Written Answers Nos. 412-436
412. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of general adult community mental health teams operating in County Louth; the location of these teams; and the catchment areas for each. [50337/17]
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.
413. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of psychiatry of old age multi-disciplinary teams that are operating in County Louth; the location of these teams; and the catchment area for each. [50338/17]
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.
414. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the catchment area served, services offered and resources allocated to the Louth based mental health rehabilitation team; when the team was established; and the resources that have been allocated to provide these services. [50339/17]
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.
415. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of the introduction of health care assistants to the staff complement at the department of psychiatry in Drogheda; and the number of these assistants have been recruited to date. [50340/17]
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.
416. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of two adult mental health intellectual disability teams which have been approved; when these teams will be established; the location of these teams; and the resources that have been allocated to them. [50341/17]
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.
417. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of homeless persons residing in the department of psychiatry in Drogheda; and the number of homeless persons that have used the services each month since the facility opened. [50342/17]
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.
418. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the funding allocated to a group (details supplied) for 2015, 2016 and 2017; if all of these funds have been drawn down; if additional funding was requested; if so, the amount that was requested, approved and drawn down; the budget that is planned for 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50344/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe allocation for Disability Services for 2018 will be over €1.76 billion. The Health Service Executive is currently in the process of finalising its National Service Plan for 2018, in consultation with officials from the Department. Detailed Operational Plans for the coming year for each of the Executive's service areas, including disability services, will stem from this process. Pending the conclusion of this process, I am not in a position to comment on the budget allocation for individual organisations for 2018.
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.
419. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the supports the HSE has in place for persons with developmental co-ordination disorder; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50351/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
420. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for cataract surgery by county, in tabular form; the length of time persons have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50355/17]
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.
421. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive an appointment at the ENT clinic at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50356/17]
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.
422. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns raised by a group (details supplied) regarding the regular landing of air ambulance helicopters on a sports pitch in close proximity to homes in an estate; and his plans for the creation of a dedicated landing zone for air ambulance helicopters at Beaumont Hospital. [50369/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
423. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the public contracts between his Department and companies (details supplied) in each of the years 2011 to 2016; the value of each contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50403/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy in my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where is is felt to be appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter.
The Department held a contract with Ernst & Young for advice and reports relating to the development of the Programme Management Office within the Department. The contract was awarded in 2013 and ended in 2014. Total payments made were €118,757. For Deloitte & Touche, a contract was held to provide a report and review of the Nursing Home Support Scheme in 2013. The contract ended in 2014. Total value was €73,800. KPMG was awarded a contract in 2016 to provide advice regarding the Working Better Together organisational development initiative. The contract is now complete and total expenditure was €14,145.
424. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount allocated to the construction of the new Central Mental Hospital in this year’s mental health budget; the sum allocated to the said hospital to date in 2017; the estimated cost of the new Central Mental Hospital's construction; the estimated date of completion of the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50426/17]
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.
425. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his plans for the development of primary care centres in County Wexford towns, including Gorey, Enniscorthy and New Ross respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50427/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
426. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when the review of cardiac care services here, specifically at University Hospital Waterford will be conducted; when the terms of reference for this review will be available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50430/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraA National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services that focuses on services for adults will commence shortly. Specialist cardiac services cover hospital-based specialist services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease. This includes the services provided in catheterisation laboratories, both scheduled and unscheduled. The intention of the National Review is to set out minimum service requirements, relating to staffing, activity, performance, and other relevant measures, based on evidence where available, and/or conform to international best practice and standards. In examining the scope of this review, it has been determined that the most appropriate and effective approach, in order to ensure the best possible clinical outcomes, is to consider all adult cardiac service needs and their optimal service configuration as a whole. This comprehensive National Review of all specialist cardiac services will clearly include data from existing service provision including data related to University Hospital Waterford.
427. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if his review of potential trauma care centre closures is reviewing operations at Wexford General Hospital, St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny and South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50433/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
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. 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.
428. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health if he will request that the Mental Health Commission undertake a catchment area report for County Louth. [50437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Mental Health Commission customarily conducts an overview of national mental health services in Ireland. The Inspector of Mental Health Services analyses each of the Community Health Organisations and produces her findings in a report. This includes Community Health Organisation 8, in which Co. Louth is based.
The most recent Overview of Mental Health Services Report was 2016. This report gives a breakdown of the population, funding, in-patient facilities, Child and Adoloscent Mental Health Services, 24-hour supervised residences, service user initiatives and challenges facing the area.
In addition, the Mental Health Commission is required under the Mental Health Act 2001 to inspect all approved mental health centres in Ireland. There are two approved centres in Louth - Drogheda Department of Psychiatry, Drogheda and St Ita's Ward, St. Brigid's Hospital, Ardee. The Inspectorate has published inspection reports on both of these approved centres and these are available on the MHC website.
429. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the closing budget 2016 allocated to each CHO area in respect of mental health services; and the spend per capita in each of these CHO areas. [50438/17]
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.
430. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the reason counties Louth and Meath mental health services are still not integrated into CHO area 8 services; the reason for counties Louth and Meath services being managed separately form the midlands mental health services; and if he plans this separation to be permanent. [50439/17]
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.
431. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the mental health services in County Louth; the population each of these serve; and the funding that has been allocated to each of these services for 2016 and 2017. [50440/17]
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.
432. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding that was made available to a charity (details supplied) in 2016 and 2017; his plans to increase funding in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50445/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
433. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health the status of legislation promised by the former Minister for Health to extend the powers of the Ombudsman to deal with complaints by hospital patients that remain unresolved following interaction with health service providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50446/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe functions and powers of the Ombudsman are set out under the Ombudsman Act 1980, and responsibility for the Office of the Ombudsman comes under the aegis of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The Ombudsman published a report in 2015 entitled "Learning to Get Better - An investigation by the Ombudsman into how public hospitals handle complaints". One of the recommendations in that report was that "Consideration should be given on a wider front to amending the statutory complaints process (and the remit of the Ombudsman) to allow for the inclusion of clinical judgement as the subject about which a complaint can be made". Under current legislation the Ombudsman cannot examine complaints which relate to a person acting on behalf of the HSE and which, in his opinion, relate solely to the exercise of clinical judgement in the diagnosis or care or treatment of a patient. However, the Ombudsman can examine the administrative actions of healthcare professionals and administrators taken in the course of clinical work which do not involve clinical judgement.
My department is currently developing a Patient Safety Complaints and Advocacy Policy. Work to date has included an examination of both national and international experience of the management of patient safety complaints and the legal frameworks involved. In addition a national public consultation took place in May and June of this year. This public consultation exercise was open to the public, patients, users, staff and relevant organisations. In total, 174 submissions were received. Meetings have also taken place with 23 key stakeholders, representing a broad spectrum of interested parties, including patient organisations, service providers, the Ombudsman's office, service regulators and professional regulators. The policy will be finalised shortly.
434. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE are pursuing a policy of providing an appropriate day service for school leavers with autism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50449/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide them with greater freedom in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
HSE Disability Services engages in a detailed and person centred process with a wide range of agencies every year to identify the most appropriate service provider and quantum of service and to meet the individual needs of each school leaver. This process takes place over a number of months and is led by the needs of each individual school leaver. In addition, HSE Disability Services also engages with individual school leaver families to listen to, and address, any concerns they may have regarding the process.
The assessment of needs for each individual school leaver who will require a day service in 2018 has already commenced.
435. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to expedite the appointment of two clinical nurses for a service (details supplied) through the community alcohol response and engagement initiative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50450/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
436. Deputy Noel Rock asked the Minister for Health if he will review the funding for a charity (details supplied) after its recent application to the HSE for funding for an education officer and information officer was refused without formal reasoning for the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50452/17]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
