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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 15 May 2018

Written Answers Nos. 369-386

HSE Staff

Ceisteanna (369)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

369. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the occasions on which he or either of his two predecessors communicated with the Health Service Executive under the terms of section 5 of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2013 since the commencement of the Act; the nature of the direction provided to the HSE on each occasion; the occasions on which the Director General informed him or either of his two predecessors of the measures taken by the HSE to comply with a direction issued under section 5; and if such information was furnished within such period as was specified by him in tabular form. [20917/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The full information requested by the Deputy is not immediately available. As the Deputy is aware section 5 of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Act 2013 amends section 10 of the Health Act 2004. Under an agreement reached with the INMO and SIPTU Nursing the Department of Health committed to increasing the nursing and midwifery workforce in 2017 to deliver 1,224 additional permanent posts. On the 27 April 2017 I issued a written direction under Section 10 of the Health Act 2004, to the Health Service Executive, in order to emphasise the importance of full implementation of this Agreement. The table shows dates of progress reports received.

In March 2012 then Minister for Health James Reilly issued a direction under section 10 of the Health Act 2004 to the then Chairman of the HSE in relation to the creation of independent not-for-profit trusts and hospital groups. As Minister for Health Leo Varadkar did not issue any directions to the HSE under section 10 of the 2004 Act.

I will revert to the Deputy with full information as soon as possible.

Section (10) Direction issued

Date laid

Date Minister informed on progress/update

Delivery of 2017 Nursing and Midwifery Funded Workforce Plan

12th May 2017

30th June 2017

2nd October 2017

3rd May 2018

Question No. 370 answered with Question No. 351.

Medicinal Products Regulation

Ceisteanna (371)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

371. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health the role of the Health Products Regulatory Authority, HPRA, in reporting side effects in the context of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20928/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The information that the Deputy seeks 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 (372)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

372. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [20932/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Disabilities Data

Ceisteanna (373)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

373. 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 the end of June 2017 or latest day available by each local health office area in tabular form. [20938/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Data

Ceisteanna (374)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

374. 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 less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months by each local health office area in tabular form. [20939/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Data

Ceisteanna (375)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

375. 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 less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months by each local health office area in tabular form. [20940/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Data

Ceisteanna (376)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

376. 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 less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months; and the number waiting aged 0 to 4, 5 to 17, 18 to 64 and over 65 years of age, respectively, for each category by each local health office area in tabular form. [20941/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Data

Ceisteanna (377)

Margaret Murphy O'Mahony

Ceist:

377. 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; the number waiting aged 0 to 4, 5 to 17, 18 to 64 and over 65 years of age, respectively, for each category by each local health office area in tabular form. [20942/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Nursing Staff Provision

Ceisteanna (378)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

378. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health his plans to approve funding for a nurse to administer the drug ocrelizumab which has been pre-approved for 12 patients (details supplied) diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis attending the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20943/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Nursing Staff Provision

Ceisteanna (379)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Ceist:

379. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when funding will be approved to provide a nurse to administer the drug ocrelizumab which has been pre-approved for 12 patients diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis attending the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20944/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

HSE Staff Data

Ceisteanna (380)

Jackie Cahill

Ceist:

380. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the staff numbers at a facility (details supplied) by administration, management and healthcare staff; the categories of healthcare provided; the comparison of staff numbers to end of April 2018 by each of the years 2014 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20945/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

National Cervical Screening Programme

Ceisteanna (381, 382)

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

381. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the quality assurance site visits to laboratory providers since outsourcing in 2008 of the cervical screening programme. [20946/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Bríd Smith

Ceist:

382. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the monitoring and reviews that took place of the operational activity and performance of the cytopathology service providers since 2010. [20947/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 381 and 382 together.

The clinical advice from the HSE and my Department is clear that there is no evidence that the clinical and technical aspects of CervicalCheckhave performed outside or below the quality guidelines set for the programme, or below international standards.

All laboratories contracted by CervicalCheck meet the programme’s standards and have ISO accreditation, certified by the relevant national authorities. The laboratories undergo annual certification or surveillance audits from the relevant national certification body for their continuing accreditation.

Monitoring and review of operational activity and performance of cytopathology service providers is carried out on a continuous basis. The laboratories provide quarterly quality metrics for monitoring and review. These include outcomes of the external quality

assurance schemes in which they are required to participate.

CervicalCheck monitors and reviews a number of criteria in relation to laboratory performance including volumes, sources of tests, turnaround times, recommendations assigned to results, screener sensitivity and workload metrics, external quality assurance and

positive predictive value.

CervicalCheck carried out site visits in 2011 and 2014 to the laboratory facilities involved in those years.

Hospital Appointments Administration

Ceisteanna (383)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

383. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will have a procedure carried out at Letterkenny University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20950/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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 Administration

Ceisteanna (384)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

384. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20955/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (385)

James Lawless

Ceist:

385. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if the situation of a child (details supplied) requiring mental health services with parental consent will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20962/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Medical Card Eligibility

Ceisteanna (386)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

386. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the full medical card income threshold in line with the guidelines of the medical card income for those over 70 years of age threshold in respect of applicants that have been diagnosed with cancer. [20981/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Medical card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. Under the legislation having a particular illness does not establish eligibility for a medical card and therefore the medical conditions of applicants are not monitored on that basis.

The HSE’s Expert Group on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for a medical card. The Expert Group also concluded that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card. This remains the current situation and there are no plans to amend the current income thresholds for medical cards.

Notwithstanding this fact, I do recognise the importance of having a medical card application system that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs. In this regard every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. This includes taking full account of all the circumstances of an applicant including medical evidence of the cost of their illness and other related expenses.

With regard to persons suffering from cancer and other serious medical conditions the HSE also has a system in place for the provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations, i.e. in circumstances where persons with serious medical conditions are in need of urgent or on-going medical care that they cannot afford and also for persons in palliative care who are terminally ill. These medical cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and a letter which confirms the medical condition from a doctor or consultant. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all medical cards, granted on an emergency basis, are followed up with a full application within a number of weeks.

I would also like to note that since 1 July 2015, the HSE adopted the position that all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer are awarded a medical card. This card is valid for a period of 5 years.

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