Thomas Byrne
Ceist:382. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [41537/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (382)
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 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 the Deputy directly.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (383)
Noel Grealish
Ceist:383. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided in budget 2018 for an additional podiatrist for Galway, in view of the fact that Galway has one of the largest year-on-year increases in persons requiring inpatient treatment for diabetic foot ulceration and there has also been an increase in the number of persons in Galway with diabetes being hospitalised for lower limb amputation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41544/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the issues raised relate to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (384)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:384. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41551/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 385 answered with Question No. 309.
Motorised Transport Grant Eligibility
Ceisteanna (386)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:386. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a motorised scooter can be provided to a person (details supplied); the correct procedure to be followed to obtain such required equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41553/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (387, 388, 389, 390)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:387. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the outcomes and recommendations of a quality assurance review of in-home care packages and respite care for children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions residing within CHO area 1 has now been completed; if so, the findings contained therein; if copies of the report have been furnished to the families interviewed as part of this review process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41555/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:388. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made by the national palliative care office and representatives from CHO area 1 to explore the various options available with regard to the provision of respite services for children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions, including the possibility of providing services on a cross-Border basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41556/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:389. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a business operational appraisal case into respite care services has been prepared for the Ballyshannon complex in County Donegal; if so, the findings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41557/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraPearse Doherty
Ceist:390. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the progress which has been made to advance the case for hospice respite services provided at a facility (details supplied) to be made available to children with complex needs and life-limiting conditions who reside in CHO area 1 and its hinterland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 387 to 390, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (391)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:391. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if funding for a further podiatrist in County Louth will be made available in the upcoming budget; and the reason for the sudden increase in County Louth in the number of persons with diabetes requiring inpatient treatment for diabetic foot ulceration. [41565/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Primary Medical Certificates Data
Ceisteanna (392)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:392. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of persons from County Donegal who applied for the primary medical certificate, who were awarded the primary medical certificate and who were refused the primary medical certificate in each of the past five years to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41567/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (393)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:393. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if home tuition funding will be provided for early intervention for a person (details supplied) to assist their parents in making this person's life easier; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the person's parents cannot not afford this support; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41570/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Education and Skills is responsible for the education of all children, including children with a disability. The compulsory school starting age in a National School is six years of age, as defined in the Education (Welfare) Act, 2000, while the Rules and Programme for National Schools provide that a child must be at least four years of age before she or he may be enrolled in a National School.
As the Deputy is also aware, the Access and Inclusion Model, AIM, programme of supports, launched in 2016, by the Minister for Children and Youth Affairs is now operating. Details of the supports which are available under the preschool AIM scheme can be found at: www.preschoolaccess.ie, which contains comprehensive information on the access and inclusion model and on how to apply for the new schemes and supports.
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.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter. Accordingly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive, HSE, for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Consultant Recruitment
Ceisteanna (394)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:394. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has examined the need for a specialist clinician in the Dublin region to treat Ehlers-Danlos syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41575/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Clinical Programme for Rheumatology, NCPR, has recently completed a significant piece of work in delivering a model of care document for rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders which has is at final stages of approval by the HSE. This model aims to ensure that the rheumatology patient is seen, assessed and treated by the right person, in the right place and in the timeliest manner. For this reason, the Programme welcomes stakeholder feedback and comments from patients, their families and patient support groups all of which are taken into consideration in its service design.
The Model of Care for Rheumatology recommends minimal staffing standards, based on population, for each department in order to provide appropriate treatment to patients with rheumatological diseases. Publication of this model of care is a priority for the NCPR as it will shape the overall treatment and management of all musculoskeletal disorders.
Based on this model of care, the NCPR plans to develop disease specific pathways for all rheumatological disease groups which will include Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome as part of hypermobility diseases.
The most common form of EDS is hypermobility of the joints and requires management by physiotherapy and primary care but does not usually need specialist input. The most severe and very specialist cases are rare (1 per 100,000 live births) and are usually managed by paediatric rheumatologists based at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin, OLCHC. Based on these figures the total number of patients with severe EDS is likely to be in the order of 20-40 patients nationally.
The NCPR have identified the need for additional Consultant Rheumatologists and multidisciplinary team staff at OLCHC to improve access to paediatric rheumatology services for all children with musculoskeletal disease. This will provide a means to deliver improved care for EDS sufferers.
The Paediatric Consultant Rheumatologists in Ireland based at OLCHC have specialist training in the management of all types of rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders. They are supported by a multidisciplinary team and have access to other relevant consultant specialists needed for the care of EDS sufferers.
Adult rheumatologists are also trained in the diagnosis and management of EDS and care for adults with EDS. EDS education is part of continuing medical education meeting curricula, attended by adult rheumatologists and EDS update was the subject of a full lecture at the 2015 meeting of the Irish Society of Rheumatology although education and awareness on diagnosis and treatment of hypermobility disorders could be further improved at primary care level.
Despite the fact that the HSE’s musculoskeletal physiotherapy initiative has proven to be one of the most successful service improvement initiatives coupled with recent increase in nursing staff, there is still a bottleneck in terms of access for those in need of a consultant review. This is due to the current deficit in consultant numbers which has a significant impact on service availability demonstrated by the all-time high waiting list despite the novel initiatives in place.
Therefore, the NCPR are of the opinion that the need is not for a specialist clinician in the Dublin region to treat EDS rather, an increase in consultant rheumatologists nationally which will ensure that the national population can access the service seeing the right person at the right place at the right time.
Rare Diseases Strategy
Ceisteanna (395)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:395. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is provided for within the National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland 2014-2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41576/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A "rare disease" is defined in Europe as a life-threatening or chronically debilitating disease affecting no more than five people per 10,000. There are an estimated 6,000-8,000 known rare diseases affecting up to 6% of the total EU population (at least 30 million Europeans).
The term Ehlers-Danlos syndrome does not characterise a disease but a group of diseases. However, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome classic type (cEDS) is a form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that affects the connective tissue and is characterised by skin hyperextensibility, widened atrophic scars and joint hypermobility.
The National Rare Disease Plan for Ireland (2014-2018) was published in 2014 by the Department of Health. The plan is a generic policy framework for rare diseases. The policy is broad, applies to all rare diseases and underpins the work of the National Clinical Programme for Rare Diseases.
Hospitals Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (396)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:396. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the promised refurbishment of Millstreet Hospital. [41578/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has advised that the capital works at Millstreet community hospital are currently at design stage with construction expected to commence Q3/4 2018. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with DPER guidelines and EU directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These stages include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, some of which may overlap, the review of costing estimates and finalisation of financing.
Hospitals Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (397)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:397. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the Kanturk community hospital. [41579/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The capital works at Kanturk community hospital are currently at design stage with construction expected to commence Q3/4 2018. All healthcare infrastructure developments, including this development, must comply with DPER guidelines and EU directives and will require a lead-in time to complete the various stages. These stages include appraisal, project brief, design feasibility, detailed design, some of which may overlap, the review of costing estimates and finalisation of financing.
Home Care Packages Funding
Ceisteanna (398)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:398. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide extra funding for home care and home help packages in 2018 in view of the fact that the demand for these services far outstrips supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41594/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The level of funding available for the HSE is being considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process for 2018 which is currently under way. Pending completion of this process it is not appropriate for me to comment further at this stage.
Hospital Groups
Ceisteanna (399)
Mary Butler
Ceist:399. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the plans that have been put in place for the possible removal of South Tipperary General Hospital from the South/South West Hospital Group with a possible movement to the Limerick hospital group as confirmed recently in a HSE press release; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41596/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have no plans to move South Tipperary General Hospital out of the South South West Hospital Group.
As the Deputy may be aware, the report of the cross-party Committee on the Future of Healthcare was published on 1 June last. It made a number of recommendations in relation to Hospital Groups, including consideration of the current alignment of hospital groups and CHOs. I am giving consideration to these recommendations and possible future actions as part of wider consideration of the Sláintecare report. It is expected that a detailed response to the report will be submitted to Government in December. Any changes to the composition of Hospital Groups will be subject to my approval.
Departmental Reviews
Ceisteanna (400)
Mary Butler
Ceist:400. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made to date to expedite a national review of cardiology services; the preparatory works that have taken place during the summer by the HSE; if an outside international expert is being identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41597/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am giving consideration to a national review of cardiology services and hope to be in a position to make a decision on this in the near future.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (401)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:401. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the recent arrangement in County Cavan whereby the National Ambulance Service can deploy the fire and rescue service in the county to act as first responders in some emergencies can be extended to County Donegal. [41599/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.