Written Answers Nos. 319-339
319. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the voluntary sector will be engaged in the new mental health helpline; the discussions which have taken place to date; his plans for future discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49897/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have set as a priority the development of a Mental Health Telephone/Text Helpline. Preliminary discussions regarding the feasibility of establishing a Helpline, and the related parameters and resource issues around that, were held on the 7 November. The HSE has agreed to lead this project out, and it has established a working group to perform the necessary scoping work. This group will report back in due course after a full assessment has been made of the infrastructure requirements for successful implementation. Development of the Helpline is still in its early stages and therefore no schedule or deliverable milestones have been finalised at this time. The Minister and Department officials will meet with the HSE again in early 2018 for an update on progress. The date of this meeting is yet to be confirmed.
321. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that have been sent to the UK for specialist neuro rehabilitation due to a lack of services here since the neuro rehabilitation strategy was published in 2011; the overall cost to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49902/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) Social Care Division and the HSE Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress the implementation of the National Policy & Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland. This is in line with the commitment to publish an implementation plan as outlined in the Programme for a Partnership Government and the commitment in the HSE National Service Plan 2017 and HSE Social Care Operational Plan for 2017.
As your query relates to service matters it has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.
322. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the details of the latest proposals being recommended in respect of the redevelopment of a facility (details supplied) in County Donegal; the changes being considered for long-term residential care and dementia services at the aforementioned facility as part of these plans; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49905/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the care delivered to residents in our community hospitals is generally of a very high standard, many of theses services are delivered in buildings that are less than ideal in the modern context. It is important therefore that we upgrade our public bed stock and this is the aim of the 5 year Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units which was announced last year. This provides the framework to allow for an enhanced programme to replace, upgrade and refurbish these care facilities, as appropriate. Significant work was undertaken to determine the most optimum scheduling of projects within the phased provision of funding to achieve compliance with National Standards.
This investment programme will see the provision of two new centres in Donegal, namely in Ballyshannon and also a 130 bed centre, centrally located in Letterkenny.
Since the announcement in 2016, and following discussions with public representatives, Health Forum members and local community groups, local HSE management in CHO 1 agreed to review overall requirements for the area. The Terms of Reference for the Rhatigan's review were as follows:
Assess current and future needs for short/long term bed capacity taking into account of up to date census data from the Central Statistics Office
Based on current planning norms define scale of public/private provision required to meet this need up to 2026;
Assess the adequacy of existing facilities in St Joseph’s Hospital Stranorlar, Ramelton and Lifford, taking account of amended legislation governing residential care standards 2016;
Recommend changes to the approved capital programme, if appropriate, taking into account capital and revenue costs, geographical factors, integration of care with acute services and time frames for delivery;
Make specific recommendations regarding dementia care provision; and
Based on the above to finalise brief and options appraisals for infrastructural developments proposed.
I understand that the review has been completed and a report is to be submitted to the HSE’s National Social Care Division in the first instance, and then the HSE’s National Capital Property Steering Group.
Any proposals for changes to the approved Capital Investment Programme for Community Nursing Units would have to be considered in the context of capital funding available to Health, potential revenue implications and compliance with the agreed capital approval process.
323. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the outcome of the meeting between a company (details supplied) and the HSE in recent days regarding the drug Vimizim for the treatment of Morquio disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49906/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra398. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health if the HSE drugs committee group met on 14 September 2017; if the drug Vimizim was discussed; if a decision was made to reimburse the drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50276/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 323 and 398 together.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the pricing and reimbursement of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
324. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the way in which rates paid by the HSE to private addiction clinics are decided upon; the details of the decision process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49907/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
325. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the outcome of the meeting between the HSE and a company (details supplied) in relation to Respreeza; the ongoing difficulties which has seen deterioration in the health of persons with alpha-1; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49908/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra326. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if measures have now been put in place to allow persons with alpha-1 to receive Respreeza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49909/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 325 and 326 together.
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act does not give the Minister for Health any powers in this regard.
I am aware that a number of patients were on an access scheme operated by the manufacturer of this drug and that the company had stated that the scheme would end on 30 September 2017.
I therefore sought assurances from the HSE that appropriate care arrangements would be put in place for patients and that appropriate ethical guidelines have been and will continue to be followed for all aspects of the programme.
Subsequent to this, the company let patients know that it would continue supply of the drug for six months but since then an issue has arisen with regard to its administration. This represents a departure from arrangements, which the company had operated for a considerable period of time, in respect of a scheme that was run independently and without reference to the HSE.
I am aware that the HSE met the company last week to discuss the continued operation of access arrangements for the group of patients concerned and I have asked the HSE to keep me informed of developments.
327. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the application by the Children's hospital group for paediatric interventional radiology service to be developed in existing hospitals prior to the move to the new children's hospital has been successful through the 2018 estimates; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49910/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe health services to be delivered in 2018 have been the subject of detailed discussions between the HSE and my Department as part of the annual National Service Plan process and will be set out in the 2018 National Service Plan currently being prepared by the HSE.
328. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when a permanent child psychologist post will be filled for County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49911/17]
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.
329. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when the nursing post to cover maternity leave will be filled at a respite home (details supplied); the capacity at the centre; if it is open to full-time service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49912/17]
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 part of the Nursing Recruitment and Retention Agreement concluded with the INMO and SIPTU Nursing earlier this year, HSE management have committed to cover maternity leave in accordance with the funded workforce plan.
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.
330. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health when a number of HSE occupational therapist posts in County Donegal will be filled in view of the fact that there is only one occupational therapist for the area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49913/17]
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.
331. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the terms of the medical card dental scheme in order that older persons over 70 years of age can be allowed discretion to have dentures provided every two years rather than the current mandatory five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49914/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
332. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the procedures for both voluntary and involuntary admission to a psychiatric hospital including those with a dual diagnosis of alcoholism and a psychiatric illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49922/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Act 2001 provides the legislative framework within which people who require admission on a voluntary or involuntary basis can be cared for and treated in approved centres, as defined under the Act.
Most people, however, who go to an approved centre for treatment of a mental illness do so by choice and admit themselves as a voluntary patient. For a person to be admitted as an involuntary patient, there is a three-stage process involving an initial application, a recommendation from a General Practitioner and an assessment by a Consultant Psychiatrist that the person under examination suffers from a mental disorder and meets the conditions for involuntary admission as set out in Section 3 of the Act. Such admissions are subject to review by a Mental Health Tribunal.
It is important to point out that any assessment of whether a person should be admitted as an involuntary patient because he/she is deemed to be suffering from a mental disorder, will take into account the question of whether there is a serious likelihood of the person concerned causing immediate and serious harm to himself or herself or to other persons.
It should also be mentioned that Section 8(2) of the Act specifically prohibits the detention under the Act of individuals who suffer from a personality disorder, are socially deviant, or are addicted to drugs or intoxicants. However, where individuals with such conditions are also diagnosed with a mental disorder, then they may be subject to detention but only because of the presence of a mental disorder.
In relation to Dual Diagnosis, the HSE's Mental Health Division recognised the need for a Clinical Programme for Dual Diagnosis to respond to people with substance misuse, both alcohol and/or drugs, together with mental illness. The HSE's Primary Care Division has already appointed a National Clinical Lead for the Addiction Services to improve its response to drug and alcohol abuse at primary care level and this Clinical Lead will work with the Mental Health Clinical Lead to develop a cohesive programme for those with a dual diagnosis.
The aims of this Programme are to develop a standardised evidence-based approach to the identification, assessment and treatment of comorbid mental illness and substance misuse. An integral part of the Dual Diagnosis Programme will be to devise a model of care that will outline how all adolescents and adults suspected of having a moderate to severe mental illness coexisting with significant substance misuse have access to a timely mental health services nationally. This is to be delivered on a CHO basis. The aim will be for the service to be provided in an integrated manner across the HSE's Primary Care Division and the Mental Health Service and will ensure that there are close working relationships with the relevant specialities in the Acute Hospital Groups which will deal with any medical comorbidities that may occur, particularly in those with alcohol misuse.
A National Working Group, made up of key stakeholders with clinical, service user and service provider expertise, has been appointed. The Group had its first meeting in mid October 2017 and has initiated a work plan to develop a Model of Care based on a Programmatic approach to service improvement and development.
333. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in each State board under the aegis of his Department, in tabular form. [49938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe basis for the nomination of members to the boards of bodies under the aegis of my Department is usually set out in legislation. In line with Government Decision S180/20/10/1617 of 2014 and Guidelines set out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform relating to the advertising for expressions of interest in vacancies on State Boards, my Department in conjunction with the Public Appointments Service (PAS) currently advertises for board vacancies as they arise, where I, as Minister for Health, have nominating rights under relevant legislation. I also appoint members on the nomination of various bodies, again in accordance with the relevant legislation.
The table sets out the information requested by the Deputy.
|
State Board |
Vacancies at 24 November 2017 |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
1 |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
2 |
|
Dietitians Registration Board |
1 |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
4 |
|
Health Information and Quality Authority |
2 |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
1 |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
1 |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
2 |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland |
1 |
|
Physiotherapists Registration Board |
5 |
|
Radiographers Registration Board |
1 |
|
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board |
3 |
|
St. James's Hospital Board |
1 |
|
Total |
25 |
334. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the process of tendering for the shop in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin; and when it went out for tender and so on (details supplied). [49950/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra335. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason the shop in Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, is no longer under the management of the hospital; if the internal audit section or the board made the decision; and if so, if he will provide this Deputy with the minutes of the internal audit section in which that decision was made and the minutes of the hospital board meetings since January 2017. [49951/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 334 and 335 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
336. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the length of time a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been on the waiting list for an assessment of need; when they will have an assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49979/17]
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.
337. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure specialist shoes are supplied to a person (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49980/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
338. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has yet to receive a care plan since August 2016 under the local early years intervention team. [49957/17]
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.
339. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49958/17]
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 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.
