Written Answers Nos 1088-1107
1088. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the wait time for a person (details supplied) who has been referred to St Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown to see an endocrinologist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26817/17]
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.
1089. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the length of time to process fair deal nursing home support scheme applications once all paperwork is in order; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26820/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1090. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if there is a hardship fund available for persons that apply for the fair deal nursing home support scheme while the application is being processed and may have to avail of the services of a nursing home while a decision is being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26821/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
The Scheme covers the cost of the standard components of long-term residential care which are:
- Nursing and personal care appropriate to the level of care needs of the person;
- Bed and board;
- Basic aids and appliances necessary to assist a person with the activities of everyday living;
- Laundry service
The Scheme has a budget of €940 million in 2017, providing support to just over 23,600 people by the end of the year. In order to manage the available funds within the budget throughout the year, a national placement list is operated by the HSE. Funding approvals issue to applicants in chronological order. There is no hardship fund available for applicants whose NHSS application is being processed, however in 2017 the time applicants to the Scheme spend on the placement list for funding should not exceed 4 weeks.
1091. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for home help hours in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26823/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1092. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of child and adolescent mental health service beds that are being provided for children under 18 years of age in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26824/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, this question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
1093. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with dementia availing of intensive home care packages in 2017 by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26825/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
1094. Deputy Darragh O'Brien asked the Minister for Health the reason the recent request for additional funding for a group (details supplied) which would provide key services not delivered by the HSE has been ignored; when a decision will issue on this additional funding application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26830/17]
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.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1095. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the waiting times at the breast cancer clinic at Letterkenny University Hospital specifically in respect of those waiting for three months, six months, nine months, 12 months, 15 months and all periods in similar increments thereafter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26834/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out the number of patients waiting to be seen at the symptomatic breast clinic in Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) - these figures include patients who have been assigned clinic dates:
|
Symptomatic Breast Clinic Waiting Times - LUH |
|
|
Waiting Time |
No. of Patients |
|
0-3 months |
205 |
|
3-6 months |
139 |
|
6-12 months |
245 |
|
12+ months |
143 |
The symptomatic breast disease clinic at LUH operates as a satellite service of University Hospital Galway (UHG). The service at LUH is run by a single consultant who also undertakes general surgery at the hospital. This service is augmented by locum consultants and by Galway-based Saolta consultants who travel to carry out clinics in Letterkenny.
A locum consultant surgeon, to deal with the current demands on the service, has been identified and is expected to commence work towards the end of July. Increased levels of support from Saolta consultants is also envisaged with additional clinics being scheduled. Consideration is also being given to longer-term measures to meet future requirements of this service.
1096. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if the home care package or a similar benefit is available to a person (details supplied) living with a serious disability at home and who requires a substantial amount of care throughout the day. [26835/17]
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.
1097. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) in Croom Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26837/17]
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.
1099. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to simplify the application for general practitioner cards for persons with long-term illnesses by awarding automatically medical cards for certain conditions. [26863/17]
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 Deputy may be aware of the key recommendation of the "Keane" Report of the Expert Panel on Medical Need for Medical Card Eligibility that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. It also recommended that it is neither feasible nor desirable to list conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. Therefore, medical card provision is solely based on financial assessment. Under the legislation, having a particular illness, in itself, does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore, the medical conditions of applicants for this scheme are not monitored on that basis. Where the applicant's income is within the income guidelines, a medical card or GP visit card will be awarded.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and where appropriate exercise discretion. In particular, the HSE may, in exercising its discretion, take full account of the difficult circumstances, financial, social and medical, in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines and even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold grant a medical card on a discretionary basis.
In addition, the HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards in response to an emergency situation for persons with a serious medical condition in need of urgent or on-going medical care that they cannot afford and persons in palliative care, who are terminally ill. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all medical cards, granted on an emergency basis, are issued on the basis that the patient is eligible for a medical card on the basis of means or undue hardship, and will follow up with a full application within a number of weeks of receiving the medical card eligibility. These cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and a letter which confirms the medical condition from a doctor or consultant.
1100. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for orthodontic treatment. [26865/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1101. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 494 of 30 May 2017, if he will meet with the group personally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26868/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with representatives from St. Joseph's Association Parents and Friends on 26th April last and I will be meeting with the group again on 29th June when I visit St. Ita's, Portrane.
I trust this clarifies the position for the Deputy.
1102. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the position regarding to the planned extra capacity for scoliosis surgery at Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; the position on the appointment of an extra surgeon; the current waiting list for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26878/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service issues, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
1103. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 414 of 23 May 2017, if he or a representative will meet with a person (details supplied). [26881/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis issue has been previously raised in a similar PQ earlier this year by the Deputy. The individual was advised of the response received by the HSE in relation to her specific case and was also advised that if she considered a criminal offence was committed against her while she was a patient, then it was open to her to make a complaint to An Garda Síochána for investigation. I understand that she has since been in touch with them. As Minister I am always happy to meet with individuals, but in this instance it may be more appropriate for contacts to continue with the HSE and the Gardaí.
1104. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on a recent World Health Organization survey which predicts that Ireland will become Europe's most obese country by 2030; and the measures he plans to introduce to deal with this issue. [26882/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA Healthy Weight for Ireland - The National Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) is one of the key developments arising from Healthy Ireland, the framework for improving health and well-being across the population. The policy acknowledges that obesity represents one of the biggest public health challenges that Ireland faces.
The OPAP covers a ten year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy.
I wish to emphasise that every sector of our society has a role in reducing the burden of obesity and the OPAP clearly acknowledges this.
The OPAP firstly prescribes 'Ten Steps Forward' to deal with obesity. The appointment of a National Clinical Lead for Obesity in the HSE is among the priority actions recommended. The National Clinical Lead will be responsible for developing models of care for the prevention and management of obesity in primary care and specialist services.
The OPAP includes a number of other priority actions including:
- implementing a 'whole of school' approach to healthy lifestyle programmes which includes nutrition, physical activity and exercise, smoking, alcohol and mental well-being;
- agreeing food reformulation targets with the food industry;
- developing a code of practice for food and drinks promotion, marketing, sponsorship and product placement;
- developing a communications strategy to increase knowledge among the public of being a healthy weight and to stimulate health behaviour change;
- developing proposals for a National Nutrition Policy and Action Plan;
- developing legislation for calorie posting to support people in making healthy choices;
- implementing the National Physical Activity Plan;
- developing proposals on evidence-based fiscal measures such as a levy on sugar-sweetened drinks;
- developing research in the area.
I am pleased to advise the deputy that the process for the appointment of a National Clinical Lead for Obesity is well underway. Furthermore, the Healthy Eating / Food Pyramid Guidelines have been revised and updated by a multi-stakeholder Working Group led by my Department. These were launched in December 2016 as the Healthy Food for Life initiative. A Food Reformulation Working Group is being established to reduce the sugar, fat and salt content of foods and beverages, in line with the EU Food Reformulation Project.
The development of legislation on calorie posting is also underway.
A Working Group has been established to develop a voluntary Code of Practice on Food Advertising, Promotion and Marketing including retail product placement and sponsorship. My Department has also worked with the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) on the marketing of food and drink to children; this arises in the context of the revised Children’s Code to restrict marketing of high fat, high salt and high sugar foods and drinks. My Department will make a submission to the BAI in 2017 on the new code.
1105. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether there is currently enough focus on health and well-being education among young persons. [26883/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraEducation about health and well-being for young persons currently exists through many avenues such as through the development and implementation of the Healthy Ireland Framework, the Better Outcomes Brighter Futures national policy framework for children and young people, the national physical activity plan, the obesity policy and action plan, and the national healthy eating guidelines. Appropriate legislative frameworks have also been developed for the prohibition of smoking in cars and for plain packaging of tobacco products, both of these initiatives highlight the dangers of tobacco use to young persons.
Cross sectorial work is ongoing with other government departments and agencies including Local Community Development Communities and Children and Young people's Services Committees to ensure appropriate alignment of services at local level.
In addition, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) provide support for health promotion in school settings, including partnering with the Department of Education and skills in implementing the Health Promoting Schools and Active School Flag initiatives, as well as through the development of resources for school settings and through the provision of training supports in partnership with the Professional Development Service for Teachers.
The Department of Health and the HSE are also working in partnership with the Department of Education and Skills in relation to the introduction of Well-being as an area of learning in the Junior Cycle from September 2017.
Health and well-being promotional campaigns are run regularly by the HSE, who also provide funding to agencies such as Safefood and the Irish Heart Foundation to assist in the promotion of education about health and well-being for young persons.
1106. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the position with regard to the provision of emergency equipment and supplies to rural general practitioners who are not members of a co-operative and are acting as surrogates for the ambulance service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26887/17]
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.
1107. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ambulance crisis in south Connemara, County Galway, in which the ambulance base in Carraroe is frequently unstaffed and unmanned with resulting unacceptable waiting times for an ambulance and in the view of general practitioners on the ground will result in death; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26888/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI met with a representative group from Connemara on 20 February last to hear their concerns regarding ambulance response times in Connemara. The Deputy can be assured that I am committed to the provision of a safe, patient focused pre-hospital emergency care service. The Programme for Partnership Government commits to additional annual investment in terms of ambulance personnel and vehicles. €7.2m additional funding was provided to the NAS in 2016, including €2m development funding. An additional €3.6m has been provided in 2017, which includes €1m to fund new developments.
With regards to the issue raised about the services in Connemara I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
