Written Answers Nos. 437-462
437. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 162 on 8 November 2017, when a person will be facilitated (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50463/17]
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.
438. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will undergo an assessment. [50477/17]
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.
439. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); and if it will be referred to the HSE to offer an appointment. [50479/17]
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.
440. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that availed of treatment under the cross-border directive scheme in the past three years and to date in 2017, in Northern Ireland; the treatments carried out; and the type of treatment and costs involved, in tabular form. [50490/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra441. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that availed of treatment under the cross-border directive scheme in the past three years and to date in 2017, in Britain; the treatments carried out; and the type of treatment and costs involved, in tabular form. [50491/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra442. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each CHO area that have availed of treatments under the cross-border directive scheme for the past three years; the cost to his Department for each of these years, in tabular form. [50492/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 440 to 442, inclusive, together.
As the HSE has responsibility for the administration of the Cross Border Directive, I have asked the HSE to examine the issues raised and to reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
443. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the health service preparations his Department has made regarding Brexit to address the potential impact it may have on the cross-border health care directive scheme. [50493/17]
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, including the Cross Border Directive. 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.
444. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for procedures (details supplied) by county, in tabular form; the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50508/17]
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.
445. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will receive a decision in respect of an application for a home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50509/17]
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.
446. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed national maternity hospital at St. Vincent’s hospital site in Dublin; the arrangement entered into concerning ownership of the proposed national maternity hospital; the persons or group that will own this hospital; if there are effective beneficial owners of the hospital site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraFollowing the grant of planning permission for the new National Maternity Hospital on the St Vincent's University Hospital campus, the Design Team is continuing to work on the detailed design of the hospital and the preparation of tender documents. This development will of course represent the flagship project of the National Maternity Strategy and will constitute the largest single investment ever made in maternity services in Ireland.
Work is also continuing on the development of a legal framework which will protect the State's significant investment in the hospital. The Deputy will, I hope, appreciate that pending the finalisation of an agreement between all the stakeholders, it is premature for me to give any further information at this point.
447. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health his plans for further dialogue with industry on finding solutions for access for persons to new medicines; if speed of access and funding growth for new medicines will be ensured in view of his commitments at the recent meeting of an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50530/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedicines play a vital role in improving the overall health of Irish patients. Securing affordable access to existing and new medicines in a timely manner is a key objective of the Irish Health Service. However, the challenge is delivering on this objective in an affordable and sustainable way in line with the resources allocated by the Dáil and the relevant legislative provisions. Expenditure on medicines represents one of the largest areas of expenditure across the health service and will continue to grow in the years ahead as our health service continues to meet the needs of our citizens
My Department and the HSE are engaging in a number of initiatives which have led and will continue to lead to better access to medicines for patients, value for the taxpayer and the cost- effective provision of medicines in Ireland. Key initiatives include reference and generic substitution, under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the four year Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines with IPHA, the Medicines Management Programme and National Drugs Management Programme within the HSE, and the development of a National Biosimilar Medicines Policy. Ireland is also participating in a number of discussions amongst EU Member states to explore possible areas for collaboration including potential joint price negotiations and procurement.
However, access to medicines is not solely a funding issue. A significant barrier to accessing new medicines is the price being sought by some manufacturers for their products. The solution to increased access is multifaceted and is not simply a matter of allocating more funding for medicines at the expense of other health or public services. The health service must continue to seek better value and lower costs for both existing and new treatments.
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. This Act gives full statutory powers to the HSE to assess and make decision on the reimbursement of medicines, taking account of expert opinion as appropriate. There is also an increased level of engagement and commercial negotiations between the HSE and manufacturers in an effort to reduce the price to affordable levels. So while this process is resource intensive, it is clear that as a result of such a robust and scientific process, Ireland is paying significantly less for medicines and the ability to invest is enhanced.
In my recent speech at the IPHA Annual Meeting and Dinner, I highlighted the need for innovative solutions to accessing new medicines. To this end, my Department will continue to consider how improvements can be made to the current system, and will, as part of this work, engage with key stakeholders in 2018 in this regard.
448. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting for an appointment for surgery for over six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50544/17]
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.
449. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health if the new mental health facility for Sligo will open before the end of 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50570/17]
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.
450. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding for mental health services in CHO1 in 2017; the amount of underspend on mental health services in CHO1 in 2017; the amount of funding allocated for mental health services in CHO1 in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50571/17]
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.
451. 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. [50610/17]
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.
452. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting dental surgery in County Cork under the medical card scheme; the expected waiting time for persons on this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50613/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
453. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting orthodontic treatment in County Cork to date; the expected waiting time for these children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50614/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
454. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of medical card holders referred to the UCC dental school for treatment by a HSE principal dental surgeon in HSE south to date in 2017; the number of these referrals that took place in each of the years 2014 to 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50615/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the number of full-time epidermolysis bullosa outreach nurses in Beaumont hospital, Dublin 9 in each of the years 2014 to 2016 and to date in 2017; his plans to increase this number; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50629/17]
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.
456. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if funding for the refurbishment of a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50630/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraYour question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply as the delivery of the healthcare infrastructure is a service matter.
457. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Westmeath is entitled to a pension for their service in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50631/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
458. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health if there has been a change to the reimbursement status of a drug (details supplied) in respect of the medical card scheme; the reasons for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50641/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
459. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a response will issue to correspondence from a person (details supplied) regarding the need for a cath lab in Lourdes hospital, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50642/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Private Office has confirmed that this correspondence has been received. A reply to this letter will issue shortly.
Based on this country's population, specialist cardiac cath lab services are only provided in a number of hospitals in order to ensure that the services provided achieve the required standards of safety, quality and sustainability in the interests of patients.
I have announced my intention to commence a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services that focuses on services for adults.
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. The National Review by its nature will encompass considerations for all acute hospitals. It will also consider the sustainability of the service for the following 10-15 years, with specific regard to manpower requirements, capital requirements and clinical/technological advances.
460. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of clinical directors employed by the health service; the details of their location and number of consultants which they are required to oversee in each case; the reporting arrangements in place to oversee the work of the directors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50644/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
461. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a list of all hospitals which do not comply with the common waiting list which public hospitals are required to operate under the terms of the consultants contract 2008; the oversight arrangements in place to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50645/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HIQA Report and Recommendations on Patient Referrals from General Practice to Outpatient and Radiology Services, including the National Standard for Patient Referral Information published in 2011 makes a number of recommendation in relation to Secondary Care Referral Management Systems, including that GP should address referrals in the first instance to a central point within a hospital, then to the relevant specialty/service, followed by named consultant if relevant. The approach is supported in the report by international evidence.
With regard to the Consultant Contract 2008, a key objective of the Contract is to improve access for public patients to public hospital care. Under the Consultant's Contract 2008 and HSE guidance issued from the National Director of Acute Hospitals in September 2009 a common waiting list for treatment, diagnostic investigations, tests and procedures on an outpatient basis in public hospitals is identified. In addition, under HSE policy, private outpatients may not attend public outpatient consultant-led clinics.
Finally, under the HSE National Framework for operation and management of Outpatient Departments published in 2013, referrals for outpatient appointments to a named consultant should be to the specialty involved, unless it is more appropriate for a particular patient to be managed by a specific consultant.
In response to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
462. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the criteria for the provision of cath labs in acute hospitals; the number of dedicated staff needed; the costs of staff and equipment; if this facility will be provided in Lourdes hospital in Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50648/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraBased on this country's population, specialist cardiac cath lab services are only provided in a number of hospitals in order to ensure that the services provided achieve the required standards of safety, quality and sustainability in the interests of patients.
I have announced my intention to commence a National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services that focuses on services for adults.
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. The National Review by its nature will encompass considerations for all acute hospitals. It will also consider the sustainability of the service for the following 10-15 years, with specific regard to manpower requirements, capital requirements and clinical/technological advances.
