Tuesday, 20 Mar 2018

Written Answers Nos. 520-536

Vaccination Programme Data

Ceisteanna (520)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

520. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the recorded cases of vasculitis following HPV immunisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12243/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The information that the Deputy seeks with regard to recorded cases of vasculitis following HPV immunisation is not readily available.  Therefore, I have asked the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) to investigate the matter and reply directly to the Deputy.

It is important to reiterate that the HPRA and the European Medicines Agency continually monitor adverse events to vaccination. HPV is one of the most closely studied and monitored medicinal products. The vast majority of reports received by the HPRA have been consistent with the expected pattern of short term adverse side effects for the vaccine, as described in the product information. Mild and temporary reactions to any kind of vaccination are not unusual.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (521)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

521. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a bed in the National Rehabilitation Hospital will be made available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12249/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 the Deputy directly.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (522, 561)

Michael Moynihan

Ceist:

522. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the reimbursement of Respreeza for alpha 1 patients; his plans to resolve the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12250/18]

Clare Daly

Ceist:

561. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 485 of 27 February 2018, if he has encouraged the HSE to re-engage with a company regarding a drug (details supplied) and has been informed that will happen as stated in Dáil Éireann on 28 February 2018; if the HSE has to date re-engaged with this company; and if not, the reason therefor. [12414/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 522 and 561 together.

The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. 

The HSE carefully considered the pricing and reimbursement of human alpha1-proteinase inhibitor (Respreeza).  The manufacturer, CSL Behring, was notified in August 2017 that the HSE was unable to recommend reimbursement.  The HSE concluded that there was not enough evidence to suggest that patients would derive a clinically meaningful benefit from this treatment and that the current price was not a cost effective use of resources. 

A number of patients were on an access scheme for this product, operated by the manufacturer, for the treatment of Alpha-1 deficiency. This scheme was being run independently by the manufacturer without reference to the HSE.

Late last year the company decided to terminate the access scheme.  Following interventions by the HSE, the company modified its decision and agreed to continue to supply the medication free of charge for the patients on the access scheme for a further six months, or until the next clinical trial commences in mid 2018, but stipulated that it would not cover the cost of administering the medicine.

Due to the critical and exceptional circumstances, the HSE decided to facilitate a transitional arrangement, under which it would fund the necessary nursing service to ensure that patients would continue to receive the medicine until a new clinical trial commences in 2018.

The terms of this transitional arrangement, under which the HSE has agreed to fund the administration of the drug, include a requirement that the lead clinician (who is the patients' treating consultant) ensures that appropriate alternative treatment regimes are put in place in good time for those patients not proceeding onto the next trial.

The HSE is liaising with the treating consultant and the pharmaceutical company in relation to the longer term care of this group of patients and in order to ensure that appropriate care arrangements are in place for each patient in advance of an anticipated further clinical trial which is expected to begin later in 2018.

The HSE has asked that the plan for the longer term care of this group of patients would be finalised without delay.  

This transitional arrangement does not alter the reimbursement decision of the HSE in relation to Respreeza.

The HSE has advised the company that it is willing to undertake a timely review of any new application for reimbursement.

Primary Medical Certificates Applications

Ceisteanna (523)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

523. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a primary medical certificate for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12253/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

 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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Patient Transfers

Ceisteanna (524)

James Browne

Ceist:

524. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if a request by a person (details supplied) in County Wexford for a hospital transfer will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12272/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (525)

James Browne

Ceist:

525. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Wexford will be prioritised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12273/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (526)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

526. 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. [12284/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (527)

James Lawless

Ceist:

527. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for an appointment for the orthopaedic registrar in Tallaght Hospital for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12305/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 the Deputy directly.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (528)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

528. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on proposal by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12316/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (529)

Mary Butler

Ceist:

529. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an outpatient clinic appointment at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12319/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 the Deputy directly.

HSE Staff Data

Ceisteanna (530)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

530. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of professionals who have applied to return to work in the HSE in 2017 and 2018; and the areas of expertise and geographical location. [12330/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

HSE Staff

Ceisteanna (531)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

531. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the employment status of a person (details supplied) who returned to work here; and the measures taken by the HSE to ensure the smooth transition of qualified professionals into the health service, especially in cases in which they have full NHS references. [12331/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (532)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

532. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment of needs for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12332/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (533)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

533. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to assist the work of an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12334/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (534)

Brendan Smith

Ceist:

534. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide additional services nationwide (details supplied); if funding has been provided to the HSE to initiate such services in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12335/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (535)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

535. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a procedure will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [12342/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Under 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 the Deputy directly.

Health Services Staff Data

Ceisteanna (536)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

536. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the resignations, employee exit transfers and other staff departures which have occurred at a facility (details supplied) in County Donegal in 2016, 2017, and to date in 2018; the date on which each such departure took place; the date on which the resulting vacancies were filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12343/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.