Written Answers Nos. 691-706
691. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the person providing anaesthesiology services at Bantry General Hospital; the location at which he or she is based; the level of specialist training he or she is at; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15130/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
692. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a procedure for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15132/18]
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 the Deputy directly.
693. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of funding to provide respite care for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15134/18]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
694. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the delays in developmental appointments for babies in the Ballymun health care facility; and the detail of the nurse shortage there at present. [15135/18]
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.
695. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the serious funding issues at an organisation (details supplied) at which an extensive waiting list for all forms of respite care for service users is in operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15136/18]
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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
696. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of an assessment of need for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15144/18]
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.
697. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when he plans to publish the review of pricing system for long-term residential care facilities as per recommendations made within the review of the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15148/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
The Report of the NHSS Review published in 2015 identified a number of issues for more detailed consideration, including a review of pricing mechanism by the NTPF, with a view to:
- Ensuring value for money and economy, with the lowest possible administrative costs for clients and the State and administrative burden for providers;
- Increasing the transparency of the pricing mechanism so that existing and potential investors can make as informed decisions as possible; and
-Ensuring that there is adequate residential capacity for those residents with more complex needs.
A Steering Committee has been established to oversee this review which is chaired by the NTPF and includes representatives from my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. The NTPF has responsibility for the development of this report, although Department Officials continue to engage with the NTPF regarding the review. The most recent update from the NTPF is that the report will be finalised and ready for review in the first half of 2018.
698. 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. [15149/18]
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 the Deputy directly.
699. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD, will be made a long-term disease in order that persons with same will be entitled to access the long-term illness book; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15151/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
700. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents in County Mayo receiving counselling and services from CAMHS; the number of staff who are providing these services in County Mayo; the number of children and adolescents who are on a waiting list to receive such services in County Mayo; the average wait time on this list; the details of the system for categorising patients on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15153/18]
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.
701. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15159/18]
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 the Deputy directly.
702. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15160/18]
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 the Deputy directly.
703. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding per patient under the NTPF for a facility (details supplied) in County Cork; and if there will be an increase in the NTPF payment. [15170/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been designated by the Minister for Health pursuant to Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act as a body authorised to negotiate with proprietors of registered nursing homes to reach agreement in relation to the maximum price(s) that will be charged for the provision of long-term residential care services to Nursing Homes Support Scheme residents.
As part of this function, the NTPF enters into "Approved Nursing Home Agreements" with registered private and voluntary nursing homes to record the maximum price(s) that have been negotiated. The NTPF provide the HSE with the details of all Approved Nursing Home Agreements. As the NTPF is an independent statutory body I am not in a position to speculate on the outcome of pricing negotiations.
The cost of care for public and private nursing homes is published on the HSE website. The current cost of care negotiated by the NTPF for the Cobh Community Hospital per resident under NHSS is a maximum of €1,090 per week.
The most up to date costs of care can be found on the following link https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/4/olderpeople/nhss/costs.html.
704. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount of expenditure on consultancy by his Department in each of the years 2015 to 2017; the number of consultants engaged by his Department in those years; the names of the consultancy companies awarded contracts; and the steps which have been taken to reduce the expenditure on consultancy and the reliance on consultants by his Department in these years and for the future. [15193/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is the policy of my Department only to engage the services of external consultants where it is felt appropriate and cost-effective, taking account of Government decisions and policy including procurement protocols on the matter. Expenditure on the engagement of consultants is paid from the Department's A7 budget.
The table details such expenditure for each of the years 2015 to 2017:
|
Year |
Expenditure on Consultancy |
|
2015 |
€824,262 |
|
2016 |
€704,804 |
|
2017 |
€1,341,064 |
The table details consultant A7 expenditure by the Department between 2015 and 2017:
|
Year |
Consultant |
|
2015 |
Milliman Ltd. |
|
|
Mazars |
|
|
UCD |
|
|
UCC |
|
|
Prospectus |
|
|
DCU |
|
|
Institute of Public Health in Ireland |
|
|
INDECON |
|
|
DKM Economic Consultants Ltd |
|
|
Aegis Media T/A Carat |
|
|
Metis Consulting |
|
|
Trutz Haase, OCC Ltd & University of Sheffield |
|
|
ICF Consulting Services Ltd |
|
|
UCC/UCD/NUIG collaborative team |
|
|
Amárach Research |
|
|
Mr Trutz Haase |
|
2016 |
Skills for Health |
|
|
UCC |
|
|
Amárach Research |
|
|
UCD |
|
|
Mr Trutz Haase |
|
|
NUIG |
|
|
Aurion |
|
|
Centre for Effective Services |
|
|
The Performance Partnership |
|
|
Alpha Healthcare |
|
|
DCU |
|
|
Prospectus |
|
|
RPS Group |
|
|
IPA |
|
|
Crowe Horwath |
|
|
KPMG |
|
|
Alcohol Action Ireland |
|
|
Treacy Consultancy |
|
|
Metis Consulting |
|
|
UCC/UCD/NUIG collaborative team |
|
|
ICF Consulting Services Ltd |
|
|
Trutz Haase, OCC Ltd & University of Sheffield |
|
|
Milliman Ltd. |
|
2017 |
Work Research Centre |
|
|
Trutz Haase, OCC Ltd & University of Sheffield |
|
|
Mazars |
|
|
Research Matters |
|
|
Hume Brophy |
|
|
P A Consulting |
|
|
Expert Group |
|
|
Alpha Healthcare |
|
|
UCD |
|
|
Health Research Board (UCC) |
|
|
Aurion |
|
|
University of Sheffield |
|
|
Indecon |
|
|
UCC |
|
|
Stephen O’Herlihy (Barrister) |
|
|
NUIG |
|
|
McKinsey |
|
|
Deloitte |
|
|
Milliman |
|
|
Mr Trutz Haase |
|
|
Treacy Consultancy |
|
|
Centre for Effective Services |
|
|
DCU |
|
|
Prospectus |
|
|
RPS Group |
|
|
Crowe Horwarth |
|
|
Metis Consulting |
|
|
Alcohol Action Ireland |
705. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if the long delays for operations and outpatient appointments in the urology department in St James's Hospital (details supplied) will be examined. [15214/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. As such in 2018 €55 million has been allocated for the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This more than doubles its 2017 total allocation which was €20 million and reflects the fact that reducing waiting times for patients is one of this Government's key priorities.
On 12 April the Department , the HSE and the NTPF published details of the Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018. This year will see a significant reduction in the number waiting for a procedure to under 70,000 by the end of the year - from a peak of 86,100 in July 2017. In addition, all patients who are waiting more than 9 months for a cataract, hip and knee replacement, tonsils, Gastro Intestinal scope or one of four other high-volume treatments, and who are clinically suitable for outsourcing, will be offered treatment in 2018. This means that all such patients currently on waiting lists for these procedures will be offered treatment this year.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
706. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding being provided in the 2018 health budget to open the 28 additional inpatient beds in University Galway Hospital; when these beds will be open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15220/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
