Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1541. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of employing ten consultants on the average pay grade on a type A contract. [33339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (1541)
Freagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
Hospital Consultant Contracts
Ceisteanna (1542)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:1542. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of employing ten consultants on the average pay grade on a type B contract. [33340/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly on this matter.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1543)
Billy Kelleher
Ceist:1543. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if permission will be granted by the HSE to allow a group (details supplied) to use a room at St. Stephen's Hospital, Sarsfields Court, Glanmire, County Cork to convene its meetings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33341/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
Health Care Professionals
Ceisteanna (1544)
Thomas P. Broughan
Ceist:1544. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the key regulations for qualification for homecare assistants employed by nursing homes and care companies; if there is a minimum requirement for 70% of the homecare assistant staff to be qualified with QQI level 5; if all professional care assistants are required to have this standard of education; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33345/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
For employment in the HSE, Health Care Assistants are required to hold the FETAC/QQI Health Care Support Level 5, Major Award. This broad training base provides an education in person centred care as well as a wide variety of aspects in patient care. Health Care Assistants perform a significant role as part of the multi disciplinary team in various services throughout the HSE. Health Care Assistants work under the supervision and direction of nursing staff. This is a very rewarding and enjoyable role but it is also a challenging role given the diversity of the patient health care needs.
The Deputy asks if all professional care assistants are required to have this standard of education. Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, provides that the HSE may ‘..give assistance to any person or body that provides or proposes to provide a service similar or ancillary to a service that the Executive may provide.’ Financial assistance is provided in the form of a grant. Any individuals employed by these organisations are not HSE employees. Consequently, it is a matter for the care companies concerned to ensure that the care workers possess the necessary qualifications, skills and attributes required to fully and effectively carry out the functions of the role.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1545)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:1545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with general practitioner representative bodies regarding the fees to be paid for the provision of abortion services; his plans to introduce a mandatory set fee in the event of an inability to reach agreement with general practitioner representatives on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33350/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government intends to introduce safe, accessible and patient-centred termination of pregnancy services on 1 January 2019.
Work is continuing on the legislation and planning for the implementation of these new services.
As is appropriate and correct, initial engagement has been with the medical colleges, including the Irish College of General Practitioners. There will be engagement in due course with other stakeholders, including GP contractor representatives.
The Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 is the legal basis for the setting and varying of contractor payments. The Act provides that the Minister, with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure, may set or vary fees to be paid to service providers.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1546)
Kathleen Funchion
Ceist:1546. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) continues to be on the waiting list for CAMHS and psychiatric services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33356/18]
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.
Nursing Home Services
Ceisteanna (1547)
Michael McGrath
Ceist:1547. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if there is an advocacy contact point within the HSE, his Department or the appropriate ombudsman for residents in long-stay facilities such as a nursing home who may wish to raise issues or have someone to represent them outside the long-stay facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33364/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland's health and personal social care services.
Since 2009 all nursing homes have been registered and inspected by HIQA. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive framework which includes the National Quality Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People and the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013. The regulations require that registered providers must ensure, in so far as is reasonably practical, ensure that a resident has access to independent advocacy services.
Nursing home providers are also required to provide an accessible and effective complaints procedure which includes an appeal procedure.
If a resident in a long stay facility has a concern, it should in the first instance be taken up with the nursing home provider. The Office of the Ombudsman can examine complaints about the actions of a range of public bodies as well as complaints relating to the administrative actions of private nursing homes. The Office of the Ombudsman normally only deals with a complaint once the individual has already gone through the complaints procedure of the private nursing home concerned.
Hospital Staff Data
Ceisteanna (1548)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:1548. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there are unfilled authorised posts in a hospital (details supplied); if so, the number of unfilled whole-time equivalent posts in the hospital, including nursing posts, consultants and non-consultant hospital doctors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33367/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Medicinal Products Reimbursement
Ceisteanna (1549)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:1549. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he has announced that some women with cervical cancer will receive free access to the drug Pembrolizumab while the HSE confirms that other women with cervical cancer will not get free access to this drug; if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33373/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of its response to the controversy surrounding CervicalCheck, the Government agreed to put in place a package of support measures for those women affected and their families. As part of this package, all out of pocket medical costs incurred by the women affected will be met to the extent that they are not already covered either under existing public schemes or any private health insurance policy that an individual might hold. This commitment includes medicines which might not be approved for reimbursement once they are prescribed by the treating clinician. Although not specifically referenced, Pembrolizumab would be encompassed under this aspect of the support package.
The establishment of such a comprehensive support package was an exceptional measure that reflected the impact of the lack of disclosure of the result of clinical audit and the ensuing controversy on individual women and their families. The statutory responsibility of the HSE for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, remains unchanged.
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). Pembrolizumab is currently reimbursed for the following indications:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as monotherapy is indicated for the treatment of advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as monotherapy is indicated for the first-line treatment of metastatic non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) in adults whose tumours express PD-L1 with a 50% tumour proportion score (TPS) with no EGFR or ALK positive tumour mutations.
I have been informed by the HSE that they are currently deliberating on the following indications for reimbursement:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma who have failed autologous stem cell transplant and brentuximab vedotin (BV), or who are transplant-ineligible and have failed BV.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as a monotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC in adults whose tumours express PD-L1 with a 1% TPS and who have received at least one prior chemotherapy regimen. Patients with EGFR or ALK positive tumour mutations should also have received targeted therapy before receiving Keytruda.
The NCPE recently completed a health technology assessment (HTA) for the latter indication and recommended that pembrolizumab (Keytruda) be considered for reimbursement if cost-effectiveness can be improved relative to existing treatments. The HSE will now evaluate this application for reimbursement in line with criteria laid out within the 2013 Act before making a final reimbursement decision.
In addition to this, the HSE have commissioned HTAs on the following indications:
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the first-line treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who are not eligible for cisplatin-containing chemotherapy.
- Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) as monotherapy for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma in adults who have received prior platinum-containing chemotherapy.
There are no other indications for Pembrolizumab approved in the European Union at this time.
It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the case of an individual patient, although I would note that Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 precludes me from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
Medical Aids and Appliances Applications
Ceisteanna (1550)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1550. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a hearing aid by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33383/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (1551)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:1551. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary care centre in Monaghan town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33385/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, my Department has asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (1552)
John Brassil
Ceist:1552. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting as of 1 July 2018 or the nearest available date for an ultrasound procedure at Kerry University Hospital in waiting periods (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33391/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (1553)
John Brassil
Ceist:1553. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting as of 1 July 2018 or the nearest available date for a MRI procedure at Kerry University Hospital in waiting periods (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33392/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (1554)
John Brassil
Ceist:1554. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting as of 1 July 2018 or the nearest available date for an orthopaedic outpatient appointment at Kerry University Hospital in waiting periods (details supplied), in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33394/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Improving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the Programme for Government.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with their National Service Plan targets, reduce the growth in the number of patients waiting for outpatient services, improve the accuracy of the waiting list, and trial a number of NTPF funded interventions, including weekend and out of hours clinics.
The NTPF advise that the waiting periods for Orthopaedic Outpatient appointments at Kerry University Hospital from the end of June are as follows:
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
15-18 Months |
18+ Months |
Total |
|
518 |
396 |
358 |
372 |
286 |
205 |
406 |
2541 |
Home Care Packages Provision
Ceisteanna (1555)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:1555. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who is currently in a step down facility at Cedar Ward, Mount Carmel Hospital, has a care package in place to enable them to return home; the hours involved in the package per day and week, respectively; and when they will be put in place. [33396/18]
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.
Mental Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (1556)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:1556. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if funding will be restored to ensure the continuation of a service (details supplied) which provides immediate access to psychological services for children under its care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33397/18]
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.
Mobility Allowance Eligibility
Ceisteanna (1557)
Mary Butler
Ceist:1557. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a mobility allowance payment restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33412/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in February 2013.
Since the closure of the Mobility Allowance, the Government has directed that the Health Service Executive should continue to pay an equivalent monthly payment of up to €208.50 per month to the 4,046 people (4,700 in 2013) in receipt of the Mobility Allowance, on an interim basis, pending the establishment of a new Transport Support Scheme.
The Government decided that the detailed preparatory work required for a new Transport Support Scheme and associated statutory provisions should be progressed by the Minister for Health. The Programme for a Partnership Government acknowledges the ongoing drafting of primary legislation for a new Transport Support Scheme, to assist those with a disability to meet their mobility costs. The Health (Transport Support) Bill is on the list of priority legislation for publication in the Spring / Summer session 2018.
My colleague, the Minister for Health and I recently brought a Memorandum to Government for proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet agenda on 8 May last. I intend to revert to Government with revised proposals to reflect the discussion at Cabinet, in due course.
While I cannot comment on the specific proposals under consideration, I can confirm that the proposals seek to ensure that:
- There is a firm statutory basis to the Scheme's operation;
- There is transparency and equity in the eligibility criteria attaching to the Scheme;
- Resources are targeted at those with the greatest needs; and
- The Scheme is capable of being costed and is affordable on its introduction and on an ongoing basis.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
As the Mobility Allowance is paid by the Health Service Executive (HSE) I have referred this question to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1558)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1558. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33415/18]
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.
Health Services Funding
Ceisteanna (1559)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:1559. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 230 of 1 May 2018, if he will provide a breakdown of the figure for individual service user supports for a person (details supplied). [33419/18]
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.