Robert Troy
Ceist:432. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the arrangements surrounding the provision of 20-week anomaly scans at the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar. [9558/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity Services
Ceisteanna (432)
Freagraí scríofa
The National Maternity Strategy is very clear that all women must have equal access to standardised ultrasound services and, to this end, additional funding has been made available to the National Women & Infants Health Programme in 2018. I understand that the Hospital Groups have identified a need for an additional 28 ultrasonographers in order to be able to provide 100% access to anomaly scanning; I am pleased to note that the Programme has recently approved the appointment of these additional ultrasonographers. Allowing for recruitment and training, I am advised that it is likely to take at least 18 months to achieve 100% access to anomaly scanning. In the meantime, I am assured that the Programme will continue to work with the six Hospital Groups to assist in increasing access to anomaly scans for those units with limited availability. In that context I am confident that the 2018 investment will make tangible improvements.
In relation to the Deputy's query regarding Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (433)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:433. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005 at 31 January 2018 or the latest date available, by local health office, LHO, area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9563/18]
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.
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.
Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (434)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:434. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list; and the number waiting fewer than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months, respectively, by local health office, LHO, area, in tabular form. [9564/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Speech and Language Therapy Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (435)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:435. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy treatment waiting list; and the number waiting fewer than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months, respectively, by local health office, LHO, area, in tabular form. [9565/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (436, 437)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:436. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first time assessment waiting list; the number waiting fewer than four months, four to 12 months and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting who are aged 0 to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, by local health office, LHO, area, in tabular form. [9566/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMargaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:437. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy treatment waiting list; the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number waiting that are aged 0 to 4, 5 to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, by LHO area, in tabular form [9567/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 436 and 437 together.
As these questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (438)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:438. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a drug (details supplied) for persons here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9569/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
On 11 July 2014, the Misuse of Drugs Regulations 1988 were amended to allow for certain cannabis-based medicinal products to be used in Ireland. The Health Products Regulatory Authority subsequently granted a marketing authorisation for the cannabis-based medicinal product Sativex to be marketed in this State. It was then open to the holder of that authorisation to make the product available for prescribing in Ireland.
In September 2014, the HSE received an application for the reimbursement of Sativex.
A Health Technology Assessment on Sativex was completed by the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE), which did not recommend reimbursement of Sativex at the submitted price.
The HSE issued the manufacturer with notice of its intention not to reimburse.
On 9 February 2018 the HSE received a new reimbursement application from the manufacturer. A rapid review by the NCPE was commissioned on 12 February 2018 and this application will be assessed in line with the 2013 Act.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Services
Ceisteanna (439, 440, 441)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:439. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost in a full year of providing 270 neuro-rehabilitation inpatient beds. [9572/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:440. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost to the Exchequer in a full year of providing four regional inpatient specialist neuro-rehabilitation centres. [9573/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraRóisín Shortall
Ceist:441. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost to the Exchequer in a full year of providing nine community neuro-rehabilitation teams. [9574/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 439 to 441, inclusive, together.
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish "a plan for advancing Neuro-rehabilitation services in the community". The development of an implementation framework for the National Policy & Strategy for the provision of Neuro-rehabilitation Services in Ireland is a matter for the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The HSE has established a National Steering Group to develop the implementation framework, comprising representatives from across the whole health system, including Heads of Social Care and the National Clinical Programme for Rehabilitation Medicine, Acute Hospital services, Mental Health, Primary Care and Health & Wellbeing, Health & Social Care Professionals and the Neurological Alliance of Ireland.
The focus of the National Steering Group is to develop a framework which is implementable across the country. The Steering Group considers that a Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network model represents best practice as a means of providing neuro-rehabilitation care and support/accommodation needs. The HSE’s Social Care Division and its Clinical Programme and Strategy Division are working in tandem to progress this.
The specific information sought by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the Deputy’s questions to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (442)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:442. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the number of hip operations carried out in Letterkenny University Hospital in 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9575/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.