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Thursday, 4 Oct 2018

Written Answers Nos. 117-136

General Practitioner Data

Ceisteanna (117)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

117. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of general practitioner vacancies in each local health area. [40364/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for it to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Community Intervention Teams

Ceisteanna (118)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

118. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE community intervention teams nationwide; if there is one in each local health office, LHO; if not, the LHOs that do not have a community intervention team exclusive to their locale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40365/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (119)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

119. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40368/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (120)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

120. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); if a local placement in Castleblayney within the care pathway for this person will be arranged; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40369/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (121)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

121. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when a funding submission made to the HSE over a year and a half ago will be approved in view of the ongoing number facing long delays in accessing the local hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40370/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As previously outlined to the House, my Department has engaged with the HSE this year to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system, which can be opened and staffed in 2018 and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019.

My Department has received a proposal from the HSE to increase acute and community bed capacity, which identifies 609 acute beds and 290 residential care beds to be phased in between 2018 and 2020. This proposal, which includes a 20-bed short stay ward in Letterkenny University Hospital, is currently under consideration by my Department in the context of the 2019 Estimates Process.

Medicinal Products Reimbursement

Ceisteanna (122)

Danny Healy-Rae

Ceist:

122. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when funding for Spinraza to treat spinal muscular atrophy will be approved (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40379/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I do not have any statutory power or function in relation to reimbursement of medicines.

For a medicine to be considered for reimbursement by the HSE, it must first have a marketing authorisation from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) or the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), before being assessed under the 2013 Act.

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. This process ensures that only treatments that are clinical and cost effective are reimbursed.

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.

Nusinersen (Spinraza) is indicated for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder characterised by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness.

In May 2017, the EMA granted market authorisation for nusinersen and in October 2017, the HSE received a reimbursement application for nusinersen.

In December 2017, the NCPE completed a HTA of nusinersen and did not recommend reimbursement at the price submitted. No decision has been arrived as yet on the application for the reimbursement of nusinersen as the statutory process is still on-going.

Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (123)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

123. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment in each county; and the length of time these children are on the waiting lists. [40384/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (124)

Clare Daly

Ceist:

124. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health if, since the new standard operating guidelines for the assessment of need have been developed by the HSE, these guidelines have been relied on for children's assessments of need under the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40386/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Defibrillators Provision

Ceisteanna (125)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

125. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a club (details supplied) qualifies for the installation of a defibrillator; and if there is funding available for same. [40395/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Autism Incidence

Ceisteanna (126)

Aengus Ó Snodaigh

Ceist:

126. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults, respectively, in the Dublin 8, 10 and 12 areas who have been diagnosed on the autism spectrum disorder. [40398/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Emergency Departments Data

Ceisteanna (127)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

127. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who attended the accident and emergency department at Mayo University Hospital from 1 January 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40403/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Mayo University Hospital recorded a year-to-date total of 26,311 attendances in the first eight months of 2018. This represents an increase of 6.1% or 1,520 more patients in the first eight months of 2018 as compared to the same period last year.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (128)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

128. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists at Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40404/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Reducing 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.

Waiting list data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund shows that at the end of August 2018 there were 1,845 patients on the Inpatient/Daycase (IPDC) waiting list at Mayo General Hospital, representing an increase of 407 patients on the same period last year. It is of note that 83% of patients are waiting 9 months or less for treatment.

This year, Mayo General Hospital have submitted proposals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund to facilitate the provision of treatment for 255 long waiting Inpatient/Daycase patients.

Outpatient waiting list data for the end of August, shows that there were 8,244 patients waiting for an outpatient appoint at Mayo General Hospital, representing a slight increase of 4% on the same period last year.

In order to address the issue of growing outpatient waiting list numbers, the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for the remainder of 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with its 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.

Hospital Waiting Lists Data

Ceisteanna (129)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

129. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists at University Hospital Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40405/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Reducing 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.

Waiting list figures from the National Treatment Purchase Fund for the end of August 2018 show there were 10,181 patients on the Inpatient/Daycase (IPDC) waiting list, representing a reduction of 14% (1,631 patients) on the same period last year. The past year has seen improvements in the numbers waiting across the 6-24 months timebands. Over the past year, the numbers waiting 9 months or longer for treatment have reduced by 1,400 in real terms and from 41% to 34% of the overall waiting list.

The outpatient waiting list data of the end of August, shows that there were 39,883 patients waiting for an outpatient appointment at Galway University Hospital which is a slight increase of 2% on the same period last year.

This year, Galway University Hospital has submitted proposals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund to facilitate the provision of treatment for almost 900 long waiting Inpatient/Daycase patients and a further 560 outpatients.

In order to address the issue of growing outpatient waiting list numbers, the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for the remainder of 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with its 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.

Hospital Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (130, 133)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

130. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when the modular unit that was promised two years ago for Mayo University Hospital's emergency department will be built; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40406/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

133. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans for both the present and future of Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40409/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 130 and 133 together.

As Minister for Health, I am committed to continuing the effort to address overcrowding in our EDs, and in particular, improving the capacity of the system to respond during periods of peak demand. My Department has engaged with the HSE this year 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. The proposal from the HSE to increase acute and community bed capacity includes 20 additional in-patient beds in Mayo University Hospital to be delivered through a modular build programme. This proposal is currently under consideration by my Department.

Reducing 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.

This year, Mayo University Hospital have submitted proposals to the National Treatment Purchase Fund to facilitate the provision of treatment for long waiting Inpatient/Daycase patients.

In addition, in order to address the issue of growing outpatient waiting list numbers, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for the remainder of 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with its 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.

Home Care Packages Data

Ceisteanna (131)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

131. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the home care waiting list in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40407/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Emergency Departments Data

Ceisteanna (132)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

132. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health if the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital is operating over capacity to date in 2018; if so, the figure by which it is over capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40408/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Question No. 133 answered with Question No. 130.

Hospital Staff Data

Ceisteanna (134)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

134. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies in Mayo University Hospital; the list of vacant posts; the reason for the vacant posts; the length of time they have been vacant; when the posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40410/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Primary Care Centres Staff

Ceisteanna (135)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

135. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of vacant posts in the primary care centre in Ballinrobe; when these posts will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40411/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Ceisteanna (136)

Lisa Chambers

Ceist:

136. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adolescents in County Mayo receiving counselling and services from the child and adolescent mental health services; the number of staff providing these services in County Mayo; the number of children and adolescents who are on a waiting list to receive such services in County Mayo; the number of children receiving treatment in adult mental health services in County Mayo; the average wait time on this list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40412/18]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

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