing homes operated by religious organisations. However, HIQA's remit does not extend to the regulation of residential centres catering for elderly members of religious orders. Under Section 2 of the Health (Nursing Homes) Act 1990, premises in which the majority of the persons being maintained are members of a religious order or priests of any religion are offered an exemption to registration. While there are currently no plans to extend HIQA’s remit to these institutions, I have had discussions on the matter and I intend to look at it again.
1338. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of counsellors providing bereavement counselling, inclusive of post-abortion counselling, here; the waiting times for this counselling per maternity hospital; the vacancies for these counselling positions, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1846/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1339. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1847/17]
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 was issued to Oireachtas members.
1340. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his views on the retention of the integrated fire-based emergency medical service within the Dublin fire brigade; if his attention has been drawn to any plans to alter any of the components of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1853/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1341. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if plans to alter the retention of the integrated fire-based emergency medical service within the Dublin fire brigade are afoot, the person with the ultimate responsibility for decisions relating to this; if such a decision would need ministerial approval; and if he will make statement on the matter. [1854/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1342. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Dublin City Council management has identified a requirement for four additional ambulances with the Dublin fire brigade to meet the capacity requirements identified by HIQA; if he will support the implementation of this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1855/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1340 to 1342, inclusive, together.
Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) provide emergency ambulance services in Dublin city and county, by arrangement between Dublin City Council and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides some emergency capacity in the greater Dublin area, as well as non-emergency patient transport.
In recent years three comprehensive reviews of our ambulance services have been undertaken; the HIQA review, the independent Lightfoot Review of NAS capacity, and the review of Dublin ambulance services which was jointly commissioned by the HSE and Dublin City Council.
The HIQA report on ambulance services, which was published in December 2014, highlighted significant public safety issues arising from two ambulance services operating in the same domain. The report identified concerns around the existence of two separate control and dispatch processes, and also highlighted the need for greater clinical governance of both services.
The HIQA report points, very clearly, to the need for enhanced integration of service provision in the greater Dublin area. In that context, the HSE is working closely with Dublin City Council, which is leading on this issue on behalf of the four Dublin local authorities, to devise and agree the elements of a safe, sustainable, integrated and quality ambulance service for the citizens of Dublin. I fully accept that, in the interest of patient safety, we need the DFB and the NAS to have a more coordinated and integrated approach to service delivery.
I understand that HIQA has recently engaged with Dublin City Council and the NAS as a follow up to the 2014 report and in that context, issues with regard to capacity in the Dublin region may have arisen. I expect that HIQA will publish a further report in a matter of weeks. The Deputy will however be aware that additional funds have been provided to the NAS in 2017 to fund increased capacity. The allocation of these additional resources is an operational matter for the HSE.
The Dublin ambulance services review, which was commissioned in 2014, is focused on identifying a service model for the optimal provision of emergency ambulance services and patient care in the Dublin region, including service quality, patient safety and value for money. I understand that the Review has been completed and is under consideration by the HSE and Dublin City Council, who as I mentioned earlier, commissioned the Review.
While I have yet to be apprised of the detailed outcome of the Review, I can assure the Deputy that before any changes are implemented, a formal proposal for same will be required to be submitted to both myself and the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government, for our consideration and approval. I therefore expect that my Department and the Dept of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government will, over the coming weeks, continue to engage with the HSE and Dublin City Council, in relation to any changes in service provision which may be proposed.
1343. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing a primary care centre in Lucan, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1344. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing a primary care centre in Clondalkin village, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1866/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1345. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in providing a primary care centre in Rowlagh, Clondalkin, Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1867/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1346. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the engagement he has had with management and medical staff at Cork University Maternity Hospital; and if his attention has been drawn to the governance and resources issues that are currently outstanding. [1879/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am aware of difficulties in relation to waiting times for gynaecology services in Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH), which are in part due to staff resource challenges including those associated with recruiting theatre nursing staff.
Last week, I visited the hospital to meet with hospital management, South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) management and a number of consultant obstetricians/gynaecologists, to learn at first-hand about these problems and how they can best be resolved. I have asked my officials to work closely with the HSE and the SSWHG to ensure that the waiting list for gynaecology procedures is addressed as a priority. I have also committed to convene a follow-up meeting on this matter in approximately six weeks time.
In demonstration of the Government's commitment to address waiting lists, Budget 2017 makes specific provision for the treatment of the longest-waiting patients. I am assured that the 2017 NTPF waiting list initiative will help to alleviate some of the difficulties in Cork. In 2017, the NTPF will have an allocation of €20 million and, in the first instance, in the region of €5m will be targeted at daycase procedures. The NTPF anticipate that 2,500 of the longest waiting daycase patients, including patients on the CUMH waiting list, will be treated under this initiative.
My Department will continue to work with the HSE and NTPF to ensure best use of the additional resources allocated to tackle hospital waiting lists. In that regard, the HSE has been requested to submit Action Plans for 2017, in January, in respect of both the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List and the Outpatient Waiting List. Further consideration will be given to the needs of CUMH in that context.
Lastly, I should mention that the governance structures for our maternity services is currently being remodelled with the establishment of the HSE National Women & Infants Health Programme and maternity networks across Hospital Groups. The Programme will lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, ensure the consistent delivery of high quality care in these services and oversee the development of maternity networks. I am hopeful that the new maternity network which is currently being established in the SSWHG will ensure better co-ordination and utilisation of maternity and gynaecological resources across the group.
1347. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) who was referred for epidural injections 18 months ago in University Hospital Waterford will receive them. [1916/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to this particular query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding St. Mary of the Angels, Beaufort, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1917/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI was delighted to visit St Mary of the Angels last week and I would like to express my gratitude for the welcome I received from residents and their families along with staff and management. The occasion allowed the representatives of the parents and relatives of family members to tell their personal stories and I can say that this was a very positive engagement for me with residents and staff.
I reiterated several key points that have been previously agreed between the Health Service Executive (HSE) and St. John of God (SJOG) as follows:
1. Residents will only move out of St. Mary's if they, and their family members, agree that it is in their best interests. Any opportunity for residents to live in smaller settings in the community will come after considerable planning and discussion with those residents and their families.
2. If any resident moves from St Mary of the Angels, it will be on the basis that it will enhance their life. Anyone who moves will continue to access the services they require. If a resident experiences difficulties after moving out, all options will be explored – including moving back to St. Mary of the Angel's for a short or long period of time.
3. No planning for any move will take place without an open and inclusive discussion with residents and their families, based on the assessments and as part of the care-planning process.
4. The HSE agreed to take on board a suggestion from the representative group that a group representing family members, SJOG and the HSE should be established. The aim is to work together in the best interests of the residents.
The HSE hope to schedule the first meeting in the very near future and I am hopeful that this Group will have a positive impact.
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.
1350. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of the €9 million funding outlined in the 2017 HSE service plan to expand existing or develop new services in acute hospitals that will go to each hospital group, in tabular form; and the details of the expanded or new service being provided in each group in 2017. [1981/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the HSE National Service Plan 2017, €9 million funding has been allocated to expand existing, or develop new, services in the acute hospitals sector in 2017.
In order to increase capacity in acute hospitals, of this funding, €1.4m has been allocated to open a new Emergency Department (ED) in University Hospital Limerick and a further €1m has been allocated to the opening of a new 75 bed ward block in University Hospital Galway.
The setting of budgets for individual hospitals and the hospital groups, including the allocation of the remaining €6.6m of new development funding, is currently being finalised by the HSE as part of the development of Operational Plans for each of the hospital groups. The Department is currently engaging with the HSE with respect to finalising the funding allocations associated with the Operational Plans.
Efforts will continue in 2017 to proactively optimise existing hospital and community capacity, to improve the patient experience, patient flow and timeliness of quality service delivery.
1351. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the amount of the €13.5 million funding outlined in the 2017 HSE service plan to expand existing or develop new services in primary care which will go to each community health organisation, in tabular form; and the details of the expanded or new service being provided in each CHO in 2017 [1982/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1352. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the locations and the way in which the €11.8 million funding outlined in the 2017 HSE service plan to expand existing or develop new services for persons with disabilities will be spent; the amount of this which will go to each community health organisation; and the details of the expanded or new service being provided in each CHO in 2017, in tabular form. [1983/17]
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.
1353. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the locations and the way in which the €10 million funding outlined in the 2017 HSE service plan to expand existing or develop new services for older persons will be spent; the amount of this which will go to each community health organisation; and the details of the expanded or new service being provided in each CHO in 2017 [1984/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
