Written Answers Nos. 775-793
775. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of transplant co-ordinators in the State; the number that would be required to move to a soft opt out system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35326/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe transplant Coordinators are responsible for organising organ recipient coordination. There are 15 transplant co-ordinators based across the three national transplant centres as follows:
- Mater Misericordiae University Hospital is the centre for heart and lung transplants: 4 co-ordinators;
- St Vincent's University Hospital is the centre for liver and pancreas transplants: 7 co-ordinators;
- Beaumont Hospital is the centre for kidney transplants: 4 co-ordinators.
Best international practice recommends clear delineation between organ donor and organ recipient co-ordination. Therefore, in addition to the transplant coordinators, the staffing of the HSE's Organ Donation and Transplantation Ireland includes six organ donor co-ordinators.
The current staffing levels are considered to be adequate, though this will be kept under review in the light of the introduction of a soft opt-out system of consent.
776. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of deceased donors in each of the past five years and to date in 2017; the number of organs retrieved in that time; the donor rate here; the number of persons on organ transplant waiting lists; the number of persons who have died while waiting on the transplant list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35327/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe following table sets out organ donor and transplant statistics for the period 2012 to end June 2017:
|
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
End June 2017 |
|
|
No. of Deceased Donors |
78 |
86 |
63 |
81 |
77 |
44 |
|
Total No. of Transplants |
238 transplants: 206 Deceased 32 Living |
294 transplants: 156 Deceased 38 Living |
251 transplants: 211 Deceased 40 Living |
266 transplants: 233 Deceased 33 Living |
280 transplants: 230 Deceased 50 Living |
124 transplants: 101 Deceased 23 Living |
|
Donor Rate per million of the population |
17.03 per million population |
18.7 per million population |
13.7 per million population |
17.2 per million population |
16.3 per million population |
End of year data not yet available |
|
Organ Transplant Waiting Lists |
563 |
661 |
682 |
546 |
573 |
587 |
The waiting list numbers are the year-end ‘active’ transplant list figures.
I have sought the numbers who have died while on a transplant list from the Health Service Executive and it is hoped to be in a position to forward them to you in the coming weeks.
777. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); if he will schedule an urgent appointment for a hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35328/17]
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.
778. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35331/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the specific case raised, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
779. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the therapeutic, recreational and educational activities available to persons in mental health facilities; the current budget for this; his plans for this area in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35332/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
780. Deputy John Brassil 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. [35333/17]
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.
781. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the home help hours for counties Cavan and Monaghan in each of the years 2011 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35334/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
782. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied) regarding general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35337/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the continued development of GP capacity to ensure that patients across the country continue to have access to GP services, especially in remote rural areas and also in disadvantaged urban areas, and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future. I want to ensure that existing GP services are retained and that general practice remains an attractive career option for newly qualified GPs.
As of 1 July 2017, 2,491 GPs hold GMS contracts with the HSE and this is continuing to increase year-on-year. A further 438 GPs hold other contracts to provide services such as immunisation, Heartwatch, Methadone and cancer screening. The HSE, based on the demographic profile of current GMS GPs, expects that approximately 157 GPs may retire on age grounds between 2017 and 2021.
Efforts undertaken in recent years to increase the number of practicing GPs include changes to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to accommodate more flexible/shared GMS/GP contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme, allowing GPs to hold GMS contracts until their 72nd birthday, as well as the introduction of enhanced supports for rural GP practices. These steps should help to address the future demand for GPs by enticing GPs who may have ceased practicing for family or other reasons back into the workforce, facilitating GPs to work past the standard retirement age and encouraging more GPs to work in rural areas.
Separately, the State is seeking to train more GPs to provide GP services to the population. In 2009, there were 120 GP training places and in 2017 there were 170 training places filled. The Government is committed to further increasing this number in future years.
It is acknowledged that there are many challenges in general practice. That is why I have repeatedly emphasised the need for a new GP services contract which will help modernise our health service and develop a strengthened primary care sector. The next phase of engagement on a new GP contract is under way and the sustainability of general practice in rural areas will be considered in this context. The process will also seek to introduce further measures aimed at making general practice a fulfilling and rewarding career option into the future.
783. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a budget submission by an organisation (details supplied) regarding investment in community supports for persons with dementia in order that they can remain active in their communities and continue to live in their own homes; his views on these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35338/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Irish National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014, with the objective of increasing awareness, ensuring early diagnosis and intervention and developing enhanced community based services.
In parallel with the Strategy, the Department of Health and the HSE have agreed a joint initiative with the Atlantic Philanthropies to implement significant elements of the Strategy over the period 2014-2017. This Implementation Programme represents a combined investment of €27.5m, with the Atlantic Philanthropies contributing €12m and the HSE €15.5m.
Key elements of the initiative include:
- the roll-out of a programme of Intensive Home Supports and Home Care Packages for people with dementia valued at €22.1 million over a three year period;
- the provision of additional dementia-specific resources for GPs, to include training materials and guidance on local services and contact points valued at €1.2 million;
- measures to raise public awareness, address stigma and promote the inclusion and involvement in society of those with dementia valued at €2.7 million.
The roll out of Intensive Home Care packages commenced in January 2015 and monitoring of the allocation and uptake of these packages to persons with dementia is ongoing. By May 2017, the HSE had delivered a total of 217 dementia-specific intensive homecare packages at an average cost of €953 per week. There are currently 122 people with dementia in receipt of an Intensive Home Care Package with a further 16 approved and 12 applications in progress. In addition to the Intensive Home Care Packages the HSE has continued to provide mainstream home help and routine Home Care packages to people with dementia whose needs have been assessed as requiring these supports and within available resources. Up to 500 people with dementia and their families are expected to benefit from Intensive Home Care Packages over the lifetime of the implementation programme.
It is Government policy that, wherever possible and appropriate, people should be cared for in their own homes and communities, and the National Dementia Strategy specifically restates this commitment to those living with dementia.
The Department and the HSE are working on a mid-term review of the implementation of the National Dementia Strategy which will be published in the Autumn and will identify the achievements so far and set out the further work that is required to implement the Strategy over the next 12 months and beyond. The resources required for the ongoing implementation of the Strategy can only be considered in the context of the Estimates and Budget process. The mid-term review will assist in identifying further actions required and will be helpful in the context of budgetary considerations.
I confirm receipt of the organisation's pre-budget submission to my Department. It will be considered as part of this process.
784. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the completion of a development control plan or master plan for South Tipperary General Hospital; if he will forward a copy of the plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35343/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra785. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health if he will make available a copy of the bed capacity study for South Tipperary General Hospital recently carried out by an official of the South/South West hospital group; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 784 and 785 together.
The Master Plan for South Tipperary General Hospital will provide for the orderly development of the campus. The HSE has advised that the Master Plan has been drafted and is currently being reviewed by the South/South West Hospital Group. In relation to the review of capacity at South Tipperary General Hospital, the HSE has advised that a significant amount of work has now taken place and a draft report is under consideration.
786. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has considered bringing a teleconsultation with a family doctor under the remit of the GP visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35349/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra788. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has considered using eHealth and teleconsultations as a means of supplementing the national out of hours service funded through the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35351/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra789. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the person or area within the HSE that should be consulted regarding partnering out of hours services and the technology needed to provide teleconsultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35352/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra790. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has considered including teleconsultations to GMS card holders in the primary care reimbursement service to alleviate pressure on GP services for maters which can be dealt with online; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35353/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 786 and 788 to 790, inclusive, together.
It is generally accepted that teleconsultations mean a virtual medical consultation between health care professionals or between a health care professional and a patient. There is emerging evidence that this can be applied to support a wide range of medical conditions including mental health, care of the elderly and other chronic conditions that require constant monitoring. This can be beneficial where care is required in remote locations. Teleconsultations can have benefits for patients with a known relationship with their GPs and many practitioners consult for follow-up or triage with their own patients by phone or text at present. However, teleconsultations could pose risks for those patients who have not been evaluated and examined in a face-to-face manner.
The eHealth strategy envisages providing the necessary technology and infrastructure to support the wider use of telemedicine where clinicians and health care providers can support the business need. There are no plans at present to include teleconsultations under the current medical card or GP visit card schemes. While teleconsultation services are being provided by some practitioners, these are being implemented on a pilot basis. The widespread deployment of teleconsultations in primary and other care settings will need evaluation in terms of patient safety, clinical effectiveness and cost in order to ensure public policy goals are being met. There will also be a need for guidance and clinical protocols around the appropriate use of teleconsultations to be developed as well as retraining and education of staff and patients.
In relation to the GP Out-of-Hours services, a national review of the current services is currently underway and is expected to be completed shortly. This report will make recommendations regarding the future provision of GP Out of Hours services that will serve patient needs within the context of existing and planned service delivery frameworks.
It is acknowledged that there are many challenges in general practice. That is why I have repeatedly emphasised the need for a new GP services contract which will help modernise our health service and develop a strengthened primary care sector. The aim is to develop a new GP services contract which will be capable of accommodating developments in medicine and in technology that may occur over time. The next phase of engagement on a new GP contract has commenced and I look forward to constructive and positive engagement in the months ahead.
787. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the progress made to date on the eHealth Strategy for Ireland, specifically with regard to teleconsultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35350/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Departments eHealth Strategy for Ireland outlined the case for better deployment and use of ICT in the health sector. Since that time, new organisational structures have been put in place within the HSE, including the Chief Information Officer role and the development of the entity eHealth Ireland. Increases in capital spending and resources have been facilitated and the capacity and capability of HSE ICT to successfully undertake large scale ICT projects have been further developed.
Other recent progress that has been made in relation to eHealth development includes:
- The first site for implementing the Maternity and Newborn Clinical Management System (MN-CMS), which is the design and implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) for all women and babies in maternity services in Ireland, went live in Cork in December 2016 with Kerry following in March 2017. In both locations the new MN-CMS successfully provides digital, 'paper less' processes and this will be replicated to all maternity units in the coming years;
- A National Electronic Health Record (E.H.R.) Programme is being progressed with the HSE developing a strategic business case which is currently being reviewed in conjunction with the proposal for a new National Children’s Hospital, which will be the first digital hospital in the country;
- eReferrals (National Electronic General GP Referrals) is an initiative that has developed the infrastructure to electronically transmit referrals from GP’s to Acute Hospitals. It has now been rolled out to all six hospital groups;
- The Individual Health Identifier (IHI) is the health index of population and is part of the public service identity management framework. It also covers all private patients. The IHI is primarily a patient safety initiative that will also enhance patient data security and confidentiality. On 30 May 2017, a Commencement Order and Regulations under the Health Identifiers Act 2014 were signed.
Regarding teleconsultation it is generally accepted that teleconsultations mean a virtual medical consultation between health care professionals or between a health care professional and a patient. There is emerging evidence that this can be applied to support an integrated healthcare approach spanning primary care, mental health, care of the elderly and others. It can also be beneficial where care is required in remote locations.
The eHealth strategy envisages providing the necessary technology and infrastructure to support the wider use of telemedicine generally, and teleconsultations particularly, where clinicians and health care providers can support the business need. There are no technological barriers to teleconsultations being made available for widespread use within the context of the health service and some teleconsultation solutions are currently being offered in the private health sector. The wide-spread deployment of teleconsultations in primary and other care settings will need evaluation in terms of patient safety, clinical effectiveness, stakeholder engagement and cost in order to ensure public policy goals are being met.
791. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the findings of the parent led CAMHS survey report which found a very high rate of dissatisfaction among parents of service users of CAMHS; if he will address these findings and the chronic understaffing and under resourcing issues in CAMHS services which is contributing hugely to the issues presented within the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35354/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am familiar with the report referred to by the Deputy, as this was recently received by my Office in the Department of Health. The report details, from the point of view and experiences of parents who participated, various issues in relation to the HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS). These include, for example, Access, In-Patient Care, Out-Patient Services, and suggested improvements for the future.
All of the issues raised in this report reflect the strong commitment of the Government, and the HSE, to develop all aspects of CAMHS. Significant progress has been made in this area over recent years, underpinned by additional funding given since 2012 to develop mental health services. Notwithstanding acknowledged difficulties in recruiting and retaining specialist CAMHS staff, which the HSE is addressing on an on-going basis, it is my intention that further service improvements be undertaken across CAMHS, including better access and reducing Waiting Lists. I will continue to closely monitor progress on the agreed priorities for CAMHS as set out in the HSE Service Plan for this year.
792. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE will act on the ME information pack (details supplied) that was recently distributed; if so, the measures he plans to introduce; the timeframe for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35355/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra793. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the international consensus criteria for the diagnosis of ME will be distributed to general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35356/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 792 and 793 together.
As these PQs refer to the clinical diagnosis and management of ME, I am referring them to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
