Bernard Durkan
Ceist:270. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) can be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33150/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Administration
Ceisteanna (270)
Freagraí 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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (271)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:271. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a psychological and needs assessment will be carried out on a person (details supplied). [33151/17]
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.
Home Help Service Provision
Ceisteanna (272)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:272. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if home help has now been facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33152/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (273)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:273. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33153/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (274)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:274. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card by a person (details supplied); if same has now been received and associated with the file; when a decision is likely to be reached; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33154/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (275)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:275. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a cardiac procedure will be accommodated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33155/17]
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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (276, 277, 278)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:276. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the alternative service provisions within intellectual disability services being put in place to accommodate young persons that are transitioning from children’s services to adult services in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33156/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:277. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the locations in which the alternative service provisions within intellectual disability services will be in County Donegal to accommodate young persons that are transitioning from children’s services to adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33157/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:278. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when the alternative service provisions within intellectual disability services will be available to accommodate young persons that are transitioning from children’s services to adult services in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33158/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 276 to 278, inclusive, 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 question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Delays
Ceisteanna (279)
Clare Daly
Ceist:279. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) must wait two and a half years for an appointment to see an ear specialist; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33160/17]
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 (280)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:280. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) is likely to be facilitated for removal of cataract, in view of the serious impairment of vision of the person and the fact they have been awaiting the procedure for almost a year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33161/17]
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.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (281)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:281. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in the determination of an application for a medical card in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33163/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (282)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:282. 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. [33168/17]
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.
Hospice Services Provision
Ceisteanna (283)
John Brassil
Ceist:283. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of the 15 bed specialist inpatient unit hospice at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33197/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (284)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:284. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment at Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33200/17]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (285)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:285. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a date for a hip replacement in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33201/17]
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 (286)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:286. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal is on the urgent or routine waiting list for a hip replacement in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33202/17]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (287)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:287. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason agency staff (details supplied) in County Donegal had their hours reduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33203/17]
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.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (288)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:288. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his plans to downgrade the accident and emergency services at Portiuncula hospital, Ballinasloe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33204/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am not aware of any plans to downgrade any Emergency Department facilities in Portiuncula University Hospital (PUH).
With regard to services at PUH, consultants in General Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Respiratory, Cardiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Radiology and Paediatrics have been successfully recruited since the beginning of 2016. A Consultant Geriatrician position will be advertised later in 2017. Whole time equivalent staff (WTE) numbered 704 in March, 2017.
The Portiuncula ED has been performing well this year. Patient experience times for PUH are significantly better than the national average; 71.3% of patients have been admitted or discharged within 6 hours, 90.1% within 9 hours, and 99.9% within 24 hours this year to date, whereas the national averages for the same time period have been 66%, 80.7% and 96.5% respectively.
Plans for the expansion of other facilities at PUH are on-going; it is proposed to provide a 50 bed ward block to replace existing ward accommodation at PUH, by providing upgrades to ward accomodation, including additional isolation rooms. Funding was made available in the current HSE Capital Plan to bring the project to the design and planning stage. The HSE has advised that planning permission has been awarded and the design stage is now complete.