Written Answers Nos. 494-519
494. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health when a decision on granting Sligo University Hospital a dedicated catheterisation laboratory service will be made (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37435/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services is ongoing and it is expected that the work will be completed by the end of June 2019.
The aim of the Review is to achieve the optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service.
As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in cardiac catheterisation laboratories and other cardiac services infrastructure nationally will be informed by the outcome of the National Review.
495. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has to wait so long to get an appointment with the Cavan Monaghan child development team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37443/18]
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.
496. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position relating to the mobile laboratory situated at University Hospital Waterford which was swapped out on 17 August 2018 for servicing; the capabilities of the mobile laboratory; if it can perform diagnostic work in addition to intervention; and when this service will be available to persons in County Waterford and the south east. [37447/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra497. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding plans to have a modular catheterisation laboratory installed at University Hospital Waterford; the status of the design work, planning, procurement and regulations; the expected date for this laboratory to be on site; and his plans to recruit the appropriate medical staff to service this unit. [37448/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 496 and 497 together.
A mobile cath lab has been deployed at University Hospital Waterford (UHW) since October 2017 to conduct diagnostic cardiac procedures. Last month, it was replaced by the provider with a relocatable cath lab, operating on the same basis as the mobile cath lab, i.e., it is managed by three diagnostic cardiologists, operates Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and carries out diagnostic cardiology procedures only.
I am eager that a cath lab capable of undertaking interventional procedures is operational in UHW in order to address waiting times at the hospital and provide a better service for the people of Waterford and the South East. Interventional procedures can be provided in both relocatable and modular cath labs where additional facilities and staff are available.
The contractual arrangements currently in place at UHW are for the provision of a unit capable of carrying out diagnostic cardiac procedures only.
In order to comply with public procurement guidelines, the procurement of a cath lab for UHW that is capable of undertaking interventional procedures must be carried out through a new procurement process rather than through an extension of the current contract.
All options for the provision of interventional procedures will be considered, taking into account timescales for delivery, cost and the additional staff and facilities required. The HSE has submitted its proposed new service developments for 2019 to the Department and the estimated cost of providing interventional procedures in a relocatable or modular cath lab is being considered as part of the 2019 estimates and capital planning processes.
As set out in the National Development Plan 2018-2027, investment in cardiac cath labs and other cardiac services infrastructure nationally will be informed by the outcome of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services, which is expected to be complete by June 2019.
In the meantime, the relocatable lab remains on site and the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services continues to progress.
498. 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. [37454/18]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
500. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the medicines that are available to other members of the BeNeLuxA initiative that are not available here; the reason for this difference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37459/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe challenge of securing affordable access to innovate medicines is not unique to Ireland. On the 22 June 2018, I signed the Beneluxa Initiative on Pharmaceutical Policy to work with Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This Agreement is in line with my objective to work with other European countries to identify workable solutions, in an increasingly challenging environment, to secure timely access for patients to new medicines in an affordable and sustainable way.
The BeNeLuxA collaboration was established in 2015, with a view to taking a collective approach to pharmaceutical procurement and evaluation. This Initiative seeks to enhance patients' access to high quality and affordable treatments, improve the payers' position in the market through joint negotiations, increase transparency on pricing between the collaborating countries, share policy expertise and focus on knowledge building.
This Initiative is well established, with clear goals and a pragmatic approach to delivering on its objectives. Four areas of collaboration has been identified: horizon scanning, health technology assessment, information sharing and policy exchange and joint price negotiations.
The Beneluxa Initiative on Pharmaceutical Policy will have an important role to play in securing faster access to innovative medicines and provide important platforms in which to strengthen the policy mix and deliver on the shared objective of securing access to high cost, innovative treatments at affordable prices. The patients is at the centre of this collaborative international approach.
Members of the Beneluxa Initiative will work closely together to identify pragmatic solutions to the challenges which we all now face with medicine pricing, sustainability and supply.
Medicine reimbursement is a national competency of individual countries. My Department does not collect data on the reimbursement lists of other States.
503. Deputy Seán Barrett asked the Minister for Health the position regarding an ophthalmology appointment for a person (details supplied) with the Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37463/18]
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.
504. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) can be assessed by the local mental health services team in County Leitrim and be considered for a social worker to assist the person with their ongoing needs such as housing and social protection applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37465/18]
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.
505. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason preventative treatment was not provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37466/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
506. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health if the inpatient paediatric unit at the National Rehabilitation Hospital is accepting new referrals; the status of the inpatient paediatric unit; the reason the unit was closed to new referrals; when the unit will be in a position to take new referrals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37469/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra507. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list in 2017 and to date in 2018 for the inpatient paediatric unit at the National Rehabilitation Hospital; the steps being taken to address growing waiting lists for this unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37470/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 506 and 507 together.
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 questions relate to service issues, I have arranged for them to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
508. Deputy Eugene Murphy asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to support the implementation of the national policy and strategy for the provision of neuro-rehabilitation services in Ireland since 2011; when the implementation plan for these services will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37471/18]
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.
509. Deputy James Lawless 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. [37472/18]
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.
510. 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. [37473/18]
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.
511. Deputy Peter Fitzpatrick asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37475/18]
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.
512. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health if the review of hospital car parking charges has been completed in August 2018 as expected; if so, the next steps to be undertaken to establish clear national guidelines in this area; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37477/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEarly this year I requested the HSE to undertake a review of car parking charges in public hospitals. I understand that this report is currently being finalised by the HSE and will be submitted for my consideration shortly. My Department will then liaise with the HSE on the next steps to be undertaken.
513. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the progress he has made with the HSE and the NTPF to finalise an outpatient action plan for 2018 in order to reduce the growth in the number of persons waiting for outpatient services, improve the accuracy of the waiting lists and trial a number of NTPF-funded interventions, including weekend and out-of-hours clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37479/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that, nationally, the Outpatient waiting list is a challenge to be addressed in 2018. Waiting times can often unacceptably long and I am conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
My Department, in consultation with the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund, is in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for the remainder of 2018 which I hope to publish shortly. The 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.
In addition, in June this year I approved the establishment of a Central Waiting List Validation function with the NTPF. The new Office will deliver a standardisation of approach of validation across all waiting lists and all hospitals in line with the best patient-centred practices. The validation of waiting lists will better inform the true demand for hospital services and enable improved efficiency and patient scheduling.
Furthermore, the NTPF has recently commenced trialling a number of outpatient interventions, including weekend and out of hours clinics. The NTPF has invited proposals from hospital groups and to date this has resulted in the approval of 12,600 outpatient appointments.
514. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 362 of 12 July 2018, the number of procedures carried out to date (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37480/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government and €50 million was provided to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) in 2018 to secure treatment for patients. The Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan, published last April outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018.
The Inpatient Day Case Waiting List figures published by the NTPF for August are showing an ongoing improvement with 74,189 patients waiting for hospital operations and procedures. This is a reduction of almost 10,000 (9,757) compared with August 2017.
There has been a significant reduction of almost 7,300 in the number of patients waiting longer than 9 months for an inpatient or day case procedure since this time last year.
The ongoing collaboration between the HSE and NTPF to maximise the number of patients treated in both public and private capacity has resulted in over 14,000 patients accepting an offer of treatment for a hospital procedure so far this year.
515. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health the actions and timeframe within which he plans to eliminate the additional home support services waiting list (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37493/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHome support services were a particular area of focus in Budget 2018, with an additional €18.25m allocated. The HSE’s 2018 National Service Plan provides for a target of some 17.094m home support hours to be provided to 50,500 people, which compares with last year’s 16.34m hours delivered to 50,000 people (home help and home care package funded hours combined). This is an increase of 754,000 hours to 500 more people. In addition, 235 intensive home care packages will provide 360,000 home support hours for people with complex needs. A further initiative saw 324 people being provided with home support services in the context of the adverse weather.
Despite this significant level of service provision, the demand for home support continues to grow. It is important to note that the allocation of funding for home support across the system, though significant, is finite and services must therefore be delivered within the funding available. In this context, I acknowledge that access to the service may take longer than we would like. However, the HSE monitors the delivery of home support on an on-going basis, to ensure that activity is maximised relative to individual clients’ assessed care needs within the overall available resources for home support and having regard to demand throughout the year. As part of the Estimates process, the Department is actively engaging with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in relation to funding for Older People Services in 2019, including home support services.
516. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that there will be an increase in core funding to both local and regional drug task forces as part of the budgetary process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37494/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraDrug and Alcohol Task Forces play a key role in assessing the extent and nature of the drug problem and in initiating appropriate responses, so that there is a coordinated approach involving all sectors to the problem of substance misuse in local communities. Over €27.6m has been allocated to Task Forces by the HSE and the Department of Health for community-based drugs initiatives this year. This level of funding is consistent with the amounts provided for the last four years.
An additional €250,000 in one off funding was provided in Budget 2018 to improve the organisational effectiveness of the Task Forces in implementing the national drugs strategy. Individual Task Forces can receive up to €10,000 in additional funding. Payment of this funding is currently being processed by my Department and the HSE.
I recently announced a further €290,000 in one off funding for Task Forces to support and enhance services addressing drug and alcohol misuse. This money will be allocated in quarter four of 2018. In addition, Task Forces will be consulted by the HSE on the provision of €710,000 in one off funding for priority projects and services in CHO areas.
The provision of additional funding for drug and alcohol addiction services, including Drug and Alcohol Task Forces, must be considered in the context of the estimates process for 2019. As the estimates process is ongoing it is not possible for me to comment in advance on the outcome of this process.
I strongly believe that resources should be directed towards interventions that are most effective in reducing problem substance use. Measuring the effectiveness of responses to the drug problem is therefore an important objective of public policy. Towards this end, my Department will develop a performance measurement system by 2020 which will improve accountability across all sectors, including the Task Forces.
517. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Health when he expects the Health Information and Quality Authority to complete a health technology assessment on extending the school immunisation programme to include HPV vaccination for boys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37496/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). NIAC is a committee of the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland comprising of experts in a number of specialties (including infectious diseases, paediatrics and public health), the recommendations of which are informed by public health advice and international best practice. NIAC has recommended that the HPV vaccine should be given to boys.
Following from the above, my Department requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) in relation to extending the national immunisation schedule to include human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination of boys, the purpose of which is to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of providing the vaccine to boys and will also provide advice on how it should be implemented. The decision to extend the current school immunisation programme (which is currently provided to all girls in their first year of second-level education) to boys will be informed by the evidence contained in the HTA. HIQA has just completed a public consultation on the draft HTA on its website (www.hiqa.ie). HIQA is expected to submit the final recommendation following its Board meeting in November.
I have indicated that, subject to a favourable recommendation from the HTA, the Government will seek to extend this vaccine universally as a priority.
518. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his plans for the 2018 winter initiative; and the additional resources which will be put in place for services in County Louth as part of the initiative. [37497/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra519. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health his views on the claim by an organisation (details supplied) that the Health Service Executive cannot outline plans for the 2018 winter initiative; and the reason no plan has been outlined by the Health Service Executive to date. [37498/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.
Tackling overcrowding in EDs is a key commitment of this Government. I understand that preparations and planning have already begun at hospital and local level. My Department is working with the HSE to ensure that these local and regional plans are consolidated and supported through policies and plans at national level to ensure the most effective response to the winter challenges to unscheduled care provision.
Against this background, I am currently in the process of meeting with the chairs of the hospital groups and the chief officers of the community healthcare organisations to receive a briefing on their plans to respond to expected peak demand during the coming winter months.
