Barry Cowen
Ceist:301. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when the appointment will be expedited. [27388/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (301)
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, since 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 (302)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:302. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when an appointment will be expedited. [27392/18]
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, since 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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Appeals
Ceisteanna (303)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:303. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a nursing home support payment for a person (details supplied) will be reassessed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27395/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
In order to determine how much an applicant will contribute to the cost of their care, a financial assessment is carried out by the HSE which takes account of a person's income and assets.
As per the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009, a participant in the Scheme can contact their local HSE Nursing Homes Support Scheme Office to request a review of the financial assessment, if twelve months have elapsed since the date of the initial financial assessment or the most recent review of that assessment.
HSE Nursing Homes Support Office, Floor 1, Áras Sláinte, Wilton Road, Cork. Tel: 021 4923522
A participant to the Scheme can also request a review, if to the satisfaction of the HSE, there has been a material change in the financial circumstances of the person since the financial assessment or the most recent review of that assessment.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (304)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:304. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the measures that can be put in place to ease the funding burden on a group (details supplied), particularly in circumstances in which it provides a positive benefit to communities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27397/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Funding for the Irish Men's Shed Association is provided by the Health Service Executive; I have therefore referred the Deputy's question to the HSE for attention and direct reply.
Home Care Packages Provision
Ceisteanna (305)
John Lahart
Ceist:305. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be allocated a home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27399/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (306)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:306. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27408/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (307)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:307. 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. [27409/18]
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, since 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.
Question No. 308 answered with Question No. 300.
Question No. 309 answered with Question No. 293.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (310)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:310. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the future of a centre (details supplied) in County Meath; and if the centre will be properly funded. [27419/18]
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 (311)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:311. 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. [27450/18]
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, since 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.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (312)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:312. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to plans to make the drug Raxone available on the general medical services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27456/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to the reimbursement of medicines. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines.
In line with the 2013 Act, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE pursuant to the Community Drugs scheme, the company must first submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the Reimbursement List.
As outlined in the IPHA agreement, and in line with the 2013 Act, the HSE will decide, within 180 days of receiving the application (or a longer period if further information is sought from the company), to either add the medicine to the reimbursement list or agree to reimburse it as a hospital medicine, or refuse to reimburse the medicine.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments are often multi-million euro investments on an on-going basis. This can lead to a protracted deliberation process.
I have been informed that Raxone for the treatment of visual impairment in adolescent and adult patients with Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy (LHON) is currently undergoing a full pharmacoeconomic assessment by the NCPE.
Once the assessment is complete, the application will be processed in line with the 2013 Act.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (313)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:313. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will consider setting up a specialist centre for a condition (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27463/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (314)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:314. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if appropriate staff will be allocated to alleviate pressure on beds which is the main cause of the trolley crisis in University Hospital Limerick in view of the inequality of whole-time equivalent front-line posts in the health service in the mid-west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
University Hospital Limerick was identified as a focus site under the Winter Initiative in terms of ED congestion. As such, UHL has put in place improvement plans setting out specific mitigating actions to improve patient flow and improve processes in the ED. In addition, 17 short-stay beds were opened in UHL under the Winter Initiative, and the Hospital Group was also supported over the recent winter months with additional home support packages and transitional care beds. UHL is now fully engaged with the National Patient Flow Improvement Project, as a pilot site, to further improve processes within the hospital.
As Minister for Health, I am committed to continuing the effort to address overcrowding in our Emergency Departments, and in particular, the capacity of the system to respond during periods of peak demand, in this context, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system, which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019. A submission received from the HSE in this regard, which includes proposals in relation to UHL, is currently under consideration by my Department. The HSE is currently reviewing proposals to ensure appropriate staffing.
In relation to the particular query raised with regards to staffing at UHL, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Autism Incidence
Ceisteanna (315)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:315. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number and percentage of completed assessments of need in Cork city and county that resulted in a confirmed ASD diagnosis in each of the years 2014 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27467/18]
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.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (316)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:316. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a medication (details supplied) will be made available under the general medical scheme in order that persons can have the cost of this included in the €144 they pay per month; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Cancer Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (317)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:317. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be compensated for the cost of a cervical smear test to be carried out in a laboratory here. [27481/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The clinical advice from the HSE and the Department of Health is clear that there is no evidence that the clinical and technical aspects of the CervicalCheck programme have performed outside or below international standards or the quality guidelines set for the programme. All laboratories currently contracted by CervicalCheck meet the programme's standards and have ISO accreditation, certified by the relevant national authorities.
The HSE recommends that if a woman has received clear results previously, she should proceed with her next scheduled smear test as normal. If a woman still has concerns or is experiencing any symptoms, she should talk to her GP.
I have arranged that any woman who has had a CervicalCheck smear test, and who following consultation with her GP wishes to have a further test, may do so without charge. Unfortunately it is not possible to authorise payments for smear tests taken outside of the CervicalCheck programme.
Questions Nos. 318 and 319 answered with Question No. 300.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (320, 327)
James Browne
Ceist:320. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider the inclusion in the demonstration project of persons under 18 years of age as eligible for receipt of a personalised budget with regard to the provision of personalised budgets for persons with a disability, as recommended by the task force on personalised budgets to the Minister of State for disability issues. [27500/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Mick Wallace
Ceist:327. Deputy Mick Wallace asked the Minister for Health if lower age limits will be imposed on personalised budgets for persons with disabilities; if personalised budgets will be available to children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27559/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 320 and 327 together.
I have received the Report of the Task Force on Personalised Budgets and am currently considering its recommendations.