Written Answers Nos 605-621
605. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment with the early intervention team; his plans to address wait times and staff shortages in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12542/18]
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.
606. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health when he plans to sign and ratify the optional protocol to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12547/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI will ask my officials in the Department of Justice and Equality to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
607. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of children who are awaiting orthodontic treatment under the HSE; and the way in which he plans to address these waiting lists. [12554/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
608. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if extra home help hours will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12561/18]
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.
609. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health the position regarding general practitioners charging a person (details supplied) for blood tests. [12581/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess." There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition. The HSE has advised GPs that where a blood test forms part of the investigation or necessary treatment of a patient’s symptoms or conditions, this should be free of charge for patients who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Notwithstanding this, I am aware that some GPs have begun to charge GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.
This is a matter of concern for me as it has long been the position, under successive Governments, that no user charges should apply to GP services provided to GMS and GP visit card patients. If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient may take the matter up with their HSE Local Health Office, who will investigate the complaint.
If the local office determines that the charge was inappropriate, it will inform the HSE Primary Care Reimbursement Service who will arrange to refund the cost of the blood test to patient and recoup this amount from the GP. The local office will inform the GP of the decision to deduct the payment.
In relation to the transportation of the blood samples to Baltinglass Hospital, as this is a service issue I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
610. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a physiotherapy appointment for a person (details supplied) in County Galway will issue in view of the fact this person has been waiting for an appointment for some time now and there are exceptional circumstances in this case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12583/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
611. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the differing public health standards here in contrast to Northern Ireland, in which a procurement model will purchase quadrivalent winter influenza vaccinations for persons under 65 years of age including persons at risk, pregnant women and healthcare workers for the 2018 to 2019 flu season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12585/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra612. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department is unwilling to adopt a new procurement approach to ensure that persons here are optimally protected from the most potent influenza viruses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12586/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra613. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health the reason his Department will not procure a quadrivalent vaccination for the forthcoming winter influenza season in view of evidence that over 50% of hospitalisations from influenza arose from the B strain Yamagata, which will not be included in the trivalent vaccination procured for the 2018 to 2019 influenza season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12587/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra614. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the WHO published recommended composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2018 to 2019 northern hemisphere influenza season, which recommends the strains both quadrivalent and trivalent influenza vaccines should contain; if he will instruct the HSE to follow this guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12588/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra615. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health his views on the surge in hospitalisations and deaths from influenza this season; his plans to make a provision to prevent the same occurrence during the 2018 to 2019 flu season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12589/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 611 to 615, inclusive, together.
The HSE developed a significantly augmented Flu Plan for 2017-18 with the primary focus on increasing vaccination rates among healthcare workers and at risk groups. Vaccination is regarded as one of the safest and most cost-effective of all health care interventions. The HSE launched their influenza immunisation campaign for winter 2017-18 on 2 October 2017.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) organises consultations twice annually with an advisory group of experts to analyse influenza virus surveillance data generated by the WHO Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, and issues recommendations on the composition of the influenza vaccines for the following influenza season. These recommendations are used by the national vaccine regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical companies to develop, produce and license influenza vaccines.
The influenza vaccine purchased by HSE is based on WHO advice on the composition of influenza virus vaccines for use in the 2017/8 northern hemisphere influenza season, issued on 2 March 2017. It is recommended that trivalent vaccines for use in the 2017-2018 northern hemisphere influenza season contain the following:
- an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus,
- an A/Hong Kong/4801/2014 (H3N2)-like virus; and
- a B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus.
This season (2017/18) the HSE procured the trivalent inactivated Influenza vaccine (Split Virion) BP seasonal influenza vaccine for all those in the recommended at risk groups, health care workers, and carers. The trivalent vaccine used in Ireland is the most widely used influenza vaccine in Europe.
The 2017/2018 influenza season is unusual because of the high levels of Influenza B strains in circulation. The trivalent vaccine used in Ireland is the most widely used influenza vaccine in Europe but has limited protection for the Influenza B strains.
The WHO issued its recommendation for the composition of influenza vaccines for the 2018-2019 northern hemisphere influenza season on 22 February 2018. It is recommended that quadrivalent vaccines contain the following:
- an A/Michigan/45/2015 (H1N1)pdm09-like virus;
- an A/Singapore/INFIMH-16-0019/2016 (H3N2)-like virus;
- a B/Colorado/06/2017-like virus (B/Victoria/2/87 lineage); and
- a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata/16/88 lineage).
It also recommended that the influenza B virus component of trivalent vaccines for use in the 2018-2019 northern hemisphere influenza season be a B/Colorado/06/2017-like virus of the B/Victoria/2/87-lineage.
The HSE National Immunisation Office and HSE Procurement are responsible for the purchase of influenza vaccine. To ensure vaccine supply, this tender process must be completed 9 months in advance of the first delivery into Ireland at the end of August. The HSE has already completed and awarded the tender for seasonal influenza vaccine for 2018/19 at a cost of €3.2- 4 million (depending on whether contingency doses are procured).
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC), an independent committee which makes recommendations on vaccination policy in Ireland. NIAC is considering the need to expand the current recommendations for influenza vaccine, including the potential community wide benefit of extending recommendations to include all children. The 2018-19 seasonal influenza programme will be in accordance with NIAC recommendations.
While there was a focus was on influenza immunisation, additional measures put in place this year included:
- A national flu planning steering group which meets weekly is in place.
- There is a flu lead in each Public Health Department, who liaises with Community Health Organisation (CHO)and Hospital Group (HG) flu planning groups.
- Digital advertising and promotions target at risk groups, the over 65s, pregnant women and healthcare workers.
- The Director General has asked each HG and associated CHO to produce a Winter Plan which includes a specific section on Flu.
- The Flu Medication Protocol has been revised.
The HSE also put in place additional measures to ensure that it was in a position to identify and react to any significant increase in health service demand. These included:
- The National Flu Planning Group meets every Friday.
- The Special Delivery Unit continues to liaise daily with HGs.
- HSE has preparations in place to activate additional measures.
- This was activated and fed into the Winter Initiative Planning and include cascading of information to HGs, CHOs and GPs concerning the use of anti-virals, respiratory hygiene, rescheduling of elective surgery and the activation of discharge plans.
The HSE will build on the most effective of this year’s measures in preparation for the 2018-2019 influenza season.
616. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the Medical Council excluded doctors trained in Nigeria from availing of further training here; if so, the reason therefor; when the Medical Practitioners Act 2017 will be amended to allow Nigerian doctors to further their training here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12594/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEntry to the Trainee Specialist Division of the Medical Council Register is set out in the Medical Practitioners Act, 2007. This Act provides that non-EEA doctors who hold qualifications from non-EEA countries are registered in the Trainee Specialist Division of the Medical Council’s Register if they have passed the Council’s Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) or are exempt from the PRES because they hold a higher qualification, have an approved training post and have been granted in a third country a document which, in the opinion of the Medical Council is at least the equivalent of a Certificate of Experience. Nigerian internships are not recognised by the Medical Council as equivalent to Irish internships.
It is my intention to amend the Medical Practitioners Act to remove the requirement to hold the equivalence of the Certificate of Experience for entry to the Trainee Specialist Division of the Register. This amendment will be provided for in a Regulated Health Professions (Amendment) Bill, which is currently being drafted. This will mean that entry to the Trainee Specialist Division for non-EEA doctors who qualified in non-EEA countries will be by way of the Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) [unless an applicant is exempted from sitting the PRES in line with legislation], and the offer of a specialist training post by the HSE in a recognised training programme.
The Bill is currently being drafted by the Office of Parliamentary Counsel. The current timeframe is to publish the Bill in 2018, subject to Government approval and no major issues arising. Once drafted and published, the Bill will then go through the various parliamentary stages in both Houses of the Oireachtas.
617. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health if he will request the HSE to provide additional home help hours to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12599/18]
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.
618. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of urologist consultants in each of the RCSI hospitals in 2016 and 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of consultant urology hours provided in each hospital under current contracts; the number of urology surgeries that were cancelled in each RCSI hospital in 2016 and 2017 and to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12627/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
619. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health his views on the HSE's decision not to progress with the primary healthcare centre for Drimnagh (details supplied); if a reassessment of the criteria for health centres has been carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12639/18]
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.
620. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to the community midwifery services in each of the years 2010 to 2017; his plans to increase funding to this area of maternity care; his further plans to increase the availability of this service in order that it is a realistic care option for all pregnant women; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12640/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Maternity Strategy - Creating A Better Future Together 2016 - 2026- aims to ensure that appropriate care pathways are in place in order that mothers, babies and families get the right care, at the right time, by the right team and in the right place. Similarly, it recognises that, while all pregnant women need a certain level of support, some will require more specialised care. Accordingly, it proposes an integrated model that delivers care at the lowest level of complexity and encompasses all the necessary safety nets in line with patient safety principles.
The model consists of three care pathways - supported, assisted and specialised. The Supported Care Pathway is intended for normal-risk mothers and babies, with midwives leading and delivering care within a multidisciplinary framework. Care will be delivered by the community midwifery team, with most antenatal and postnatal care being provided in the community and home settings. The Strategy makes it clear that women should be offered choice regarding their preferred pathway of care, in line with their clinical needs and best practice.
The phased implementation of the Strategy is being led by the National Women & Infants Health Programme. To this end, the Programme has developed a detailed Implementation Plan which seeks to ensure that each Maternity Network/Hospital Group will have all three care pathways in place and operational in 2018. The Plan also provides that by early 2019, a minimum of 20% of pregnant women presenting at our maternity hospitals/units will have access to the supported care pathway.
In 2018, €4.15 million additional funding has been allocated for the implementation of the Strategy, and the establishment of community midwifery teams has been prioritised in the HSE Service Plan. In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy concerning funding allocated to community midwifery teams, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
621. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for spinal surgery in Tallaght Hospital; and the procedures that are on hold through lack of funding for the HSE winter initiatives scheme that is impacting on these procedures [12643/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
