Written Answers Nos. 441-466
441. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the paediatric unit in the National Rehabilitation Hospital has suspended its services due to a key member of staff being on extended leave (details supplied); and if the paediatrician will be replaced in the near future in order for children to avail of the service. [37218/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
442. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in a person (details supplied) receiving speech and language and occupational therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37234/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
443. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans for respite care in County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37244/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
444. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for respite for both adults and children in each county; and the number of staff working to provide respite in County Meath for each of the past five years. [37256/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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.
445. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the services located in County Meath for children and adults who are taking drugs; the rehabilitation services in each of the main towns in County Meath for children and adults; and the supports for parents of children who are addicted to drugs in County Meath. [37261/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs these are service matters, they have been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
446. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his plans to lower the prescription charges for certain persons (details supplied). [37263/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical card holders are required to pay a prescription charge of €2.00 per item for medicines and other prescription items supplied to them by community pharmacists under the General Medical Services scheme. This charge is subject to a monthly cap of €20 for each person or family.Any future changes to the prescription charge is a matter which I intend to consider in the context of the implementation of the Health commitments in the Programme for Government and having regard to the funding available to facilitate such measures.
447. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in smear test results (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37265/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOver the past number of months, CervicalCheck laboratory activity has been significantly above normal levels. This is a result both of out-of-cycle smears and increased uptake generally. This has impacted turnaround times for results of smear tests. CervicalCheck has advised that, while normally a smear test result would be received within 4-6 weeks of a test, it may currently take up to 15 weeks from the time of a smear test until receipt of the results. This is a priority concern, and I am advised that every effort is being made to ensure that tests are processed as quickly as possible, having regard to the high standards required for testing.
I am also advised that, in a small number of cases, certain smears may have to be retaken. This can occur where the smear is not sufficient for reading, the smear has expired for various reasons or the slide is damaged. I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in this regard.
448. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health when a response to Parliamentary Question No. 585 of 10 July 2018 (details supplied) will issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37270/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhile the HSE has responsibility for the provision of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, I undertook to pursue this matter on behalf of the Deputy.
I have been advised by the HSE that, in line with the Primary Care Network plan developed for the Midlands area, the HSE does not have plans to develop a new health centre or community health facility in the Killucan/Rathwire area.
449. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the selection process regarding persons to be reviewed by the primary care reimbursement service, PCRS, for eligibility for a medical card; if he will re-examine the way in which persons are selected for review; if he will amend the process to ensure that those who have been reviewed in a given year are not selected for review in the same year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37275/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the administration of the medical card scheme comes under the remit of the HSE, a copy of the Deputy's question has been forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.
450. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will seek assistance from the HSE to enable a feasibility study to be carried out into a property (details supplied) in the ownership of the HSE and his Department; and if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the necessary request was made to the HSE but no response was received. [37276/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the health care property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
451. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be allocated additional hours care in the evenings under the assisted living-independent living program operated by the sensory and disability department of the HSE in County Sligo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37277/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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
452. 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. [37278/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
453. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 980 of 17 April 2018, when a person (details supplied) in County Kildare will be referred to a specialist in view of their urgent need. [37281/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
454. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the status of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire; if services have or are being reduced at the hospital; and his views on a matter (details supplied). [37284/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
455. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if there is assistance with the cost of specialised shoes available for a child (details supplied) in County Kildare. [37290/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
456. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the request by an organisation (details supplied) in relation to the need to provide additional funding for specific health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37300/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs a response to the challenges facing people with dementia and their families and carers, the National Dementia Strategy was launched in December 2014. The Strategy contains 35 priority and additional actions and its implementation is being led by the National Dementia Office in the HSE. The office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Progress made to date and future plans, are recorded in the mid-term review of the Strategy's implementation, which was published in May this year.
The Strategy’s implementation was boosted at the time of its launch through a joint programme of investment by the HSE and the Atlantic Philanthropies. This €27.5 million investment allowed for a number of key actions within the strategy to be resourced and implemented. It funded the PREPARED programme, which offers education and clinical resources for GPs and Primary Care Teams; intensive homecare packages for people with dementia; the Understand Together awareness campaign; and the establishment of the National Dementia Office, which has an important role in implementing the Strategy. The Office has made substantial progress towards developing evidence-based care pathways for people with dementia. Additional projects are being funded through €6.26 million in Dormant Accounts funding secured by the Department of Health in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 Dormant Accounts Fund Action Plans.
In 2016 and 2017, the National Dementia Office partnered with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland on a project to map dementia-specific community-based services and supports. It provides a useful snapshot and baseline study into what, where and when dementia services are being offered. The study has also been used to inform a service finder hosted on the National Dementia Office’s website. This allows people to search for dementia-specific community services in their area. There are gaps in access to services and a large variance in what services are provided across the country. The National Dementia Office has met with senior HSE officials in each Community Healthcare Organisation region to highlight gaps in each area and to develop local action plans to improve service provision.
The National Dementia Office has also developed a needs analysis framework to support local dementia service planning and development. This framework is a mechanism to help the Office direct time, energy and resources into dementia care that most appropriately meets the needs of people with dementia. It will be used to make dementia service development more responsive and consistent across the country.
The National Dementia Strategy calls for the HSE to consider the provision of dementia advisers, based on the experience of demonstrator sites. In order to fully capture the experience of demonstrator sites and inform the future development of this service, the National Dementia Office commissioned an external evaluation of the service. The evaluation, by University College Cork, began in November 2017 and is expected to be finalised by September 2018. Initial results indicate that a majority of people with dementia are satisfied with the information, advice, support and signposting provided by dementia advisers. The service has brought normality to their lives, provided understanding about dementia and given people with dementia the confidence to ask questions. The appointment of additional dementia advisers will be considered when the results of this evaluation are available.
A priority action in the National Dementia Strategy is the appointment of key workers to coordinate each patient's care and promote continuity, and ensure that the patient knows who to access for information and advice. It is proposed that the key worker will be responsible for the coordinated planning and delivery of individually tailored care plans, developed in consultation with the person, their family carers and a range of health and social care practitioners. The key worker will also provide expert knowledge and leadership in dementia.
The Department of Health has secured funding through the 2018 Dormant Accounts Action Plan to continue funding in 2019 for the Dementia Community Activation Coordinator post which has been co-funded through a partnership between the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and the HSE during 2018. The Community Activation Coordinator is working with national organisations and key community stakeholders to support community dementia champions across Ireland. The Coordinator will seek to grow the number of champions and people within communities to take action to create sustainable dementia inclusive communities.
With regard to the specific requests for funding referred to by the Deputy, the level of funding available for the Department of Health in 2019 and the quantum of services to be provided by the HSE will be considered as part of the national Estimates and budgetary process and National Service Planning.
458. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of women who received mesh implants here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37303/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra459. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the concerns of women who had mesh implant procedures carried out here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37304/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 458 and 459 together.
As Minister for Health I am committed to putting in place the measures necessary to ensure that both the current use of Transvaginal mesh implants (TVMIs) in surgical procedures in Ireland, and the ongoing clinical management of women who have had these procedures in the past are in line with international best practice and emerging evidence. At my request, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) is preparing a report which will make recommendations in relation to the clinical and technical issues involved. I am informed that following policy actions in relation to mesh by health authorities in the NHS and in Northern Ireland in July 2018, as set out below, further engagements with the HSE, the Health Products Regulatory Agency, the professional bodies and colleagues in other jurisdictions were needed for the purpose of finalising the report. I am informed that the CMO’s Report is anticipated to be completed in the coming weeks.
Pending finalisation of the report, a number of significant system actions in relation to mesh implants have already been advanced.
The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the Health Service Executive on 20 July 2018 to request that the Executive put immediate measures in place to:
1. Pause the use of all procedures involving uro-gynaecological/transvaginal mesh implants for the management of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in HSE funded hospitals, in cases where it is clinically appropriate and safe to do so.
2. Ensure that in situations where expert clinical judgment is that there is an urgency to carry out the procedure and no suitable alternative exists, surgery should proceed only if a delay would risk harm to the patient and should be based on multidisciplinary team decision and fully informed consent.
This pause is to remain in place pending confirmation of implementation by the Health Service Executive, working in conjunction with the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), of three urgent recommendations relating to:
(i) Surgical Training,
(ii) Informed Consent and
(iii) the Development of an agreed Dataset of Mesh Procedures.
The Department also wrote to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland and the Continence Foundation of Ireland on requesting that they assist the HSE in progressing these recommendations on an urgent basis.
The HSE has published information for patients on its website concerning the pause.
It is acknowledged that there may be concerns that restricting the availability of mesh procedures, particularly SUI mesh procedures, which are widely accepted to be less invasive and more effective than non-mesh alternatives will delay access to treatment procedures for distressing symptoms. Advice received in relation to this is that uro-gynaecological mesh procedures are largely elective procedures and it is not anticipated that a postponement of weeks / months will materially affect health outcomes for the majority of women affected. Given the limited number of surgeons and units carrying out these procedures in HSE funded hospitals, it is anticipated that the Executive will be in a position to indicate to the Department that these recommendations have been implemented within a number of months.
The decision to institute a pause in vaginal mesh procedures in HSE funded hospitals followed a review by Department officials, together with representatives of the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), of the NHS England decision of Tuesday 10 July to institute a similar ‘pause’ in their use. This decision in the NHS followed a recommendation by the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) Review established in February 2018 by the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, the Rt. Hon Jeremy Hunt MP. On Wednesday July 11, a pause was instigated by health authorities in Northern Ireland.
It has been clarified by the NHS that there is no concurrent change in the evidence base concerning these devices. The recommendations of the IMMDS to NHS England arose because of a lack of certainty or confidence that critical clinical governance measures to assure the safety of mesh procedures are demonstrably in place. The Department considers that similar concerns in relation to the visibility and consistency of such measures apply equally in the public health system here.
There is understandable public and patient anxiety about the ongoing safety of mesh devices in light of the considerable publicity that this issue has received and this has been heightened by recent developments in the NHS. It is important that this be addressed as comprehensively as possible. A pause on the use of mesh procedures, pending confirmation by the Executive that the recommendations as set out above have been implemented, is considered proportionate and necessary to provide public assurance that these procedures are being carried out in accordance with internationally accepted good practice.
The advice of the HPRA to the Department is that it is supports a temporary restriction on all procedures involving uro-gynaecological/transvaginal mesh implants, pending the introduction of the further clinical mechanisms proposed relating to the delivery of care for patients. The regulatory status of uro-gynaecological mesh implants at a European level remains unchanged in that they are CE marked medical devices. As such, the benefit-risk profile for the devices is considered positive. Ensuring that the use of transvaginal mesh is appropriate and as safe as possible requires, not only that the device is safe and performs as intended, but also that the healthcare system has appropriate measures for patient selection, treatment and follow-up in place.
In relation to the provision of appropriate aftercare for women suffering from mesh complications, including appropriate diagnostic facilities, this has already been identified as one of two priority recommendations for immediate advancement by the Executive in the course of preparation of the CMO’s report. The CMO wrote to the Acting Director General of the HSE, and to the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (IOG), the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), and the Continence Foundation of Ireland (CFI) on May 28 2018, requesting that the Executive commence work on (i) the development of appropriate patient information resources and consent materials and (ii) clarification and development of treatment pathways and appropriate referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications, in conjunction with the IOG, the RCSI and the CFI.
The HSE has confirmed that work has commenced by the National Women and Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) in the HSE to progress all of the recommendations above. A Learning Notice concerning mesh devices in uro-gynaecological procedures was circulated by the NWIHP on 26 June 2018 to all maternity hospitals and acute hospitals with gynaecological services to highlight the importance of appropriate patient selection, adequate information and consent and also to inform the service providers that a Response Group has been convened to propose remedies for and address the provision of aftercare for complications. This learning notice has been posted on the NWIHP website.
The experiences of women concerned will be an essential element to informing the assessment of need and identifying the aftercare services required. I am informed that a Synthetic Mesh Devices Advisory Group has been convened by the NWIHP which includes three patient representatives, as well as representatives of the HPRA, the IOG, the RCSI, the CFI and all Hospital Groups to advise on and action all of the recommendations.
This work is ongoing and will include identifying the appropriate specialist clinical expertise and facilities required at hospital group level and nationally to provide comprehensive aftercare services. It will also include an examination of the role of and requirement for specialist diagnostic services such as translabial scanning. The outcome of this work will clarify if there is a need to look at sourcing services from abroad to address any shortfalls identified at national level, either through utilisation of the treatment abroad scheme or by commissioning services from abroad.
The information provided by the HSE is that approximately 700-800 procedures are carried out annually for pelvic organ prolapse repair and similar numbers of sling procedures for stress urinary incontinence are performed. However, the HSE Hospital In-patient Enquiry (HIPE) system does not record the numbers of these procedures that involve the implantation of a mesh device.
The HSE advice is that all patients who have experienced complications due to mesh devices are advised to contact their consultant’s clinic in the first instance. Each hospital group has nominated an individual to coordinate a response to this group of patients. If patients are having trouble accessing information they can contact the National Women & Infants Health Programme at smi.nwihp@hse.ie for help.
460. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation in north County Dublin by which home care hours have been allocated and approved and carers are available and ready to do the work but the funding has not been approved; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that there are several persons waiting for funding to be approved in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
461. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the original budgeted cost of building the national children's hospital; the cost incurred to date on the project; if it is in-budget when compared to the original budget; if not, the amount by which it overspent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37310/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced in April 2017, the budgeted capital cost of the design, build and equipment programme for which the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) is responsible is €983m, of which €916m is Exchequer capital and €67m is to be funded through commercial and philanthropy sources. The total budgeted capital cost for the delivery of the project is of €1.07bn (€983m for all elements of construction costs and equipping and €88.3m for ICT).
Capital expenditure to date on the St James's site and urgent care centres at Connolly and Tallaght is €197.8m and is in line with the expected expenditure profile.
462. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the original planned completion date for the national children's hospital; the current estimated completion date for the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37311/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs announced in April 2017, the new children’s hospital was scheduled to be open by the end of 2021. The construction contract for the building of the new children’s hospital and associated Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centres contract were signed in August 2017. At that time, the agreed contract timeline was extended to ensure full alignment in construction timetables for the contractor and specialist sub-contractors. The projected practical completion date for the new hospital is March 2022, allowing for the opening of the main hospital in Q3 2022.
The Paediatric Outpatients and Urgent Care Centre at Connolly is scheduled to open in 2019 followed by the Centre at Tallaght in 2020 in advance of the opening of the main hospital in 2022.
463. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the waiting times for an early intervention assessment in the CHO Dublin north city is 29 months; the steps being taken to improve these waiting times; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
464. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the radiology department in Beaumont Hospital is working in a safe and efficient manner; his views on whether all patients and in particular those referred through the family history section are being cared for in a conscientious way; if so, the number of persons who have experienced lost or unscheduled check-up appointments; and if there is an investigation into the experience of patients at either department [37324/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
465. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the steps that have been taken to ensure the supply of medication in the event of a no-deal Brexit scenario; if the contingency plans that are put in place will ensure that there will be no interruption or disturbance in the supply of medication and drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37329/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra529. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the plans he and the medical profession are making to ensure that Brexit does not interfere with the supply of essential medicines and treatments to persons; the risk assessments taking place on access to treatments, supplements and so on from the UK; if alternative supply sources are being investigated to ensure that there is no blockage in the supply chain; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37533/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra531. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to media reports of stockpiling of medicine in the lead-up to Brexit and fears regarding a hard Brexit; the work being undertaken to ensure that there is no issue with accessing medicines, treatments, food supplements and so on from the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37535/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 465, 529 and 531 together.
In co-ordination with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Department of Health and its agencies, including the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, are engaging in intensive Brexit preparedness and contingency planning in the area of health. This includes planning for a no-deal Brexit scenario.
A number of issues are being examined and contingency planning for a range of eventualities is under way. One key issue will be to ensure that there is minimum disruption to health services and that essential services are maintained on a cross-Border, all-island and Ireland-UK basis.
Priorities include ensuring continuity in the supply of medicines/medical devices, ensuring access to services, recognition of qualifications, continuation of existing cross border health co-operation and public health arrangements.
In addition to working with the relevant agencies, the Department of Health will continue to support the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in its engagements with the European Commission’s Article 50 Taskforce and its Brexit Preparedness Unit.
466. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37336/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
