Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:139. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22751/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (139)
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 Status
Ceisteanna (140)
Mary Butler
Ceist:140. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Waterford, UHW, will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22785/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Autism Support Services
Ceisteanna (141)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:141. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of autism services which took place in late 2017; when the review will be published; if an implementation plan of actions will be published alongside it; the way in which recommendations and future actions will take account of geographical disparities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22789/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, at the request of the Minister, the HSE have conducted a review of services to identify existing models of best practice. The review has now been completed and has been delivered to the Department and is with the Minister for his consideration.
Mental Health Act Review
Ceisteanna (142)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:142. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his Department is preparing legislation following a judgment (details supplied) regarding section 15(3) of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22797/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government and I have noted the judgement by the Court of Appeal on 4 May 2018 that renewal orders by Mental Health Tribunals under Section 15(3) of the Mental Health Act 2001 breach Article 40.4.1 of the Constitution.
This judgement raises certain legal questions which require careful consideration and these are currently being examined in detail by my Department, in conjunction with Senior Counsel and relevant agencies including the HSE, the Office of the Attorney General, the Chief State Solicitor's Office and the Mental Health Commission. The Mental Health Commission has responsibility for the regulation and independent review of admission and renewal orders by Mental Health Tribunals.
The declaration of unconstitutionality by the Court of Appeal stands suspended until 8th November 2018 which allows time for the Government and Oireachtas to give full and proper consideration to this matter as is appropriate given the vulnerability of the patients affected by this judgement.
The Department of Health has already undertaken consultations as to next steps and I expect to be able to propose an appropriate way forward in the very short term.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (143)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:143. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health when he expects to introduce the more accurate HPV test for cervical cancer screening; if these tests will be carried out in Irish laboratories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22798/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The outcome of a health technology assessment carried out by the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) for the National Screening Service was that the HPV test is a more accurate testing mechanism than the current liquid-based cytology, that the use of the HPV test would result in fewer false negative results, and that the use of the HPV test would result in more cancers being prevented.
I approved the switch to HPV testing as the primary screening mechanism for the CervicalCheck programme in February. Under the proposals, cytology testing will still be done on a smaller cohort as a secondary test. The introduction of the test was intended for October of this year and I have asked the HSE to implement the move to HPV testing as the primary screening method as soon as possible.
While the extent to which the HPV testing can be done in Ireland is being assessed, it is likely that a tendering process will be needed to meet at least some of the HPV testing requirement.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (144)
Robert Troy
Ceist:144. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the extent of vacancies currently in Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar, across each discipline; the length of time each post has been vacant; and the measures under way to fill same. [22802/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (145, 146)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:145. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 136 of 16 May 2018, the discipline and grades of the former staff who have resigned unexpectedly at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk; and the way in which this has contributed to the delay in the expansion of the minor injuries unit. [22803/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraGerry Adams
Ceist:146. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the recruitment initiatives undertaken in order that the minor injuries unit at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk, be appropriately staffed to enable treatment of paediatric patients over five years of age. [22804/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 145 and 146 together.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Cancer Services Provision
Ceisteanna (147)
Bobby Aylward
Ceist:147. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the steps that he has taken to alleviate waiting lists for scans at a hospital (details supplied) for women with a family history of ovarian cancer in particular; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22812/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE National Cancer Control Programme have advised that there is a national ovarian cancer GP referral guideline in place (a copy has been provided to the Deputy). This referral guideline includes a pathway to urgent ultrasound, if required.
With regard to the particular hospital raised in the Deputy's question, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (148)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:148. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a matter regarding a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22816/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (149)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:149. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a query by a person (details supplied) regarding the fair deal scheme will be answered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22846/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A review of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS) was published in July 2015. Arising out of the review, a recommendation was made to examine the treatment of business and farm assets for the purposes of the financial assessment element of the scheme. The Programme for a Partnership Government also committed to reviewing the NHSS to remove any discrimination against small businesses and family farms.
At present, the capital value of an individual's principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three year cap. This cap does not apply to productive assets such as farms and businesses except in cases of sudden illness or disability where specific conditions are met.
It is proposed to amend the scheme to treat farm and business assets in the same manner as the principal private residence where a family successor commits to working the farm or business, i.e. to cap contributions at three years.
The Department of Health has been examining the potential for changes to the treatment of business and farm assets under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme. Any changes to the scheme, if approved by Government, will require amendment of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009.
A Memorandum for Government setting out the details of the proposed policy change and seeking Government approval to draft the General Scheme of a bill to amend the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 has been prepared and will shortly be circulated to other Government Departments for observations.
Respite Care Services Data
Ceisteanna (150)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:150. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for a respite placement in disability services in each local health office, in tabular form. [22853/18]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (151)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:151. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22855/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Commissions of Investigation
Ceisteanna (152)
Clare Daly
Ceist:152. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on reports in respect of the Farrelly commission that some families at the centre of the scandal are threatening to withdraw their co-operation in view of the adversarial approach being adopted by the commission. [22857/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Commission of Investigation (certain matters relevant to a disability service in the South East and related matters), the Farrelly Commission, is an independent statutory Commission of Investigation established by the Government in March 2017. It would be inappropriate for me to comment on this issue.
Health Services Staff Recruitment
Ceisteanna (153)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:153. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when the doctor who carries out eye examinations at a clinic (details supplied) will be replaced in view of the fact waiting times are in excess of 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22863/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Suicide Prevention
Ceisteanna (154)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:154. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase resources for suicide prevention services in west Tallaght in view of the large number of deaths due to suicide in the area (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22866/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (155)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:155. Deputy Niamh Smyth 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. [22871/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 Status
Ceisteanna (156)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:156. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22874/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Home Care Packages Administration
Ceisteanna (157)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:157. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health if a home care package allocation for a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22875/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (158)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:158. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be addressed; the reason the HSE has not met with the company in question; the position regarding the drug; the reason the HSE has not followed his direction on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22886/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive 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. The 2013 Act does not give the Minister for Health any powers in this regard.
The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
In July 2017, the HSE informed the Department that, following an intensive process, the HSE decided not to reimburse Ataluren (Translarna) for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. The HSE in deciding not to reimburse Translarna did not consider the evidence for its clinical benefit to be sufficiently strong, in the context of the proposed cost and budget impact.
The HSE informed the applicant company of this decision, in keeping with the requirements of the 2013 Act. The applicant has appealed the HSE’s decision to the High Court, which is part of the statutory process under Section 27 of the 2013 Act.
As you are aware, a meeting took place on the 11 December 2017 with 2 representatives from Muscular Dystrophy Ireland, Dr O'Rourke and HSE and Departmental officials.
Following on from this meeting, the HSE advised the applicant that it is willing to complete a timely review of any new application. It would be open to the company to make revised proposals in relation to pricing or access in this context.
The HSE has notified the company that is ready and willing to review any new application irrespective of the on-going court proceedings.