Written Answers Nos. 309-327
309. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for the respiratory outpatient clinic (details supplied) in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48702/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
310. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a decision regarding a review of their medical card application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48703/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
311. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be called for an orthopaedic procedure in Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48704/17]
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 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.
312. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) to improve and streamline the process for persons with a disability to access certain supports and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48713/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 a Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
Disability is the responsibility of every Government Department and Minister. The National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, which comes under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality, is a whole of Government approach to improving the lives of people with disabilities in both a practical sense and also in creating the best possible opportunities for people with disabilities to fulfil their potential. The Strategy sets out key actions under each theme and objective, which indicate the Government Department responsible and the timeframe for delivery. Where an action has a cross-sectoral or cross-departmental aspect, the lead department and other departments which have shared responsibilities are also identified.
With regard to the provision of health and personal social services for people with disabilities, which falls under the remit of the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is implementing a programme of reform of disability services, known as Transforming Lives. This reform programme is about moving away from institutional models of care and service delivery to community-based, person-centred models of service where people with a disability can live valued and inclusive lives within their own community. The programme is governed by a National Steering Group and is driven by six National Cross-Sector Working Groups.
The HSE funds a range of community services and supports to enable each individual with a disability to achieve their full potential and maximise independence. Services are provided in a variety of community and residential settings in partnership with service users, their families and carers and a range of statutory, non-statutory, voluntary and community service providers. In their National Service Plan for 2017, funding of €1.69 billion was allocated to the HSE for disability services. The allocation for disability services for 2018 will be over €1.76 billion. The HSE is currently in the process of finalising its National Service Plan for 2018, in consultation with officials from my Department.
If the individual concerned requires access to any particular health and personal social service, the Deputy might consider contacting my office with the details and I will arrange to have the matter followed up directly with the HSE.
313. Deputy Seamus Healy asked the Minister for Health the position regarding child psychology services in south Tipperary; the number of approved psychology posts; the number of posts filled; the number of posts vacant; the number of children on the waiting list; and the length of time they have been waiting. [48719/17]
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.
314. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if a former HSE employee in receipt of a public service pension is entitled to return to work for the HSE through an agency without affecting their pension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48720/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn cases of skills shortages in the public sector, it may be necessary for a retiree to be re-hired by their former employee for a period of time. In those cases, the pension of the retiree is abated.
The purpose of abatement is to ensure that the combined total income of a public service pensioner from salary and pension does not exceed the income that the pensioner would have received had he not retired from his public service post.
In relation to the Deputy’s question, if the retiree is employed by an agency, then the individual is not an employee of the HSE. Consequently, the question of abatement does not arise.
315. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [48725/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
316. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE has failed to secure an independent living placement for a person (details supplied) who has been detained in a mental health facility for four years without having a psychiatric condition; when a place will become available; the location of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48726/17]
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.
317. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied) at the Mater hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48727/17]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
318. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the details of research undertaken to date by his Department to ensure the safety of the Gardasil vaccine; his plans to engage with the advocacy groups and families representing the 628 persons who claim to have suffered adverse health effects shortly after having received the vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48734/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAll medicines, including vaccines are subject to ongoing review and evaluation of all available data from a range of sources, including systematic scientific literature review, to consider any impact that their data may have on the overall assessment of the benefits and risks of a medicinal product. Taking into account the totality of the available information, the benefits of the HPV vaccines continue to outweigh their risks. The safety of these vaccines continues to be monitored at EU level through the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and its expert committees, which includes representatives from member state competent authorities such as the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA).
The HPRA is responsible for monitoring the safety and quality of all medicines including vaccines that are licensed in Ireland and operates a national adverse reaction reporting system, which members of the public and healthcare professionals are encouraged to submit any suspected adverse reactions through this system. All Reports received by the HPRA are routinely transmitted to the EMA's adverse reaction database for inclusion in global signal detection and monitoring activities.
I am aware of claims of an association between HPV vaccination and a number of conditions experienced by a group of young women. An illness that occurs around the time a vaccine is given and is already known to be common in adolescence does not imply the vaccine caused the problem. It appears that some girls first suffered symptoms around the time they received the HPV vaccine, and understandably some parents have connected the vaccine to their daughter’s condition. It is important to reassure people that anyone who is suffering ill health is eligible to seek medical attention, and to access appropriate health and social care services, irrespective of the cause of their symptoms. As there is no scientific evidence that the vaccine causes long term illnesses, the HPV vaccine cannot be held responsible for these illnesses.
The individual nature of the needs of some children may require access to specialist services and the Health Service Executive are currently working to put in place a clinical care pathway appropriate to the medical needs of this group.
319. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the services that can be made available by the HSE to a person (details supplied) in view of the mental health concerns expressed by their general practitioner; if he is satisfied with the level of mental health services available to those under 18 years of age in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48736/17]
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.
320. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive funding for their home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48737/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
321. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he will report on spending in respect of the service reform fund; the amount that has been drawn down from this fund to date; the specific services that have received funding from the fund to date; the stated use of the funds drawn down from the fund by each applicable service to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48738/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Service Reform Fund was established by the Department of Health, Atlantic Philanthropies, the HSE and Genio to support the implementation of reforms in disability, mental health and social inclusion services in Ireland. The fund represents a total combined investment of €45 million by the Department and Atlantic Philanthropies to re-configure existing services towards more person-centred supports which are also transparent, accountable and cost-effective, in line with government policy.
Of the total €45 million fund, just under €34 million has been allocated to date. This includes the allocation of €18.7 million for disability projects focussed on transitional funding to move people out of congregated settings and a further €12.5 million for mental health projects. The HSE chairs the Service Reform Fund Implementation Group comprising the delivery partners - Genio, HSE Social Care Directorate and HSE Mental Health Directorate to co-ordinate implementation of the specific agreed priority actions.
As the drawdown of funding by individual services is an operational matter for the HSE the remainder of the Deputy's question has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
322. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if it is permissible for general practitioners to charge small fees to persons with medical cards for certain services or weekend visits; if not, the way in which this practice is being monitored to ensure that it is not commonplace; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48740/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess." There is no provision under the GMS contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for such services provided by their GP, or the practice nurse on behalf of the GP.
The contract also stipulates that GPs must make suitable arrangements to enable contact to be made with them, or a locum/deputy, for urgent cases outside normal practice hours. This includes weekends. GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for any services they provide to GMS patients outside of normal surgery hours. While there is no obligation on GPs to participate in GP out of hours cooperatives as a means of meeting their contractual out of hours requirements, such services have been developed and expanded over time and are now an essential part of our primary care services helping to ensure that, to the greatest extent possible, urgent care needs are met in the primary care setting.
Furthermore, the GMS contract explicitly states that GPs must not seek or accept money from eligible patients in reward for services provided under that contract. Consultation fees charged by GPs outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between the clinicians and their patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for services by his or her GP, then that patient may make a complaint to the HSE Local Health Office, who will deal with the matter in accordance with the HSE's Complaints Policy.
323. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when the 24-7 crisis mental health service will be launched as announced in February 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48757/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently the HSE Mental Health Services provide a 24-hour service through its Acute Units located in General Hospitals for people requiring urgent assessment and treatment. The HSE Mental Health Division is initially seeking to expand upon the services available in the community to ensure a 7-day-a-week service. Based on an extensive data collection process, areas have been identified that would require additional resources to achieve such cover. Engagement with local management teams has commenced in order to further progress implementation of 7-day-a-week service by the end of 2017.
The HSE Mental Health Division is also establishing an evidence-informed model including detailed clinical, governance, training, and performance measurement structures for the operation of a 24/7 service. Through engagement with local CHO management teams, a working group has been established capturing the views of those from across the service pertaining to what form these extended services should take. Building on the development of 7-day-a-week services, these views will be presented to management for consideration and implementation.
With regard to specific timeframes, as this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
324. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the preparations made in his Department in the event of no agreement being reached between the United Kingdom and the European Union on the terms of the UK's exit from the EU; if such preparations involve the drawing up of detailed and specific contingency plans in the event of a hard Brexit and a trade regime based on WTO tariffs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48779/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has responsibility for coordinating the whole-of-Government response to Brexit. In this capacity, the Department of Health is working closely with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade to address the many challenges resulting from Brexit. This cooperation also involves the relevant State Agencies.
Work at Cabinet level is being prepared through cross-Departmental coordination structures. These represent a frequent and active channel through which all relevant Departments are providing their research, analysis and overall policy input to the Government’s wider response to Brexit, including its priorities for the ongoing Article 50 negotiations between the EU and the UK.
As the outcome of the negotiations is not yet known, an important focus of the planning and preparation being undertaken through these structures is on deepening the Government’s analysis and understanding of the exact consequences of a range of different possible scenarios. This represents an intensification of efforts to build on the Government's contingency planning.
The Department of Health and its agencies have been conducting detailed analysis on the impacts of Brexit in the area of health. A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is underway. A key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis. The health sector has a highly mobile workforce and free movement issues and the mutual recognition and assurance of professional qualifications are being considered. On regulatory issues, it is clear that having a single set of rules across the European Union is enormously helpful – to protect human health, to ensure consumer protection and to provide a level playing field for industry. The UK no longer being part of a harmonised regulatory system in relation to food safety standards, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and cosmetics could necessitate increased certification requirements or disrupt trade between Ireland and the UK. Ensuring continuity in the supply of medicines and medical devices following the UK’s departure from the EU is a priority. The issue of customs is of relevance as it relates to additional food safety controls and medicines. The implications of Brexit for networks and organisations such as the EU Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed, the European Reference Networks on rare diseases and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control are also under consideration.
These issues are currently being examined by my Department and its agencies and this work will continue over the period ahead. The key priorities for my Department are to ensure continuity in the provision of health services and to avoid, or mitigate changes to the current situation that would have a negative impact on human health. These are also key factors in considering the prioritisation of risks.
325. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the number of persons availing of private health insurance by age groups (details supplied). [48788/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe table provides the most recent data available from the Health Insurance Authority (HIA) and shows the number of insured persons by age group as of 1 July 2017.
This information is compiled in respect of the commercial health insurers and excludes people serving waiting periods and members of Restricted Membership Undertakings (which provide insurance to people who are members of a particular group, normally a vocational group or employees of a particular organisation).
People availing of Private Health Insurance by age group - July 2017
|
Age Group |
Membership for the Market as of 1 July 2017 |
|
0-17 |
474,552 (23.37%) |
|
18-29 |
218,205 (10.75%) |
|
30-39 |
288,813 (14.23%) |
|
40-49 |
325,905 (16.05%) |
|
50-54 |
147,250 (7.25%) |
|
55-59 |
136,467 (6.72%) |
|
60-64 |
125,121 (6.16%) |
|
65-69 |
108,276 (5.33%) |
|
70-74 |
87,031 (4.29%) |
|
75-79 |
57,479 (2.83%) |
|
80-84 |
36,723 (1.81%) |
|
85+ |
24,381 (1.20%) |
|
Total |
2,030,203 (100%) |
326. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the alleged inclusion of thiomersal in the influenza vaccine being administered by the HSE; if his Department and the HSE are studying reports of increased instances of miscarriage allegedly due to this substance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48790/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra327. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if all elements used in the HSE influenza vaccine are safe for pregnant persons; the evidence his Department and the HSE have to support this; if recent conflicting evidence is being examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48791/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
Influenza can be a serious illness for people in ‘at risk’ groups which can lead to hospitalisation and death. It is strongly recommended that people in at-risk groups get the flu vaccine. ‘At-risk’ people include those aged 65 years and older, people with chronic illness requiring regular medical follow-up, those with lower immunity due to disease or treatment, pregnant women, and residents of nursing homes, and other long stay facilities. The priority for this winter is to increase uptake of the influenza vaccine in ‘at risk’ groups and in health care workers to reduce and control the incidence of flu and outbreaks in the community and healthcare settings.
Pregnant women should be given the flu vaccine as they are at a higher risk of serious respiratory illness and complications. Getting flu in pregnancy can also lead to premature births and smaller babies. As the flu vaccine is inactive it can be given safely at any time during pregnancy. The flu vaccine protects women during their pregnancy and provides ongoing protection to their newborn baby during their first few months of life. Ideally you should get the flu vaccine as early as possible in your pregnancy. The flu season usually occurs between September and April and if you are pregnant through two flu seasons, two vaccines, one in each season, may be necessary.
The flu vaccine is available from your GP or Pharmacist. It is available free of charge from GPs for all people in 'at risk' groups, and from pharmacists for everyone in 'at risk' groups aged 18 years and over. If you have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’ the vaccine and consultation are free. If you do not have a ‘Medical Card’ or ‘GP Visit Card’ the vaccine is free but you will be charged a consultation fee.
The information on the HSE website clearly indicates that there is no thiomersal in the vaccine used in the 2017/2018 flu campaign.
