Micheál Martin
Ceist:854. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the policy decisions he has taken to address the shortage of consultants; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35579/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Consultant Recruitment
Ceisteanna (854, 855)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:855. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the status of the consultant contract; his plans to change same; his plans to address shortages and other issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35580/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 854 and 855 together.
The number of consultants has increased significantly in recent years though there are ongoing challenges in filling posts. At the end of June 2017 there were 2,883 whole-time equivalents. This constitutes an increase of 296 since June 2014 and an increase of almost 700 in the past decade. The number of NCHDs has also increased significantly, from 4,943 at the end of June 2014 to 6,058 at the end of April 2017, in order to support workforce planning, service delivery and progression of compliance with the provisions of the European Working Time Directive.
In February 2017 the HSE published ‘Successful Consultant Recruitment, Appointment and Retention’. This report analyses the current operational and administrative barriers to efficient creation, and approval of and recruitment to Consultant posts. It examines the factors influencing applications for such posts and related workforce and service planning, delays in the application and approval process, the implementation of the Health Service Executive’s regulatory functions, the interaction between the range of agencies involved in Consultant recruitment and how successful candidates are supported in the early stages of appointment. The report proposes actions to address each of these issues and these actions are currently being implemented.
It is Government policy to have a consultant provided public health service. For that reason, I continue to support the education and training of NCHDs, and the recruitment of additional consultants to the sector. In July 2013, a Working Group, chaired by Prof Brian MacCraith, President, Dublin City University, was established to carry out a strategic review to examine and make high-level recommendations relating to training and career pathways for doctors. Implementation of the recommendations of the Group continues to be a priority for me, my Department, and the Health Service Executive. Giving effect to one of the Group's key recommendations, agreement at the WRC in January 2015 has substantially restored pay for new entrant consultants.
The Programme for Government provides for negotiation of a new consultant's contract. However, it should be noted that there are approximately 800 consultants pursuing High Court cases in respect of increases in pay provided for in the 2008 Consultant Contract. The then Government determined in 2009 that the increases could not be paid given the economic downturn and the need to use all available health funding on the provision of services. This Government intends to vigorously defend these cases.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (856)
Hildegarde Naughton
Ceist:856. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health if the HSE plans to make smear tests available to women under 25 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35583/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
CervicalCheck, the National Cervical Cancer Screening Programme, was introduced in 2008 and offers free smear tests to women aged 25-60. The screening of women from the age of 25 is in line with international best practice.
Invasive cervical cancer is extremely rare in women aged under 25, with less than 5 women in this age group being diagnosed with this condition each year. While changes in the cells of the cervix are very common for those under 25, in the vast majority of cases these changes will settle and return to normal without intervention. If the screening age was lowered to invite those under 25 for smear tests, young women could be subjected to unnecessary treatment that could have potential long-term negative effects on their health and fertility.
The Department encourages all women aged under 25 to be vigilant about their health and to consult their GP immediately if they have any symptoms which could raise the suspicion of cervical cancer. If necessary, their GP will refer them to a gynaecology clinic for further investigation. Meanwhile, any women concerned about their family risk of cancer should discuss this with their GP.
The Department also encourages all 12-18 year old schoolgirls to avail of the free HPV vaccination which is offered in secondary schools.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (857)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:857. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35590/17]
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.
Emergency Departments Data
Ceisteanna (858)
Jack Chambers
Ceist:858. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the hospital emergency departments that include in their electronic patient system the monitoring of patient attendances as a result of alcohol and drugs use in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35591/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 (859)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:859. 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. [35592/17]
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.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (860)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:860. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for occupational therapy for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35596/17]
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 (861)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:861. 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. [35597/17]
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 (862)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:862. 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. [35598/17]
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 (863)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:863. 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. [35599/17]
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 (864)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:864. 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. [35600/17]
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 (865)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:865. 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. [35601/17]
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 (866)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:866. 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. [35602/17]
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 (867)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:867. 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. [35604/17]
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 (868)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:868. 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. [35605/17]
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.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (869)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:869. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an occupational therapy appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35606/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Question No. 870 answered with Question No. 837.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (871)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:871. 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. [35608/17]
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (872)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:872. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an ASD tools assessment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35609/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (873)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:873. 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. [35611/17]
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.