Written Answers Nos 1368-1387
1368. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the status of speech and language supports for a school (details supplied) in County Dublin; the reason the HSE has not made available supports for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28106/17]
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.
1369. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath. [28119/17]
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 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.
1370. 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. [28130/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEU Regulation 883/2004 provides for access to public health services on an emergency basis when an EU national visits another Member State on a temporary visit. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is presented as evidence that the holder is entitled to receive necessary emergency treatment in the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the state concerned.
Bilateral arrangements between the UK and Ireland do not require the production of an EHIC for such public services to be provided, although it can of course be presented, and generally the production of proof of address by the patient is sufficient to permit access to the public services.
In relation to this matter, my officials raised this with the UK authorities who confirmed that the clinic is an NHS clinic. Whilst it is not clear as to why this situation arose, the UK authorities did indicate that GP practices can only turn down an application to be temporarily registered with a GP for non-discriminatory reasons, such as if their lists are closed to new patients, the applicant lives outside the practice’s boundary area or in other rare circumstances.
1371. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by his Department on designing, implementing and supporting the Eircode system in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form [28141/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Department did not have any expenditure relating to designing, implementing and supporting the Eircode system from 2011 to present.
1372. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28174/17]
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.
1373. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he plans to focus on the known weaknesses within the health services with particular reference to addressing issues such as overcrowding at accident and emergency, waiting lists in respect of various procedures, deficiencies at community care level and bed and various staff shortages; the extent to which each or all are deemed to be responsible for delays experienced by persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28186/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1376. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which bed shortages have been identified as a contributory factor affecting persons requesting various procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28189/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1377. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which staff shortages at various levels continue to be identified as a contributory factor causing delays for persons awaiting various procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28190/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1378. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which a lack of theatre space has been identified as a contributory factor in the ongoing delays experienced by persons on waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28191/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1384. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which his Department has identified the quantum of deficiencies within the health services which has resulted in delays and waiting lists at various levels; his plans to address such issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28197/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1373, 1376 to 1378, inclusive, and 1384 together.
I am very aware of the interrelated nature of the challenges our health service faces. As a consequence, I have prioritised a range of policy and operational initiatives to address waiting lists, Emergency Department overcrowding, bed capacity and staff recruitment.
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. The HSE has published, and is implementing Waiting List Action Plans for 2017 in the areas of Inpatient/Daycase, Scoliosis and Outpatient Services, focused on longest-waiting patients.
In relation to Emergency Departments, the HSE is implementing a Roadmap towards improving patient ED experience and reducing trolley wait times. In addition, planning for next winter has commenced.
My Department has also commenced a capacity review, in line with the Programme for a Partnership Government commitment. The review will take a whole-of-system approach, and will examine key elements of primary and community care infrastructure, in addition to hospital facilities. Further, my Department and the HSE are implementing a range of initiatives to increase the medical and nursing workforce.
The Committee on the Future of Health Care has also made a series of recommendations, including specific measures to tackle waiting times and ED overcrowding. I look forward to considering the report and its recommendations in full.
1374. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he has studied and will implement the recently published report on the future of the health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28187/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraSupporting the establishment of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare in June 2016 was one of the first actions I took on becoming Minister for Health. The establishment of the Committee was supported across this House, demonstrating a shared understanding of the scale of the challenges facing our health services and recognition of the need for a fundamental re-shaping of our vision and long-term strategy for healthcare, based on cross-party consensus. I have supported this process from the outset, which I firmly believe has provided us with a once in a generation opportunity to transform our health services.
The Committee has lived up to its mandate and it is to be commended on the significant achievement of developing a future vision, based upon political consensus, for our health services. The report is the culmination of a year-long process of unprecedented cross-party collaboration, dialogue and engagement and is testament of the desire across the political spectrum and across the broader stakeholder community to work collaboratively to address the challenges in the health service.
I have been clear since the Committee commenced its work that I would not advance major structural reforms until it had reported out of respect for the process. I look forward to the upcoming Dáil debate on the report and will listen carefully to the views from across the Dáil. Following the debate, it is my intention to bring detailed analysis and proposals to Government.
1375. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which he expects the treatment purchase scheme to address issues of delays experienced by persons awaiting various procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28188/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that waiting times are often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
There is no doubt that our public hospital system is challenged in meeting the growing demand for care. Last year alone, there was a 2% increase in inpatient and day-case activity over 2015.
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 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. The Inpatient / Daycase and Outpatient Plans which have now been published and are currently being implemented, focus on reducing as much as possible within existing resources the number of patients waiting 15 months or more for inpatient and daycase treatment or outpatient appointment by the end of October. The Scoliosis Action Plan aims to ensure that no patient who requires scoliosis surgery will be waiting more than four months for surgery by the end of 2017.
Under these Plans, since early February, over 14,200 patients have come off the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List, nearly 49,000 patients have come off the Outpatient Waiting List and 130 scoliosis surgeries have taken place.
In addition, the NTPF has advised that under the ongoing Daycase Waiting List Initiative over 2,500 patients files have been transferred to private hospitals under this Initiative, 631 patients have accepted an offer of treatment in a private hospital and that 178 patients have received their procedure.
1379. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which use of the Single European Market can be identified as a means of alleviating the impact of persons faced with the high cost of experimental drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28192/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEach EU member state is responsible for the procurement of medicinal products. However, our membership of the single market offers an opportunity for international cooperation with other member countries to reduce the cost of new drugs.
In June 2016, the Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer Affairs Council adopted conclusions on strengthening the balance in the pharmaceutical systems in the EU and its member states. Those conclusions invited member states to explore opportunities for cooperation on pricing and reimbursement of medicines and to identify areas for cooperation which could contribute to affordability and better access to medicines. I have indicated my support for these measures and I welcome the opportunity for member states to cooperate by sharing information, so that we can achieve affordable and sustainable access to medicines.
I and my officials have been actively engaged with our European colleagues on the issue of drug pricing. In May I attended the third Round Table meeting for European Health Ministers and CEO's/Heads of Europe-based pharmaceutical companies in Malta, where I signed the Valetta Declaration.
The Declaration is in line with my objectives since coming into office to work with other countries to make medicines available to patients at affordable prices.
A technical committee to be established shortly, will explore the possible areas for cooperation including information sharing, horizon scanning and possible price negotiations and joint procurement.
I will continue to explore further opportunities to engage with Ministers from other EU countries on how to address the challenge of securing access to new medicines for citizens at an affordable price.
1380. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in 2017 regarding the finalisation of arrangements regarding the new maternity hospital at St Vincent's with particular reference to the protection of the public health and hospital interests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28193/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that I recently asked for a period of time to reflect on, and address, issues associated with the National Maternity Hospital project. While work is continuing on these issues, I am happy to note the significant developments that have taken place over the period. I have met with the Chair and CEO/Master of both hospitals and reaffirmed my commitment to the project. In addition, there has been extensive engagement between the St Vincent's Healthcare Group and my officials.
On 29 May last, the Sisters of Charity announced their decision to relinquish their ownership and involvement with the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group. This decision, on the part of the Sisters, is an extremely significant development for the healthcare sector. My Department has been briefed on this development. The St. Vincent's Healthcare Group's Constitution will no longer refer to the Sisters of Charity and will be amended to reflect compliance with national and international best practice guidelines on medical ethics and the laws of the Republic of Ireland. I know that despite the specific provisions in the Mulvey agreement, there was a concern on the part of some, about the potential religious influence being brought to bear on the new maternity hospital. The decision of the Sisters of Charity is extremely helpful in dispelling any such concerns.
Discussions are continuing with the St. Vincent's Healthcare Group on the terms of the State's investment in the new hospital and, in particular, arrangements for the protection of this investment. The Mulvey agreement envisaged that further consideration was required in relation to the legal mechanisms necessary to protect the State's considerable investment. My Department is very actively engaged in devising suitable arrangements to ensure that the facilities are legally secured on an on-going basis for the delivery of publicly funded maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.
I hope to update the Government on the project very shortly.
1381. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which primary care in all regions, is likely to be reorganised in line with the increased demands and ready access to the services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28194/17]
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.
1382. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres already provided and operational by county; the number proposed for the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28195/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1385. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres already constructed and currently functioning throughout County Kildare; when the most recently constructed are likely to come on stream; the number and location of further proposed primary care centres throughout County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28198/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1382 and 1385 together.
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Executive for direct reply.
1383. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which it is expected to ensure the retention of nursing, medical and consultant staff sufficient to meet the demand; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28196/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra1387. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the retention of adequate health personnel at all levels to meet all eventualities and eliminate overcrowding at acute hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28200/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1383 and 1387 together.
There has been a significant improvement in the staffing of the public health services in the past three years as the economic position has improved and additional funding has been made available to support service delivery. Total numbers employed have increased by from end April 2014 to end April 2017 by over 10,000 whole time equivalents (WTE's) to 111,979.
The number of consultants has increased significantly. At the end of April 2017 there were 2,884 whole time equivalents. This constitutes an increase of 298 (WTE's) since April 2014. The number of NCHDs has increased very significantly, from 4,982 at the end of April 2014 to 6,092 at the end of April 2017 (+1,109) in order to support service delivery and progression of EWTD compliance.
Nursing and midwifery numbers at the end of April 2017 stood at 36,549 whole time equivalents, having increased by 625 whole time equivalents in the 12 months from end April 2016 and by 1,870 in the three years from end April 2014 to end April 2017. Overall nursing numbers (WTEs) are at the highest level since 2011 with numbers increasing consistently since early in 2014. However the pace of increase is modest compared with the numbers graduating each year, the level of vacancies in the system and the fall in numbers between 2007 and 2014 due to the economic downturn.
Under proposals formulated at the WRC between this Department, DPER, the HSE, the INMO and SIPTU in February and March this year it was agreed that management would increase the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017, through a broad range of initiatives that provide for 1,208 additional permanent posts. Delivery of these posts is possible through a combination of new development posts, for which additional funding is being provided in the current year, and the local conversion of agency employed staff into direct employees. Key measures include the conversion of agency employed staff into HSE direct employees and offering all graduating nurses and midwives full time contracts. Other important elements include enhanced maternity leave cover; a career break scheme; 130 additional undergraduate places in 2017; and offering nurses and midwives improved educational opportunities and career pathways. Recruitment measures include careers days, HSE attendance at national and international recruitment fairs, and a communication from the National Director for HR to all Nursing and Midwifery Graduates. A High Level Group with an independent chair has been established for the oversight of the implementation of this agreement, the first meeting of the Group was held on the 24th May 2017.
The recently concluded Public Service Stability Agreement provides for the Public Service Pay Commission carrying out a more comprehensive examination of underlying difficulties in recruitment and retention in those sectors and employment streams where difficulties are clearly evident. Parties to the Agreement will be able to make submissions to the Commission and the outcome of its assessment will be subject to discussions between the relevant parties.
1386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioners practising in County Kildare; the extent to which each practice is sufficiently supported to meet growing demands; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28199/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
