Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1039. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) in County Donegal has been refused a primary medical certificate. [36232/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary Medical Certificates Applications
Ceisteanna (1039)
Freagraí 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.
Medical Card Reviews
Ceisteanna (1040)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1040. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card review for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36234/17]
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 (1041)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1041. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card application for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36235/17]
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 Reviews
Ceisteanna (1042)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1042. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a decision will issue on a medical card review for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36236/17]
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 (1043)
John Brassil
Ceist:1043. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an orthopaedic appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36241/17]
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.
Home Care Packages Provision
Ceisteanna (1044)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:1044. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the reason allocated care hours and schedules are not being fully met for home care provision for a person (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36248/17]
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.
Medicinal Products Licensing
Ceisteanna (1045)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1045. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the cannabis access programme for cannabis-based treatments for qualifying persons (details supplied); when it will be in place; and if legislation will be required or if it can be put in place in advance of legislation being enacted [36250/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In February 2017 I published the HPRA report ‘Cannabis for Medical Use - A Scientific Review’ and I committed to the implementation of a Cannabis for Medical Use Access Programme, in line with the HPRA’s report, which recommended the introduction of a monitored cannabis treatment programme for the 3 medical conditions:
- spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis resistant to all standard therapies;
- intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy;
- severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
An Expert Reference Group, chaired by Dr Mairín Ryan, Director of Health Technology Assessment at the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) convened on 30 March to commence work on drafting guidelines.
The Expert group, which comprises representation from the areas of Oncology, Palliative care, Anaesthesiology, General Practice, Adult Neurology, Paediatric Neurology, Multiple Sclerosis, Psychiatry, Pharmacy, Patients, Ethics, Health Technology Assessment, the Health Products Regulatory Authority and the Department of Health, has been asked to develop operational and clinical guidance which sets out how a Cannabis Access programme can be implemented. This draft Clinical Guidance document on the Medical Use of Cannabis under the Access Programme is currently out for stakeholder consultation.
Work is continuing on aspects of the Access Programme such as: education requirements for healthcare professionals and patients in relation to the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes; establishment of a central registry through which the scheme can be monitored; requirements for monitoring mechanisms through which the scientific developments in this area can be monitored over time, clarification of the ethical implications that the Access Programme may have for patients, the general public, healthcare professionals or the health system; drafting of secondary legislation under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
Work on the project and legislative amendments is progressing and will take a number of months to complete.
Cannabis is listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2017, which means that it is subject to the strictest level of control; however, under the Misuse of Drugs legislation it is open to the Minister for Health to consider granting a licence to an Irish-registered medical practitioner for access to medical cannabis for a named patient.
Under these existing arrangements, which will continue in parallel to the Cannabis Access Programme once it is established, medical practitioners wishing to prescribe cannabis-based products containing THC for medical purposes may apply via the Ministerial licence application route. The Chief Medical Officer has advised that the granting of such a licence must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time. The Minister for Health has no role in the clinical decision-making process.
A licence application endorsed by the patient’s medical consultant and submitted under the Misuse of Drugs Acts, use must include:
- an outline of the treatment the patient has received to date and justification from the doctor as to why it is appropriate in their patient’s specific circumstances to prescribe a cannabis-based product;
- details of the cannabis-based product which it is proposed to prescribe and administer to the patient;
- the source of the cannabis-based product;
- arrangements for the ongoing monitoring and care of the patient once the cannabis-based treatment has been initiated.
Where consultants require further information or clarification in relation to the licence application process, he or she should contact the Department of Health directly. Ultimately it is the decision of the clinician, in consultation with their patient, to prescribe or not prescribe a particular treatment for a patient under their care. It is the decision of the medical practitioner to make an application to the Minister for Health for such a licence.
Nursing Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (1046)
Pat the Cope Gallagher
Ceist:1046. Deputy Pat The Cope Gallagher asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in appointing nurses who have retired but are now willing to return to the profession; the reason nurses such as these early retirees are not actively encouraged back into the workforce, especially in cases in which there is a skills shortage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36254/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Disability Support Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1047)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:1047. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when full-time residential care will be approved for a person (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36255/17]
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.
Long-Term Illness Scheme
Ceisteanna (1048)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1048. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to include asthma medication in the long-term illness scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36259/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1049)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:1049. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when full bed capacity will be restored at a hospital (details supplied), in view of the critical importance of this facility for persons throughout the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36266/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) provides specialist rehabilitation services (inpatient, outpatient and day-patient services) to patients with complex needs, who have acquired a physical or cognitive disability as a result of an accident, illness or injury and require specialist medical rehabilitation services. The Government recognises the excellent rehabilitation programme which the National Rehabilitation Hospital delivers and the Hospital's excellent patient outcomes.
The complexity and acuity of patients referred to the NRH for rehabilitation programmes has increased in recent years, resulting in greater challenges for the hospital. I understand that in response to this, the NRH reduced its existing bed capacity to enable the hospital to provide a safe and appropriate level of care from within existing resources.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a detailed direct response to the Deputy.
Disability Support Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1050)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:1050. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a residential placement for a person (details supplied) who is currently residing with their grandparents and needs their own supervised independence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36268/17]
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.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (1051)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:1051. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary question No. 197 of 10 May 2017, the reason for the delay in finalising this matter; if he will expedite same to ensure that persons in south Tipperary are no longer discriminated against; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36282/17]
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.
Health Care Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (1052)
James Browne
Ceist:1052. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if the project for the provision of an early pregnancy assessment unit, a foetal assessment unit and a urodynamics laboratory in Wexford General Hospital will be completed by the end of 2017 [36284/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects and has advised that construction of this project is nearing completion.
Medical Card Applications
Ceisteanna (1053)
John Lahart
Ceist:1053. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the status of the medical card application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36285/17]
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.