Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:978. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied) who requires a wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19940/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (978)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (979)
Pat Breen
Ceist:979. Deputy Pat Breen 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. [19945/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Dental Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (980)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:980. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents that have been waiting (details supplied) for initial referral for a full dental examination at a HSE clinic in County Wexford, in tabular form; the steps he will take to reduce the waiting list backlog; if reimbursing children for private dental routine examinations has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19949/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (981)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:981. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can have an appointment expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19957/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (982)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:982. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the baby box scheme to all maternity hospitals; when the scheme will be available at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19966/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to the progressive development of maternity services. In 2016, Ireland’s first National Maternity Strategy was published, as well as the HSE’s National Standards for Bereavement Care following Pregnancy Loss and Perinatal Death and HIQA’s National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services. These developments represent key building blocks to facilitate the provision of a high quality maternity service.
€3 million development funding provided for maternity services in 2016 was allocated in line with the Strategy, and included funding for additional staff, including 100 midwives, the development of specialist bereavement teams and for the implementation of the Maternal and Newborn Clinical Management System. Increased funding of €6.8m will be provided for maternity services in 2017 and this will allow for the continued implementation of the Strategy. In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Assisted Human Reproduction
Ceisteanna (983)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:983. 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. [19967/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February 2016, the Health Research Board (HRB) was engaged to conduct a comprehensive review of international public funding models for assisted human reproduction (AHR). The HRB evidence review is now complete and was published simultaneously on the Department of Health’s and the HRB's websites on Wednesday 15 March 2017. The HRB evidence review will be analysed by officials in my Department in the context of considering policy options for a potential public funding model for AHR treatment.
It should be noted that while IVF treatment is not currently provided by the Irish public health service, there is some support available in that patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme.
Question No. 984 answered with Question No. 941
Suicide Prevention
Ceisteanna (985)
Noel Rock
Ceist:985. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will consider implementing a suicide prevention programme similar to a programme in Detroit, USA (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19979/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Health Services Staff Training
Ceisteanna (986)
Noel Rock
Ceist:986. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if nurses are required to undergo grief training; if so, the percentage of nurses that have undergone grief training; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19987/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wish to thank the Deputy for the matter raised.
Given that this is an operational matter, it is appropriate that it should be dealt with by the NMBI. I have referred the Deputy's question to the NMBI for attention and direct reply within 10 working days.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Administration
Ceisteanna (987)
Noel Rock
Ceist:987. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow existing persons on the fair deal scheme to be able to move back to their own homes; when the plans will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19989/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme is a scheme of financial support towards the cost of long term residential care. Residents make a contribution towards the cost of their care based on their means and the State pays the balance. In order to avail of support under the scheme a person must be assessed as needing long term residential care. However, Government policy is to support older people to remain in their own homes for as long as possible.
In this regard, the Department of Health is currently engaged in a detailed process to determine what type of home care scheme is best for Ireland, in relation to both regulation and funding.
As an initial step in this process, the Department commissioned the Health Research Board to undertake an evidence review of the home care systems that are in place in four other European countries. This review was published on 11 April.
The Review will help us to learn from the experiences of other jurisdictions and will inform the debate and future consideration of approaches to formal home care financing and regulation here in Ireland.
Another important step in this process is a public consultation process which I will be launching at the end of May. The purpose of this consultation is to allow all those who have views on this topic to have their say, including older people themselves, their families, and healthcare workers.
Wards of Court
Ceisteanna (988)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:988. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of cases in which a HSE staff member is acting or has acted as a committee for a ward either in a residential setting or in the community setting in the years 2015 and 2016 respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
National Maternity Hospital
Ceisteanna (989)
Josepha Madigan
Ceist:989. Deputy Josepha Madigan asked the Minister for Health the availability of IVF, sterilisation and abortion procedures allowed by law in the new National Maternity Hospital; and if this will be affected by the ownership structure of the hospital. [19992/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Following extensive mediation discussions, agreement was reached late last year between the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) on the relocation of the NMH to the Elm Park campus. The terms of the agreement, which has now been published, provides for the establishment of a new company - "The National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC (limited by shares)”.
The new company will have clinical and operational, as well financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.
This independence will be assured by the reserved powers which are set out in the agreement and will be copperfastened by the golden share which will be held by the Minister for Health of the day. These reserved powers can only be amended with the unanimous written approval of the Directors and with the approval of the Minister for Health. The Board of the new NMH will comprise nine directors; four nominated by SVHG, four by NMH, including the Master, and one will be an international expert in obstetrics and gynaecology. Two of the NMH Directors will also sit on the SVHG Board.
The agreement ensures that a full range of health services will be available at the NMH at Elm Park without religious, ethnic or other distinction. In that regard, I welcome the confirmation by the Board of SVHG that any medical procedure, which is in accordance with the laws of this State, will be carried out at the new hospital. In conclusion, I can confirm that the change in location of the NMH will not impact on the type of services provided.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (990)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:990. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the services that will be available in the new primary care centre in Balbriggan; the services which will be directly provided by HSE staff, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19998/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
HSE Staff
Ceisteanna (991)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:991. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the HSE staff by grade that will be employed in the new primary care centre in Balbriggan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20001/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
General Practitioner Data
Ceisteanna (992)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:992. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of additional general practitioners that will provide services in Balbriggan as part of the new primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20002/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (993)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:993. 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. [20008/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (994)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:994. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20010/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (995)
John Lahart
Ceist:995. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied). [20011/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.