Seán Sherlock
Ceist:400. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the options open to a family (details supplied) in County Kildare in view of the overwhelming evidence that their child needs help. [23336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (400)
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.
Health Insurance
Ceisteanna (401)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:401. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his views on the practice of health insurance companies preventing policy holders from switching to another plan within that insurance company except upon renewal; his views on whether this practice hurts customers that have to adjust their cover mid-year due to life circumstances; the controls in place governing the provision of health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23338/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In general, health insurance policies are 12-month contracts. All insurers must provide a 14-day cooling-off period from the commencement of the contract, during which time people may cancel and get a full refund.
If people want to switch insurer or plan, they may do so at their next renewal date. In some cases, insurers allow policyholders to switch plans during the 12-month term. Alternatively, insurers may impose penalties if choosing to switch during the term of an existing contract.
The health insurance market in Ireland is a well regulated market and further general information and information specifically about switching is available on the website of the Health Insurance Authority at www.hia.ie/consumer-information/cancelling-your-health-insurance-plan.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (402)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:402. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the scoliosis list; the length of time each has been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23343/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the programme for Government.
The development of a sustainable and safe paediatric orthopaedic service, including scoliosis services for children and young people has been prioritised in the 2018. An additional €9 million has been provided to the HSE in 2018 specifically to develop paediatric orthopaedic services, including increasing access to scoliosis services.
The HSE has confirmed that it will maintain the 4-month target in 2018 and beyond, which is international best practice, for all patients who are clinically deemed to require scoliosis surgery now.
Figures provided by the Children's Hospital Group (CHG) show that as of the week-ending 18th May 2018, there were 178 patients on the scoliosis waiting list, with 84 patients waiting more than 4 months.
Patients waiting over 4 months are reviewed weekly in relation to their treatment plan. Decisions to schedule patients are made clinically. In line with the Scoliosis Action Plan 2018, the CHG will prioritise inpatient access to include outsourcing initiatives to achieve a 4 month waiting time for clinically deemed treatments and offers of outsourcing are currently being made to the families of those deemed clinically suitable.
The HSE advise that, under the National Service Plan 2018, funding for two new consultant posts for paediatric orthopaedics has been provided and these appointments are expected to be finalised in quarter 4 of 2018. These posts are to be allocated to Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s University Hospital for paediatric orthopaedics and are expected to have a positive impact on current patient waiting times.
The CHG advise that capacity challenges are managed daily, with each of the three children’s hospitals supporting each other in terms of bed utilisation and availability.
The HSE advise that a Paediatric Scoliosis Services Co-Design group is in place, which includes clinicians, hospital staff and representatives from the scoliosis advocacy groups, to design a comprehensive, contemporary, and patient-centred approach to the delivery of scoliosis services.
The CHG has developed an integration strategy to integrate clinical and non-clinical services across the three hospitals and to ensure a smooth transition to the new facilities. A central referrals system is being developed as part of this integration strategy which will be key to supporting clinical services to operate as a single service across multiple locations. The system will be introduced on a phased basis commencing with general paediatrics in the first quarter of 2019.
National Treatment Purchase Fund Data
Ceisteanna (403)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:403. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that were treated under the National Treatment Purchase Fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23344/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving waiting times for hospital procedures is a key commitment in the Programme for Government and in 2018 €50 million was allocated to the NTPF to provide treatment for patients. The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018 which was published in April outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment.
Under the Action Plan, it is estimated that the NTPF initiatives in 2018 will enable the provision of treatment for up to 20,000 patients on the Inpatient/Day Case Waiting List across a range of specialties and procedures, and 4,000 Gastro Intestinal Scopes through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing initiatives.
Under the Action Plan, the NTPF commits to offer treatment to all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 9 months for treatment in a number of high volume specialities - including cataract, hip and knee replacement, tonsils and scopes.
This will mean that by the end of 2018 we will expect to see a significant reduction in the number waiting for a procedure to under 70,000 - from a peak of 86,100 in July 2017.
The NTPF has advised that up to the end of April 2018, over 11,900 patients have been authorised for treatment. Almost 6,500 of these patients have accepted an offer of treatment and 4,816 of these patients have already received their procedure.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (404)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:404. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the inpatient and outpatient list for gynaecological procedures in CUMH; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The waiting list data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for the end of April 2018 indicates that there were 410 people waiting for Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) gynaecology inpatient services, compared with 479 waiting in April 2017. In April 2018, 54% of patients were waiting for less than 6 months, and 80% were waiting for less than 12 months.
The outpatient waiting list data for April indicates there were 3,629 people waiting for gynaecology services, compared with 4,667 in April 2017. In April 2018, 42% were waiting for less than 6 months, 72% were waiting less than 12 months.
In recent years, CUMH has received funding to invest in the improvement in its Gynaecology Services. The South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) committed an additional €700,000 to the service for 2017 to provide increased theatre capacity and staffing resources to deliver improved waiting times for inpatient/daycase treatment and outpatient appointments. An additional €0.4m in funding has also been allocated by SSWHG for CUMH gynaecology services in 2018.
More broadly, the Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018 which was published in April outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment. Under the Plan, the HSE will deliver 1.14 million hospital procedures. The NTPF will deliver 20,000 Inpatient Day Case treatments through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing. As outlined in the Plan, the NTPF and the HSE will invite proposals from hospitals for waiting list initiatives. The NTPF will provide funding to the solutions proposed if appropriate.
In January 2017, a National Women & Infants Health Programme was established within the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services. In addition, the SSWHG has developed a phased approach to improve waiting times for gynaecology services at CUMH. This includes the establishment of the SSWHG Women and Children Services Directorate last year, which, I expect, will ensure better coordination and utilisation of maternity gynaecological resources across the group.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (405)
Micheál Martin
Ceist:405. Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time women have to wait for surgical procedures in CUMH after they have been diagnosed with breast cancer and prescribed mastectomies or partial mastectomies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23346/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the HSE that the National Cancer Control Programme surgery Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for breast cancer is that surgical intervention will be carried out within 20 working days of the date of the Multi-Disciplinary Meeting at which surgery is identified as the first treatment.
Figures for Cork University Hospital (CUH) for 2017 show that 79% of patients received surgical intervention within the 20 day target. The HSE has further advised that contributing factors which may affect compliance with the target include capacity and personal reasons of patients themselves.
A breakdown of performance in regard to the 212 patients in CUH in 2017 is outlined in the table below:
|
2017 |
< 20 days |
< 25 days |
< 30 days |
> 30 days |
|
No. |
168 |
24 |
14 |
6 |
|
% |
79% |
11% |
7% |
3% |
Hospital Acquired Infections
Ceisteanna (406)
Clare Daly
Ceist:406. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if it is HSE policy to ensure that the presence of hospital acquired infection is recorded on the death certificates of persons that die as a consequence of same. [23349/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter the question has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Acquired Infections
Ceisteanna (407)
Clare Daly
Ceist:407. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to assigning a specialist task force to monitor and control the spread of superbugs in University Hospital Limerick in view of the very serious deficiencies reported in the management and control of CPE in the September 2017 HIQA inspection report of the hospital in particular (details supplied). [23350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The prevention and control of healthcare associated infections (HCAIs) and Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) has been a significant patient safety and public health priority for the Department of Health for numerous years.
I convened the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in October 2017, as a public health response to the CPE superbug. CPE has been declared as a public health emergency, so that it is managed in line with the Public Health Plans which have been previously put in place for influenza. The NPHET will continue to meet regularly until the Department is assured that the HSE is managing CPE effectively, including screening, surveillance and management of outbreaks.
My Department has also provided funding to expand the HSE HCAI/AMR National Team and with regard to CPE, a HSE Implementation Team has now been established and has been resourced by the Department. Implementation Leads will progress the work of the Implementation Team, across the Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations. My department has also provided funding for additional capacity in the Infection Prevention Control Team in University Hospital Limerick.
I launched Ireland's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance 2017-2020 (iNAP) on 25 October last with Minister Michael Creed, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, as a whole of government approach to tacking AMR. The actions taken via NPHET also support iNAP implementation.
International Programmes
Ceisteanna (408)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:408. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the amount contributed to the World Health Organisation in each of the past six years; the programmes that benefitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23353/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department makes membership payments to the World Health Organisation (WHO) annually based on the assessed contribution for a given budgetary period. A member state’s contribution to the WHO is calculated relative to the country’s wealth and population. The budget requirements are estimated on a biennial basis and agreed at the WHO Executive Board before being adopted at the World Health Assembly.
The table below shows the amounts paid in the last six years:
|
Amount (€) |
Description |
|
1,795,529.78 |
2012 WHO Contribution |
|
1,741,595.63 |
2013 WHO Contribution |
|
1,468,627.75 |
2014 WHO Contribution |
|
1,747,432.78 |
2015 WHO Contribution |
|
1,756,334.91 |
2016 WHO Contribution |
|
1,442,599.49 |
2017 WHO Contribution |
The membership contribution helps support the activities of the WHO’s General Programme of Work (GPW) which comprises the “base” programmes, plus polio, special programmes and the event-driven component of outbreaks and crisis response.
The base programmes of the current GPW are as follows:
Category 1: Communicable Diseases
Category 2: Noncommunicable Diseases
Category 3: Promoting Health Through The Life Course
Category 4: Health Systems
Category 5: Preparedness, Surveillance and Response
Category 6: Corporate Services/Enabling Functions.
In addition, the Department of Health also makes financial contributions to other WHO initiatives, namely the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).
IARC contributes to the development of cancer policies and cancer control through research (including aetiological, epidemiological, screening and health systems research), dissemination of information, development of standards and training of cancer specialists.
The table below shows the financial contributions to IARC for each of the years 2012-2017:
|
Amount (€) |
Description |
|
633,899.00 |
IARC Contribution 2012 |
|
646,745.00 |
IARC Contribution 2013 |
|
628,062.00 |
IARC Contribution 2014 |
|
642,263.00 |
IARC Contribution 2015 |
|
615,614.00 |
IARC Contribution 2016 |
|
636,033.00 |
IARC Contribution 2017 |
The benefits of such international collaboration are acknowledged in the recently published National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026.
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) is the first international treaty negotiated under the auspices of WHO. It was adopted by the World Health Assembly on 21 May 2003 and entered into force on 27 February 2005. Ireland ratified the treaty in November 2005.
The contributions made to the FCTC since 2012 are set out in the following table:
|
Amount (€) |
Description |
|
44,787.52 |
FCTC (2012-2013) |
|
37,829.41 |
FCTC (2014-2015) |
|
43,713.30 |
FCTC (2016-2017) |
|
32,121.30 |
FCTC (2018-2019) |
The contributions go toward a workplan and budget which is agreed on at the Conference of Parties (COP).
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (409)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:409. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients awaiting cataract treatment in each of the past four years by county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23357/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the number of patients awaiting cataract treatment in each of the past four years by county, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Question No. 410 answered with Question No. 108.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (411)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:411. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment for a hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23364/18]
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (412)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:412. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a final response will issue to an interim reply (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23365/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am arranging for a reply to issue to the Deputy urgently.
Home Help Service Provision
Ceisteanna (413)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:413. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if extra home help hours will be provided for a person (details supplied) in County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23367/18]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (414)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:414. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) was advised that the waiting list for CT was 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23369/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matter and accordingly I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
Home Help Service Eligibility
Ceisteanna (415)
James Browne
Ceist:415. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the provision of home help or home care packages when a person is below 65 years of age but suffers from various diseases including partial blindness and multiple sclerosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23403/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant services and Home Support services available to persons with disabilities. In their 2018 National Service Plan, the HSE's priority is to provide 1.46 million hours of Personal Assistant services to more than 2,000 people with a disability, representing an increase of 60,000 over the 2017 target of 1.4 million hours. The HSE will also provide 2.93 million hours of Home Support services to adults and children with a disability, an increase of 180,000 hours over the 2017 target of 2.75 million hours.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
National Cervical Screening Programme
Ceisteanna (416)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:416. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 352 of 15 May 2018, if there is tagging or priority identification in relation to smear tests for women that have been called back for colposcopy due to of abnormalities or pre-cancer symptoms in a smear test and are therefore scheduled for more regular screening to ensure that they are given the detailed attention required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23412/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Women can be referred for more regular smear tests if required following colposcopy.
CervicalCheck currently uses three laboratories to analyse cervical screening tests, including those from women who have been referred for colposcopy and I am advised that there is no such differentiation between samples in the laboratory.
All of these laboratories meet CervicalCheck’s quality assurance guidelines and are certified by the relevant national authorities to an international standard. The laboratories have robust quality assurance and two screeners examine every test.
The clinical advice is that there is no evidence that the clinical and technical aspects of the programme have performed outside or below international standards or the quality guidelines set for the programme.
All aspects of CervicalCheck will be examined as part of the Scally Inquiry, the Terms of Reference of which are very comprehensive and reflect engagement on a cross-party basis. Separately, there will also be an International Clinical Expert Review led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. These inquiries will ensure independent and international scrutiny of performance.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (417)
Pat Deering
Ceist:417. Deputy Pat Deering asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) waiting for a procedure at the Mater Hospital will receive an appointment for the operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23417/18]
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (418)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:418. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the HSE's waiting times for assessment of need for children with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23476/18]
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.