Niamh Smyth
Ceist:295. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) will be moved back to a nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47768/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing Homes Support Scheme Applications
Ceisteanna (295)
Freagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their income and assets while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
In line with the legislation there are three main steps to the application process.
Step 1 is an application for a Care Needs Assessment. The Care Needs Assessment identifies whether or not the person needs long-term nursing home care.
Step 2 is an application for State Support. This is used to complete the Financial Assessment by the HSE which assesses the person’s contribution to care and his/her corresponding level of financial assistance (“State Support”). The Financial Assessment takes account of a person’s income and assets in order to determine the person’s contribution to their care.
Step 3 is the decision to approve financial support for the applicant under the scheme.
Applicants to the scheme can choose any public, voluntary or approved private nursing home. However, in order for financial support to be provided, the nursing home must have an available bed and be able to cater for the applicant's particular need. The HSE's Nursing Homes Support Offices can advise an applicant or their family on the options available to them.
In order to qualify for the NHSS an applicant must be deemed to be in need of full time care. There are no provisions to share NHSS funding between the nursing home and the applicants home.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (296)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:296. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated for disability services in County Louth; the amount of funding allocated to acute services and non acute or community services under section 38 of the Health Act 2004 in County Louth; the acute services and non acute or community agencies that have received this funding; the purposes this funding has been used for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47771/17]
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.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (297)
Robert Troy
Ceist:297. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for occupational therapy for a person (details supplied) will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47772/17]
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.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (298)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:298. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that has been allocated to an organisation (details supplied) for disability services; the way in which the funding is being used; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47777/17]
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.
Occupational Therapy Staff
Ceisteanna (299)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:299. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of empty posts resulting from occupational therapists currently on leave in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47783/17]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (300)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:300. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment at University Hospital Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47785/17]
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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Eligibility
Ceisteanna (301)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:301. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the fair deal scheme can be shared between a nursing home and the community for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47786/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. In order for an applicant to be eligible for the NHSS they must be deemed to be in need of long term nursing home care during the Care Needs Assessment stage of the application process. As the scheme was particularly designed, including in law, for residential care there are no provisions within the scheme for an applicant to remain at home as referred to by the Deputy in her question.
The Government is committed to promoting care in the community so that people can continue to live in their own homes for as long as possible. There have been calls to extend the NHSS to cover home care services. However the Government is committed to establishing a new statutory scheme and system of regulation for home care services. The Department of Health is currently engaged in a detailed process to progress this.
The statutory scheme for home care will introduce clear rules in relation to the services for which individuals are eligible and in relation to how decisions are made on allocating services. For that reason, developing a new statutory scheme will be an important step in ensuring that the system operates in a consistent and fair manner for all those who need home care services. It will also help to improve access to the home care services that people need, in an affordable and sustainable way. The system of regulation for home care will help to ensure that the public can be confident that the services provided are of a high standard.
A public consultation on home care services was launched by Minister the Minister, Deputy Simon Harris and myself on 6 July and closed on 2 October 2017. The purpose of this consultation was to allow all those who have views on this topic to have their say, including service-users, their families, and healthcare workers. It also allowed the Department to find out what people think about current home care services as well as the public’s views on what the future scheme should look like. Approximately 2,600 submissions were received. A report of the findings of this consultation process will be published early next year and the findings will be used by the Department in the development of the new home care scheme.
The development of a new home care scheme is a complex undertaking which will involve significant legislative, operational and financial resources. A significant amount of detailed work remains to be undertaken before final decisions are taken on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. This is required if reforms are to be successful, affordable and sustainable.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (302)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:302. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hearing test for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47791/17]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (303)
Pat Breen
Ceist:303. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47793/17]
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 is a matter for the hospital to which the patient has been referred. Should a patient’s general practitioner consider the patient’s condition warrants and 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.
Long Stay Residential Units
Ceisteanna (304)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:304. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the organisation (details supplied) will be informed of funding being made available as part of the mid term review of the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47800/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (305)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:305. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an orthopaedic appointment will issue to a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing a date for this appointment in view of the fact that this person has been waiting to be seen for over two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47801/17]
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.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (306)
Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:306. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to an organisation (details supplied) in each of the years 2013 to 2016; the locations in which this funding has been distributed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47803/17]
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.
Health Services Staff Data
Ceisteanna (307)
James Browne
Ceist:307. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant posts in whole time equivalent terms in the CAMHS service, for each CHO, in tabular form. [47808/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (308)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:308. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if an earlier hospital appointment can be arranged for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47825/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Primary Care Centres Expenditure
Ceisteanna (309)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Ceist:309. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the amount that has been spent on renovating the Passage West health centre, County Cork since 2009. [47848/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE is responsible for the delivery of health care infrastructure projects, the Executive has been requested to reply directly to you in relation to the capital spend at Passage West health centre, County Cork since 2009.
Health and Social Care Professionals Regulation
Ceisteanna (310)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:310. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health his plans to simplify the process whereby social workers registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council can be registered with CORU to work here; his views on the administrative difficulties being experienced by qualified persons in relation to same (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [47850/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Social Workers Registration Board at CORU is the competent authority for the recognition of social worker qualifications under Directive 2005/36/EC. The Directive applies to all EEA nationals who wish to practise a regulated profession in an EEA Member State other than that in which they obtained their professional qualifications. This includes Irish citizens who study in any of the EEA Member States, including the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, who seek to practise their profession in Ireland.
When approving the qualifications of those seeking registration as a social worker, the Social Workers Registration Board is bound by the legislation under which it was established - the Health and Social Care Professionals Act 2005. Section 38 of the Act requires that an applicant, inter alia, holds an approved qualification to be eligible for registration.
Approved qualifications fall into three categories. They are qualifications that are:
- awarded in the State; or
- held by a person to whom Directive 2005/36/EC applies and who is recognised in accordance with the provisions of that Directive; or
- held by a person to whom the Directive does not apply and who does not have a qualification awarded within the State but who has been adjudged to meet the required standards by the Social Workers Registration Board.
EEA nationals who hold qualifications awarded in Northern Ireland fall into category b). As Directive 2005/36/EC provides for an assessment of an applicant's formal training and post-qualification professional experience, no two applications are the same; applications are therefore assessed on a case by case basis. I am advised by CORU that the application fee (which is in line with that charged by other competent authorities) is calculated on a cost basis to cover the administration, expert assessment and decision making.
CORU, which supports the work of the Social Workers Registration Board, continuously seeks to improve and streamline procedures undertaken in accordance with the Directive.
The process for recognising teaching qualifications awarded in Northern Ireland was referred to in the details supplied with this question. In this regard, the Teaching Council has advised that all applications for recognition of qualifications obtained outside the Republic of Ireland are assessed on a case by case basis in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC; there is no system of automatic recognition in place.