Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:469. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to reduce Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon to a one-doctor town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21935/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGeneral Practitioner Services Provision
Ceisteanna (469)
Freagraí scríofa
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospitals Discharges
Ceisteanna (470)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:470. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons discharged from each hospital into emergency accommodation in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form. [21937/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospitals Discharges
Ceisteanna (471)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:471. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the details of the HSE pilot for hospital discharge protocol in cases of homelessness; when the pilot commenced; the hospitals within the pilot; the additional resources which have been allocated to the pilot; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (472)
Mick Wallace
Ceist:472. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for the National Rehabilitation Hospital's spinal cord system of care programme in each of the years 2013 to 2016; and the average waiting time to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21947/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (473)
Seán Barrett
Ceist:473. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health whether he is concerned that some girls who received the HPV Gardasil vaccine appear to have had serious side effects, and if he will have this matter examined. [21978/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Each year in Ireland around 300 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. The HPV vaccine protects against two high risk types of HPV that cause 73% of all cervical cancers.
There is scientific evidence of the beneficial impact of HPV vaccine for women's health in countries that have had high vaccine uptake rates. Cases of high grade pre-cancerous changes of the cervix have reduced by 75% in Australia and by more than 50% in Denmark and Scotland.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines that are licensed in Ireland. While no medicine is entirely without risk, the safety of vaccines, as with all medicines, is carefully monitored and any new evidence concerning side-effects is taken into account. The HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination.
Unfounded, false claims have been made of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. It appears that they first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine and a false connection is being made between the HPV vaccine and the onset of these symptoms. There is no scientific evidence that the HPV vaccine causes any long term illness. However, these claims led to a significant drop in uptake rates of the HPV vaccine from 87% in 2014/15 to 72% in 2015/16. This means that a large cohort of girls is now at risk of developing cervical cancer later in their lives.
Misinformation is causing real harm to those unvaccinated children and adults who develop vaccine preventable diseases, and to people who seek inappropriate treatments for real conditions that are not caused by vaccines. Any parent who has doubts or questions about vaccination should talk to their family doctor, or alternatively visit the National Immunisation office website. These sources of information are clear and accurate and will answer any queries you may have about the benefits or risks of vaccination. Vaccination is the best way for parents to make sure their children are healthy and protected from preventable diseases.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (474)
Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:474. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive notice of the outcome of a meeting with an assessment of needs officer. [21982/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (475)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:475. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of the BowelScreen programme; his plans to decrease or increase funding for the BowelScreen programme in 2018; the number of persons in County Mayo who have availed of the BowelScreen service to date; and the average wait time for results from the BowelScreen programme. [21983/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
BowelScreen, the National Bowel Screening Programme, is run by the HSE's National Screening Service. It offers free bowel screening to men and women aged 60-69. The BowelScreen Round One Programme Report (2012-2015) shows that 521 cancers were detected through bowel screening, 3 out of 4 of which were detected at an early stage of cancer development.
The current funding allocation for the BowelScreen programme is €8.7m. The funding requirements for BowelScreen in 2018 will be considered as part of the Estimates process.
A total of 9,811 people in County Mayo took part in the BowelScreen programme.
People who receive an invitation from BowelScreen, and who consent to take part in the programme, are normally issued a home FIT (Faecal Immunochemical Test) test. For those who completed and returned the test during Round One (2012-2015), the average wait time for results was ten calendar days.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (476)
Kate O'Connell
Ceist:476. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) on a waiting list. [21992/17]
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 (477)
Kate O'Connell
Ceist:477. Deputy Kate O'Connell asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) on a waiting list. [21993/17]
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 (478)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:478. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a surgical intervention for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22004/17]
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.
Mobility Allowance Review
Ceisteanna (479)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:479. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the reason a replacement scheme for the mobility allowance has yet to be announced; if the new scheme will be announced before the summer recess of Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22005/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Conscious of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant Scheme in the context of the Equal Status Acts, the Government decided to close both schemes in February 2013.
However, monthly payments of up to €208.50 have continued to be made by the Health Service Executive to 4,700 people who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health and the Programme for Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme. I can confirm that work on the policy proposals for the new Scheme is at an advanced stage. The proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
The next step is to seek Government approval for the drafting of a Bill for the new scheme.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (480)
Michael Ring
Ceist:480. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the criteria used by the HSE to determine if a person (details supplied) is ordinarily resident in view of the apparent conflicting decisions being made by the HSE in this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22008/17]
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 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.
Question No. 481 withdrawn.
Question No. 482 answered with Question No. 349.
Infectious Disease Screening Service
Ceisteanna (483, 502)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:483. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that testing for Lyme disease here uses the inaccurate standardised test called ELISA, which is at best 35% accurate thereby resulting in missed diagnosis; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that German and other EU laboratories are using a more accurate test which cost the European Union €1.1 million to develop and which is a highly sensitive and specific low-cost lab on a chip system for Lyme diagnosis (details supplied); if he will arrange for the implementation of this system here to save persons the expense of travelling to Germany for diagnoses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22015/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Willie Penrose
Ceist:502. Deputy Willie Penrose asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to encourage awareness, prevention and treatment of Lyme disease here; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that there are specific high-risk areas here and that the risk of Lyme disease here may increase as a result of climate change; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22120/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 483 and 502 together.
Lyme disease (also known as Lyme borreliosis) is an infection caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium called Borrelia burgdorferi. It is transmitted to humans by bites from ticks infected with the bacteria. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) of the HSE has extensive information concerning Lyme disease on its website http://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/vectorborne/lymedisease/. The following is a copy of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from the website for your information.
Lyme borreliosis was made been statutorily notifiable in Ireland by the Infectious Diseases (Amendment Regulations) Regulations 2011 (S.I. no 452 of 2011). The notifiable entity is Lyme neuroborreliosis, the more severe neurological form of Lyme boreliosis and the average number of annual neuroborreliosis notifications has been 14 over the last few years However, the diverse and unspecific nature of the symptoms means that a number of the less serious cases may not be diagnosed, leading to under reporting of cases. It is likely that there are between 150 and 250 cases of Lyme disease in Ireland per year, making Ireland a low to medium incidence country (the highest incidence of Lyme disease in Europe is seen in Alpine and Scandinavian countries). It is estimated in most Western European countries that between 5% and 20% of the population have positive Lyme blood tests, indicating that they have been bitten by an infected tick and either did not develop symptoms of Lyme disease or developed such mild symptoms that these were not recollected.
Lyme disease is diagnosed by medical history and physical examination. The infection is confirmed by blood tests which look for antibodies produced by an infected person's body in response to the infection. These normally take several weeks to develop and may not be present in the early stages of the disease.
The standard approach to Lyme diagnostics is a two-stage approach and involves using a sensitive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) as an initial, screening step. Screening EIAs can be insufficiently specific, giving false-positive reactions in the presence of other similar bacteria, and certain other viral infections, including glandular fever. In addition, blood samples from patients with autoimmune disorders and other inflammatory conditions can also lead to false-positive results.
Samples giving positive or equivocal results in screening tests are further investigated in a second-stage immunoblot (Western blot) tests. Use of immunoblot testing greatly increases specificity. Using this two stage approach will give a great degree of certainty around the diagnosis of Lyme.
All clinical (and other) laboratories in Ireland must undergo continuous quality assurance to ensure that the quality of the diagnostics they provide is maintained at the highest international level for human diagnostics.
The Scientific Advisory Committee of the HPSC, the Infectious Diseases Society of Ireland, the Irish Society of Clinical Microbiologists, the Irish Institute of Clinical Neuroscience and the Irish College of General Practitioners agreed a Consensus Statement on the Clinical Management of Lyme Borreliosis, which endorsed the previously referenced, internationally recognised set of guidelines (those of the Infectious Diseases Society of America) to Medical Practitioners to ensure a standardised approach to the diagnosis and management of Lyme disease in Ireland.
The HPSC have published Frequently Asked Questions on Testing for Lyme Disease on their website, http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/LymeDisease/Factsheet/Lymetesting/.
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. In addition to staff from the HPSC, the membership of the Sub-Committee includes specialists in Public Health Medicine, Consultants in Infectious Diseases, Clinical Microbiology, Occupational Health an Entomologist from the Parks and Wildlife Service, a representative from the Local Government Management Agency, an Environmental Health Officer and, very importantly, a representative from Tick Talk Ireland, the primary Support Group for Lyme disease in Ireland.
The initial work of the Lyme Borreliosis Sub-committee involved a survey of laboratory methods for the diagnosis of Lyme borreliosis in Ireland, the development of Lyme borreliosis guidance for general practitioners, the publication of medical media articles to highlight diagnostics and laboratory methods relating to Lyme borreliosis available in Ireland. Material has been produced which is aimed both at the general public and General Practitioners.
There is extensive information for the public and health professionals on the HPSC website. This information for the public includes:
- Lyme Disease Frequently Asked Questions;
- Laboratory testing for Lyme Disease: FAQs for general public;
- Lyme Disease Illustrations; and
- CDC's instructions on how to remove a tick.
The website also contains factsheets, information, clinical guidance and an Erythema Migrans Diagnostic Support Tool for health professionals.
As a result of climate change there is likely to be an increase in the incidence of Lyme disease in Ireland. The predicted warmer temperatures and altered rainfall are likely to result in a longer tick season and increased numbers of the small rodents that the ticks feed upon. This is the likely picture in Ireland and would be replicated in the UK, the US and Canada. Campers, walkers and certain occupational groups such as forestry workers, conservation workers, deer cullers and farmers are at particular risk of exposure. The risk of infection is greatest in late spring and early summer, so Springtime is the time to ensure that parents, children and doctors are aware of the risks posed by ticks. Since 2013, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) has held an annual ‘Lyme Awareness Week’ at the beginning of the tick biting season, the purpose of which is to draw attention - particularly in the media - to Lyme disease and the ticks that can spread this disease. This year Lyme Disease Awareness Week will take place on 15-22 May.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (484)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:484. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [22020/17]
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 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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (485)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:485. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting spinal surgery at Tallaght hospital; the number of persons by waiting list (details supplied); the average waiting time on each list; the number of persons awaiting spinal surgery at Tallaght hospital who have been referred from Naas hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (486, 487)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:486. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the residential care which will be provided for a person (details supplied) who has severe intellectual and behavioural issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22024/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMicheál Martin
Ceist:487. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health if he will make the necessary funding available in order to allow a person (details suppled) to return to a foundation's residential care; when this funding will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22025/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 486 and 487 together.
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 questions relate to an individual case, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health and Social Care Professionals Regulation
Ceisteanna (488)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:488. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the annual cost of administering the Health and Social Care Professionals Council; and the way in which these costs are covered (details supplied). [22026/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health and Social Care Professionals Council, Ireland's only multi-profession health and social care regulator, is being established on a phased basis. While funded in the main by the exchequer at present, it is intended that the Council will, in time, when all its registers are established, be fully self-funding through annual fee income payable by registrants. The current fee payable is €100 per annum.
The allocation for 2016 was €2.6m supplemented by €1.2m in registration fees. The allocation for 2017 is €3.1m to be supplemented by anticipated fee income of €1.4m.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (489)
Clare Daly
Ceist:489. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting over three years for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22031/17]
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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (490)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:490. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will make a placement available to a young person (details supplied) who is in great difficulty. [22033/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.