Peter Fitzpatrick
Ceist:347. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48918/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (347)
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 you directly.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (348)
Clare Daly
Ceist:348. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the care provided to a person (details supplied). [48921/17]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (349)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:349. 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. [48927/17]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (350)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:350. 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. [48933/17]
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 Accommodation Provision
Ceisteanna (351)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:351. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48953/17]
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 (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Mental Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (352)
Eamon Scanlon
Ceist:352. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents waiting for an appointment for child and adolescent mental health services in CHO1 at the end of October 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48959/17]
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 as possible.
Outreach Clinics
Ceisteanna (353)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:353. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of outreach clinics in circumstances in which persons living in regional areas who suffer from juvenile idiopathic arthritis can be treated locally; the counties in which regional clinics are available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The specialty of rheumatology continues to be one of the most rapidly growing services within Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin and now accounts for the highest number of medical day care patients per year. This increase in demand has had a corresponding effect on waiting lists for paediatric rheumatology services.
The HSE has developed a new National Model of Care for Paediatric Healthcare Services, which includes the development of a hub and spoke model of care for paediatric rheumatology as part of a national clinical network for paediatrics. The new children’s hospital will have a central role in this national model of care which will include the provision of outreach clinics to regional centres to improve access for those children living outside the greater Dublin area. The development of the new children’s hospital and urgent care centres will provide an opportunity to progress operational integration of the three existing children’s hospital rheumatology services and to plan for the appropriate provision of these services well in advance of the move to the new facilities. The Children’s Hospital Group has confirmed that facilities for rheumatology services in the new children's hospital will include clinical examination rooms in one of the Outpatient suites as well as day beds in the Day Care Unit which will be assigned to rheumatology in light of the fact that rheumatology is predominately an outpatient and day care based service. Admissions to inpatient services will be accommodated in the medical ward.
In relation to the particular query regarding current regional rheumatology services, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (354, 355, 356)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:354. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his views on the shortage of health care professionals including registrars, physiotherapists, psychologists and ophthalmologists in paediatric rheumatology services; his plans to increase the number of paediatric rheumatology consultant posts here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48961/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:355. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health when funding will be provided for implementation of the business plan submitted by rheumatology management at Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48962/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:356. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to set up a formal service for teenagers to transit from paediatric rheumatology treatment to adult services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48963/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 354 to 356, inclusive, together.
In relation to the queries raised, as they are service matters, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Respite Care Services Funding
Ceisteanna (357)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:357. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if a dedicated funding allocation can be made available to the HSE locally for increased levels of respite care in counties Sligo and Leitrim CHO1 region in view of the fact that new houses need to be purchased to provide this care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48964/17]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (358)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:358. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an outpatient appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Cork will be expedited. [48965/17]
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 (359)
James Lawless
Ceist:359. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if an appointment scheduled for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48984/17]
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 Cross Border Directive (CBD) entitles persons ordinarily resident in Ireland who have an appropriate referral for healthcare to opt to avail of that healthcare in another EU/EEA country. Healthcare accessed under the CBD can be accessed in either the public or the private healthcare system of the country abroad. The HSE operates the CBD in Ireland. In line with practice in other EU Member States the HSE, through the National Contact Point (NCP) office, provides information for patients on the Cross Border Directive on its website http://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ and also by phone.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
Weather Events Response
Ceisteanna (360)
Tom Neville
Ceist:360. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the number of vulnerable persons who are reliant on HSE funded home care services left without all or partial care hours on 18 October 2017 due to Storm Ophelia; the policies and provisions that will be made to ensure continuity in service and essential care for vulnerable clients of home care agencies in the event of future weather warnings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48985/17]
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 as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (361)
John McGuinness
Ceist:361. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if an early date for an operation will be arranged for a person (details supplied). [48988/17]
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.
Emergency Departments Data
Ceisteanna (362)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:362. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the number of attendances at each accident and emergency department in 2016 and to date in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48996/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
HSE Regional Service Plans
Ceisteanna (363)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:363. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the chief medical officer or a body in the HSE has recommended the implementation of the Portlaoise action plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49028/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The most important issue in relation to consideration of services at the Midlands Regional Hospital Portlaoise is that patient safety and outcomes must come first. Reports on Portlaoise hospital in recent years have pointed to the need for reconfiguration of some services to ensure that patients are treated in the most appropriate setting by specialist staff that can safely meet their needs. Since 2014, the focus has been on supporting the hospital to develop and enhance management capability, implementing changes required to address clinical service deficiencies, and incorporating the hospital into the governance structures within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group. Significant work has been undertaken to strengthen and stabilise current arrangements for services at the hospital to ensure that services currently provided that are not sustainable are discontinued and those that are, are safety assured and adequately resourced.
The HSE has confirmed that hospital funding has increased by 28% relative to the 2012 budget and staffing levels have risen by 29% from the 2014 base. Funding of €300,000 has also been provided in 2017 to facilitate the opening of the new medical assessment unit.
In addition, governance and management arrangements in Portlaoise Hospital have been strengthened, additional clinical staff have been appointed and staff training, hospital culture and communications have improved.
The Dublin Midlands Hospital Group has been working for some time on a draft plan for a new model of clinical service delivery at Portlaoise Hospital. A draft plan was submitted to my Department in December 2016. This draft report was reviewed in detail and was the subject of detailed engagement between Department officials and the HSE. Significant additional work was undertaken by the HSE on foot of this engagement resulting in a revised draft plan that was submitted to my Department in September 2017.
The report is currently under detailed consideration in my Department. Once there is an agreed position on the draft plan, it is intended that there will be further engagement with all interested parties, to ensure that the needs of patients, staff, the local and wider community are addressed. Any future changes to services at Portlaoise, will have to take account of existing patient flows and demands in other hospitals, as well as the need to develop particular services at Portlaoise in the context of the overall service configuration in the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
Ceisteanna (364)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:364. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the funding that will be provided in 2018 for the drugs task forces; the details of the allocation of that funding between the different task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49036/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s response to addressing substance misuse in Ireland is set out in Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery - A health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland 2017-2020. The strategy emphasises a health-led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland, based on providing person-centred services that promote rehabilitation and recovery. It identifies a set of key actions to be delivered between 2017 and 2020, and provides an opportunity for the development of further actions from 2021 to 2025 to address needs that may emerge later on in the lifetime of the strategy.
The key health-related priorities for 2018 under Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery and the associated resource requirements will be determined in the context of the development of the HSE National Service Plan. The amount of funding available to each Task Force, Project and Programme in 2018 will also be determined by the Department of Health, in conjunction with the HSE.
Patient Data
Ceisteanna (365)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:365. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons remaining in institutional settings, that is, hospitals, psychiatric hospitals, care homes, nursing homes and so on, longer than their discharge date; if there is a study of instances in which persons are remaining in institutional settings for significant periods of time after their discharge date passes; and if these instances are related to risk of homelessness, in tabular form. [49054/17]
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 as possible.