Written Answers Nos. 340-363
340. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health the reason the pilot scheme later known as COSMTS continued for ophthalmologists at four sites and, later, at six sites in view of the fact that it was to be rolled out to all ophthalmologists or ceased after nine months due to a lack of funds in 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49959/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
341. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health if the funding for the cross-border healthcare directive comes from the HSE budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49960/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility for the operation of the Cross Border Directive, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
342. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the date the new theatre will be open for surgery in Merlin Park hospital in view of the fact that follow-up meetings in respect of it did not occur; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49965/17]
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.
343. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the alternative arrangements that have been put in place in hospitals in County Galway in view of the fact that the operating theatres in Merlin Park hospital are closed; if the same number of persons are being catered for now; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49966/17]
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.
344. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an angiogram can be facilitated for a person (details supplied) who is on a long-term waiting list for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49969/17]
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.
345. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the names of persons he has appointed to each State board under the aegis of his Department who have not come from the Public Appointments Service list of suitable candidates, in tabular form. [50000/17]
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 below sets out the appointments I have made to statutory boards, as Minister for Health, that have not come from the PAS process.
|
Board Name |
New Appointees |
Appointed Date |
Basis for Appointment/ Nominated By |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
Dr Conor Deasy |
30/06/2016 |
Health Service Executive |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
Ms Tess O'Donovan |
30/06/2016 |
Health Service Executive |
|
Social Workers Registration Board |
Ms Roberta Mulligan |
09/08/2016 |
Election |
|
Social Workers Registration Board |
Ms Colette McLoughlin |
09/08/2016 |
Election |
|
Dublin Dental Hospital Board |
Professor Derek Sullivan |
09/08/2016 |
Trinity College, Dublin |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
Professor Catherine McCabe |
24/08/2016 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Speech and Language Therapists Registration Board |
Dr Judith Pettigrew |
24/08/2016 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Radiographers Registration Board |
Dr Cliona McGovern |
24/08/2016 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Social Workers Registration Board |
Dr Perry Share |
24/08/2016 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
Professor Conor Murphy |
30/09/2016 |
Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland |
|
National Haemophilia Council |
Dr David Vaughan |
25/10/2016 |
Health Service Executive |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Mr Cormac Quinlan |
25/10/2016 |
Social Workers Registration Board |
|
Medical Scientists Registration Board |
Dr Mary Hunt |
09/11/2016 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Dietitians Registration Board |
Dr Suzanne Doyle |
12/12/2016 |
Election |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
Ms Deborah Greene |
21/12/2016 |
Irish Haemophilia Society |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
Mr Jack McDowell |
21/12/2016 |
Transfusion Positive |
|
Dietitians Registration Board |
Professor Mary Ann Therese Flynn |
14/02/2017 |
Election |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
Professor Kate Irving |
17/02/2017 |
Dublin City University |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
Dr Tom Houlihan |
17/02/2017 |
Irish College of General Practitioners |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
Ms Laura O'Brien |
17/02/2017 |
Transfusion Positive |
|
Consultative Council on Hepatitis C |
Mr Enda Hannon |
17/02/2017 |
Transfusion Positive |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Mr Aaron Galbraith |
05/04/2017 |
Children's Rights Alliance |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Dr Jim Lucey |
05/04/2017 |
College of Psychiatrists in Ireland |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Mr Patrick Lynch |
05/04/2017 |
Health Service Executive |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Ms Nicola Byrne |
05/04/2017 |
Irish Association of Social Workers |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Dr Margo Wrigley |
05/04/2017 |
Irish Hospital Consultants Association |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Ms Catherine O'Rourke |
05/04/2017 |
Mental Health Nurse Managers of Ireland |
|
Mental Health Commission |
Dr Michael Drumm |
05/04/2017 |
Psychological Society of Ireland |
|
Beaumont Hospital Board |
Councillor Adrian Henchy |
09/04/2017 |
Fingal Co. Co. |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Mr James Forbes |
27/04/2017 |
Social Care Workers Registration Board |
|
Medical Council |
Ms Vicki Blomfield |
04/05/2017 |
Health Information and Quality Authority |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
Mr Jagdish Prasad Yadav |
17/05/2017 |
Election |
|
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
Mr Gerard Walshe |
17/05/2017 |
Election |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Ms Ruth Charles |
30/05/2017 |
Dietitians Registration Board |
|
National Cancer Registry Board |
Dr Jerome Coffey |
31/05/2017 |
Minister for Health |
|
Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
Dr Satu Pastilla |
07/06/2017 |
International expert from Finnish Red Cross Blood Centre nominated by Irish Blood Transfusion Service |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Ms Marie Louisa Power |
21/06/2017 |
Election |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Mr Seán Reilly |
21/06/2017 |
Election |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Ms Veronica Treacy |
21/06/2017 |
Election |
|
Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland Council |
Mr Michael Lyons |
21/06/2017 |
Election |
|
Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland |
Prof Tanya King |
29/06/2017 |
Health Service Executive |
|
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council |
Mr Jimmy Jordan |
29/06/2017 |
SIPTU |
|
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
Mr Gerard Walshe |
05/07/2017 |
Occupational Therapists Registration Board |
|
Psychologists Registration Board |
Dr Eimear Spain |
12/09/2017 |
Minister for Education and Skills |
|
Medical Council |
Ms Catherine McKenna |
03/10/2017 |
Health and Social Care Professionals Council |
346. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure suitable treatment is put in place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50012/17]
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.
347. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the rationale for closing the Cabra drug treatment clinic at Broombridge Close; the clinical management plan for the patients during this period; the date on which the clinic will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50017/17]
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.
348. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the status of a report on trauma care; his plans for a reconfiguration of such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50021/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraTraumatic injuries may be low, moderate or severe. Major trauma involves injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death. Based on available data, it is estimated that Ireland has approximately 1,600 major trauma patients each year. Trauma care is a subset of overall Emergency Department activity. Emergency Departments provide 24/7 access for emergency and urgent presentations across the spectrum of medical and surgical conditions with 1,157,074 new Emergency Department attendances in 2016.
In 2015, my predecessor established a Trauma Policy Steering Group, chaired by Professor Eilis McGovern, to make recommendations in relation to the development of a trauma system for Ireland. Patients who have used trauma services and clinicians were at the heart of the development of the plan. The Group has now completed its report and I intend to bring it to Cabinet before the end of the year.
This is about delivering best outcomes for the small number of patients each year who suffer major trauma, that is, injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death, and ensuring they get the right care in the right place at the right time.
349. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to reduce the levels of services to be provided at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50022/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Emergency Department in Cavan has been performing well this year. Performance information from the HSE show a 48% reduction in trolley numbers at the Hospital in comparison with the same period in 2016.
In addition all Hospital Groups and Community Health Organisations have developed and put in place integrated winter preparedness plans for their locality focussed on planning and escalation preparedness, maintaining patient flow processes and ensuring public health preparedness.
Future investment in Cavan General Hospital will be considered within the overall acute hospital infrastructure programme, the prioritised needs of the hospital groups and in the most cost effective way possible to meet current and future needs of the health service.
There are no plans to reduce the level of service at Cavan General Hospital.
350. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health his views on whether services at University Hospital Limerick can survive a winter flu epidemic in view of the chronic state of the emergency department, the cancellation of elective procedures, the CPE threat and the unacceptable hospital work overload; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50028/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
351. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure the initially agreed treatment is provided for a person (details supplied) undergoing breast cancer treatment at Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50037/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly.
352. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Irish citizens accessing health care in Northern Ireland, including for minor and major procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50038/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIrish Patients can seek to access health care in an other EU/EEA member state via three different schemes.
Where a service is provided in Ireland but a patient wishes to access care in another EU/EEA Member State, this can be possible by seeking treatment under the Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare, otherwise known as the Cross Border Directive (CBD).
The CBD provides rules for the reimbursements to patients of the cost of receiving treatment abroad, where the patient would be entitled to such treatment in their home Member State, and supplements the rights that patients already have at EU level. Patients may access the healthcare they require in either the public or private healthcare system of another Member State under the CBD. Access to healthcare abroad is based on patients following public patient pathways, i.e. they must demonstrate they have followed the equivalent public patient pathways that a patient would follow if accessing public healthcare in Ireland. It is important to note that reimbursement is confined to the costs of the care itself and that the rates of reimbursement cannot exceed the cost of provision of the care if it were provided in the Irish public health service.
The HSE operates the CBD in Ireland. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other clinicians. In line with practice in other EU Member States, the HSE through the National Contact Point (NCP) provides information for patients on the CBD on its website which can be accessed at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ and also by phone at 056 7784551. The HSE advises where a patient is in any doubt as to the need to seek prior authorization before availing of a consultation or treatment abroad to contact the NCP.
The HSE also operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009. The TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE) where the treatment is:
- Among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
- Not available in Ireland; and
- Not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease.
GPs refer patients to consultants for acute care and it is the treating consultant who, having exhausted all treatment options including tertiary care within the country, refers the patient abroad under the terms of the TAS. The consultant must specify the specific treatment and in making the referral accepts clinical responsibility in relation to the physician and facility abroad where the patient will attend.
Applications to the TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment. The statutory framework stipulates the patient must be a public patient and is required to have followed public patient pathways. Information on the TAS can be accessed on the HSE website at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/ and also by phone at 056 7784551.
Under the terms of EU Regulation 883/2004, all persons ordinarily resident in the EU are entitled to apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC certifies that the holder has the right to receive emergency healthcare during a temporary stay in any EU country as well as Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland. This right is guaranteed to all persons who are covered by the public healthcare system of these countries. The EHIC holder has the right to receive necessary treatment in the host Member State's public healthcare system on the same terms and at the same cost as nationals of the State concerned. It should be noted that under bilateral arrangements, an EHIC is not required from Irish citizens when accessing emergency treatment in Northern Ireland and proof of residence (for example passport or driving licence) is sufficient.
Information on the EHIC can be accessed on the HSE website at www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/EHIC/ and also by phone at 061 461 105.
353. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will report on Ireland's bid to host the European Medicines Agency. [50046/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a consequence of the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) must relocate to another Member State. The EMA plays a vital role in the protection of the health of 500 million EU citizens through the scientific evaluation and safety monitoring of human and veterinary medicines and I believed that Dublin would be an ideal choice for the new host city. The relocation of the EMA represented an opportunity to attract a prestigious EU Agency which directly employs almost 1,000 staff and would attract many more high-quality jobs in associated sectors. The EMA is also key to maintaining the competitiveness of the European pharmaceutical industry, which is worth approximately €260 billion annually.
In October 2016 the Government decided to promote Dublin as a suitable new location for the Agency. The Irish offer, which was developed by a cross-sectoral working group led by my Department, with colleagues from the Department of the Taoiseach and Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as representatives from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), IDA Ireland and other Government Departments, was officially submitted to the European Council and the European Commission on 31 July 2017.
Officials in my Department worked closely with colleagues in the Department of the Taoiseach and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on the strategy and campaign to promote the bid and demonstrate why it was felt Dublin represented a suitable location for the EMA, for Europe and for its citizens.
On 19 November 2017, Ireland's Permanent Representative to the European Union confirmed that Ireland was withdrawing its bid for the European Medicines Agency in order to focus on the offer for the European Banking Authority recognising the political challenge of pursuing two bids concurrently. The decision on the relocation of the agencies was taken by the General Affairs Council on 20 November. The Council chose Amsterdam as the new location for the EMA and I expect that the Netherlands will be a suitable new location for the Agency that will allow it to the greatest extent possible continue its important role in protecting patient safety.
354. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he has used a private email account to send or receive official documents or positions on Brexit; and, if so, the details of this correspondence. [50061/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI do not use a private email account to send or receive official documents or positions on Brexit
355. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if Ireland has a trauma director for the trauma services provided; if not, the reason therefor; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50068/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra356. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients admitted and treated for trauma injuries in hospitals in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50069/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra357. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to centralise trauma care on two centres of excellence, as recently reported; the hospitals that are proposed to be downgraded; the hospitals that are proposed to be upgraded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50070/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra358. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the hospitals which treat trauma injuries; the trauma level each is currently at, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50071/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra359. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans for the north west and the south east in the event of Dublin and Cork being established as major trauma centres; the precautions that will be taken to ensure that these critical masses of population would have adequate cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50072/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 355 to 359, inclusive, together.
In 2015, my predecessor as the Minister for Health established a Trauma Policy Steering Group, chaired by Professor Eilis McGovern, to make recommendations in relation to the development of a trauma system for Ireland. Patients who have used trauma services and clinicians were at the heart of the development of the plan. The Trauma Steering Group completed its final report in July 2017 and I intend to bring it to Government before the end of the year.
This report is about delivering best outcomes for the small number of patients each year who suffer major trauma, that is, injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death, and ensuring they get the right care in the right place at the right time. International evidence demonstrates that trauma systems are associated with better patient outcomes, improved access to care and reduced length of stay and cost-effectiveness, more lives being saved and fewer people being left with a disability.
Following on from recent media reports, it is important to say that the report is not about closing Emergency Departments or diminishing services. Traumatic injuries may be low, moderate or severe. Major trauma involves injuries which have the potential to cause prolonged disability or death. Based on available data, it is estimated that Ireland has approximately 1,600 major trauma patients each year. To put this in context, Emergency Departments provide 24/7 access for emergency and urgent presentations across the spectrum of medical and surgical conditions, with 1,157,074 new ED attendances in 2016.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy in relation to the number of patients admitted and treated for trauma injuries in hospitals in each of the years 2008 to 2016 and to date in 2017 and the hospitals that treat trauma injuries and the trauma level each is currently at, as this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
360. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to build a neuro-rehabilitation unit in the midlands; if progress has been made in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50074/17]
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 and 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 the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
361. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [50077/17]
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.
362. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when an operation will be provided for a person (details supplied); the reason for the delay in issuing a date for this procedure; if the person can undergo the procedure on the treatment purchase fund scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50081/17]
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.
363. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if the balance of the capital funding due to the Mercy University Hospital, Cork, will be released in 2018; when this money will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50085/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe balance of capital funding due on any construction project is paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the specific contract and subject to the HSE's approval processes.
