Written Answers Nos 223-242
223. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an annual breakdown of the NTPF, National Treatment Purchase Fund, funding that has been required in each of the years 2006 to 2016 in order to purchase consultations or treatments for long waiting patients referred to public dermatology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24889/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra224. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of patients initially referred to public dermatology services for which the NTPF subsequently purchased consultations or treatments in each of the years year 2006 to 2016; if such appointments were offered here, in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales or elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24890/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra225. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons initially referred to public dermatology services and for which the NTPF subsequently purchased consultations or treatments; the number of such appointments which were accepted by persons in each of the years 2006 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24891/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra226. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of persons subsequently referred back to primary or secondary care for ongoing care in relation to the number of persons initially referred to public dermatology services and for which the NTPF subsequently purchased consultations or treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24892/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 223 to 226, inclusive, together.
In response to these particular queries raised, I have asked the NTPF to provide the specific details and I will forward these on to the deputy when they are received.
227. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 174 of 14 December 2016, the status of the work of the Lyme borreliosis sub-committee; the number of times this sub-committee has met since its foundation; the details of the research that has been carried out by the sub committee; the details of its membership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24893/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Scientific Advisory Committee of the HSE Health Protection Surveillance Centre (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.
As the work of the subcommittee is coordinated by the HPSC, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
228. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the current waiting time for a person in County Meath to access a psychiatric consultant. [24896/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
229. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health if it is common practice for a person who has presented to a hospital experiencing a mental health crisis to be sent home despite having a general practitioner's referral; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
230. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health his views on whether serious flaws exist within the hospital system for persons that present with mental health difficulties. [24898/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
231. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the waiting time for cataract removal procedures at Galway University Hospital from 24 to 30 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24902/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that Ophthalmology waiting times are often unacceptably long and am conscious of the impact of this on people’s lives.
Reducing waiting times for the longest waiting patients is one of this Government's key priorities. Consequently, Budget 2017 allocated €20 million to the NTPF, rising to €55 million in 2018.
In December 2016, I granted approval to the NTPF to dedicate €5m to a daycase waiting list initiative with the aim of ensuring that no patient will be waiting more than 18 months for a daycase procedure by 30 June 2017. In excess of 2,000 daycases will be managed through this process and patients have started to receive appointments and procedures. Long-waiting Ophthalmology patients are a core group who will receive treatment under this initiative.
In order to reduce the numbers of long-waiting patients, I asked the HSE to develop Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services. These plans have now been finalised and will be communicated shortly.
The HSE is currently finalising the Report of the Primary Care Eye Services Review, which aims to reorganise primary eye-care services with an increased emphasis on maximising delivery of a comprehensive service in primary care, thereby creating capacity in hospitals to provide more complex ophthalmology services.
232. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the reason a person who resides in County Waterford and has type 1 diabetes cannot access a life-changing course (details supplied) being held in County Kilkenny rather than having to attend the course in County Dublin which is too costly and inconvenient for the person. [24915/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
233. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule an emergency appointment for a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24916/17]
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.
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.
234. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when the consultant post for the Waterford centre of excellence will be filled under the model of care for children and young persons with type 1 diabetes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24917/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
235. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Kerry will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24919/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
236. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the concerns raised by an organisation (details supplied) regarding the new national drugs strategy; if he will address the concerns with regard to the role of alcohol within the strategy, the failure to target marginalised communities, the decision to remove the young persons' facilities and services fund, the lack of an appropriate implementation structure, the lack of recognition of community drug projects or community participation and the absence of references to specific communities of interest; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, a Steering Committee with an independent chair has been established to advise me on the development of the new National Drugs Strategy. The Committee has been mandated to develop an integrated public health approach to substance misuse, which is defined as the harmful or hazardous use of psychoactive substances, including alcohol and illegal drugs.
I understand that the Steering Committee is continuing with its deliberations and a meeting to discuss outstanding issues relating to the final draft report is arranged for the 25 May 2017. It would not be appropriate for me to comment further on the matter until the Steering Committee has concluded its work.
237. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if approval will be given to grant an extension on the two week HIQA closure order to allow staff of an organisation (details supplied) sufficient time to ensure all HIQA requirements are met; if approval for funding will be given to facilitate employment of required qualified persons in line with HIQA recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24969/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Act 2007 provided for the establishment of the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA), its inspection and regulation of designated centres, and the framework for registration of these designated centres. The Act sets out the provisions for service providers to respond to decisions made by HIQA and to appeal decisions to the District Court if required. There is no provision in the Act for the Minister for Health to intervene in decisions made by HIQA or the District Court in these matters.
As the Deputy will be aware, HIQA is a fully independent authority charged with ensuring high-quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services in Ireland. I am assured that HIQA takes a proportionate and measured response to issues arising during the inspection and regulation process, and only takes escalated action where significant concerns are present.
The safety and protection of vulnerable people in the care of the State is paramount. My Department will remain in close contact with the HSE to ensure that all necessary actions are now taken in respect of the centre in question to ensure that its residents are cared for appropriately.
The issue of any additional funding requirements in this regard is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have referred the Deputy’s question to the HSE and have asked that the Executive reply directly to the Deputy on the matter.
238. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in Cork city will have an assessment of need carried out under the Disability Act 2005. [24971/17]
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.
239. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he will assist a person (details supplied) in County Cork to secure residential care for their adult daughter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24972/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
240. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24985/17]
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.
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.
241. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24986/17]
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.
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.
242. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce an accreditation system and approval body for nutritionists similar to that already in operation for dietitians to ensure standards of practice and skills by those claiming to be nutritionists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24991/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNutritionists are not currently regulated under the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. The Act provides that the Minister for Health may, under section 4(2), designate a health and social care profession not already designated if he or she considers that it is in the public interest to do so and if specified criteria have been met.
The Department’s immediate priority, however, is to establish the regulatory process for the 14 professions already designated and to commence the legislation required to give effect to my recent decision to designate counsellors and psychotherapists for regulation under the Act.
It is proposed that when all the registers have been established the Department will ask CORU to prepare a risk assessment, in terms of public protection, of the principal health and social care professions seeking designation, and to make recommendations concerning options for their possible future regulation.
