Catherine Connolly
Ceist:345. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of abolishing inpatient charges for cancer patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41744/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Charges
Ceisteanna (345)
Freagraí scríofa
The Health Act 1970 (as amended) provides that all persons ordinarily resident in the country are eligible, subject to certain charges, to public in-patient hospital services. The current public hospital statutory in-patient charge is €80 per day, subject to a maximum of €800 in any period of 12 consecutive months. All persons accessing public in-patient services in a public hospital are liable for the statutory public-inpatient charge, subject to a number of exemptions, including where a person is a medical cardholder. There are currently no plans to exempt further categories of patients from the public in-patient charge.
Hospital charges represent a nominal yet important contribution towards the cost of providing public hospital services. Any curtailment of this funding stream would put further pressure on the Exchequer and the taxpayer in order to maintain service levels.
In terms of the cost of abolishing the in-patient charge for the category of patient specified by the Deputy, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (346)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:346. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of abolishing inpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41745/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2018 the HSE estimates that €23 million will be raised through the statutory in-patient charge, and a further €16m through the out-patient charge in Acute Hospitals.
A further €15m is estimated to be raised in the community sector.
Therefore it would cost approximately €54m to abolish these charges.
Drugs Payment Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (347)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:347. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if the drug refund scheme will be extended to include drugs prescribed outside the State for persons accessing IVF treatment abroad; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41746/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement for the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Assisted Human Reproduction Services Provision
Ceisteanna (348)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:348. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if fertility treatment will be offered to women with conditions such as endometriosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41747/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, in October last year, the Government approved the drafting of a Bill based on the published General Scheme on assisted human reproduction (AHR) and associated areas of research. The introduction of legislation in relation to AHR and associated research is a priority for me and officials in my Department are engaging with the Office of the Attorney General in relation to the process of drafting this Bill.
In order to support the commencement of the legislation, officials in my Department are working with the HSE over the course of this year in developing a model of care for infertility to ensure the provision of safe, effective and accessible services through the public health system as part of the full range of services available in obstetrics and gynaecology.
Part of this work includes identifying policy options for a public funding model for AHR treatment. Once I have had the opportunity to consider these policy options I will bring a Memorandum to Government in relation to a model of care for infertility, including public funding for AHR treatment, for the Government's consideration. As such no specific decision has been made at this time in relation the parameters of any potential public funding model.
It should be noted that any funding model that may ultimately be introduced would need to operate within the broader regulatory framework set out in the AHR Bill and a model of care for infertility.
Currently, patients who access IVF treatment privately may claim tax relief on the costs involved under the tax relief for medical expenses scheme. In addition, a defined list of fertility medicines needed for fertility treatment is covered under the High Tech Scheme administered by the HSE. Medicines covered by the High Tech Scheme must be prescribed by a consultant/specialist and approved by the HSE ‘High Tech Liaison Officers’. The cost of the medicines is then covered, as appropriate, under the Medical Card or Drugs Payment Scheme. There is also a limited specialist AHR service available through the HSE, which provides funding for fertility preservation for cancer patients whose treatment is likely to impact on their future fertility.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (349)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:349. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41752/18]
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.
Infectious Diseases
Ceisteanna (350)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:350. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the development of a new sepsis screening tool (details supplied); if consideration is being given to utilise this new technology in the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41758/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Clinical Effectiveness Committee (NCEC) in the Department of Health has published a National Clinical Guideline on Sepsis ‘Sepsis Management, National Clinical Guideline No.6’ which was accredited by the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and is available on the Department of Health website. This guideline is currently being updated. As part of this updating process, the most recent international peer-reviewed evidence on the diagnosis and treatment of sepsis will be reviewed.
Ireland was a co-sponsor for the International Resolution on Sepsis, agreed at the World Health Assembly in 2017. A National Clinical Lead for sepsis has been appointed for Ireland. The HSE National Sepsis Programme produces an annual report on Sepsis outcomes, which is available on the HSE website.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (351)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:351. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the annual funding provided by his Department to the EU, healthcare innovation in the State, innovation hubs and healthcare projects innovating new products in Ireland in each of the years 2013 to 2017, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41760/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recognising the importance of healthcare innovation, the Government in 2016 approved the establishment of a National Health Innovation Hub, which is known as Health Innovation Hub Ireland (HIHI). HIHI is a joint initiative between my Department and the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation.
HIHI is a consortium led by University College Cork and comprising Cork Institute of Technology, National University of Ireland Galway & Trinity College Dublin. I officially launched HIHI in University College Cork in September 2016.
The aim of the initiative is to drive collaboration between the health service and the enterprise sector and the development and commercialisation of new healthcare technologies, products and services emerging from within the health service, and/or the enterprise sector. HIHI is built on the recognition that collaboration with enterprise can benefit patient care, patient pathways and outcomes.
The objectives behind the development of a Health Innovation Hub are:
- to allow healthcare companies to deliver commercial products and services more quickly by giving them appropriate access to the health service in order to test and validate and refine products in a real life environment.
- to allow the health service to find efficiencies and improvements (including to services and patient outcomes) by facilitating the HSE and hospitals to engage with innovative companies creating solutions to problems they face, and
- to support the adoption/commercialisation of new innovations developed by healthcare practitioners inside the healthcare service
HIHI has issued two calls, the first in 2016 and a second once which just closed in August 2018. I recently opened the second office of HIHI in St James Hospital, Dublin. Since its establishment HIHI has managed 200 company engagements, ran 25 studies in Irish healthcare settings, 72 companies receiving follow up support through HIHI. The recent HIHI call has shown a 46 % increase in applications to the HIHI national call aimed at companies, start-ups, SMEs compared with 2016.
A core part of HIHI in Dublin is the design and delivery of an education programmes for those working in Irish healthcare that will build a sustainable culture of improvement and innovation. It is hoped that people who participate in these programmes then become catalysts for innovation within the health system.
HIHI was awarded €5 million in funding by Enterprise Ireland for five years IN 2016. In addition the HSE is receiving €0.260m annually since 2017 to support the provision of 3.9 FTE to HIHI. Importantly the HSE also provides significant in-kind support to the Hub.
eHealth Ireland, the body tasked with the promotion and implementation of the eHealth agenda in Ireland, supports innovation in eHealth through a series of events including the eHealth ecosystem, the annual 'Health Innovation Week' and hosting 'Innovation Challenges' across Ireland to encourage entrepreneurs, technologists and health care innovators both within the HSE and externally the opportunity and environment to develop their ideas and concepts further.
My Department, in co-operation with the HSE and eHealth Ireland, has made considerable progress to introduce technological improvements to our health services with the aim of improving patient safety and efficiencies. eHealth Ireland trial new ICT technology through their Quality Innovation Corridor (QIC) technology programme which has a maximum funding application amount of €25k each. The programme is primarily aimed at the assessment of the application of new technology, rather than for the innovation of new products. I have been advised that each QIC application is appraised on its merits and as such, expenditure is made on a case-by-case basis. Since it is not readily available, I have asked the HSE to collate the expenditure information and to forward it to the Deputy.
I also understand that my Department does not provide funding directly to the European Union for innovation.
Alcohol Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (352)
Maureen O'Sullivan
Ceist:352. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if the provision of resources to the HSE and-or local authorities to set up daytime activity centres for the significant cohort of street drinkers in Dublin’s inner city will be considered. [41767/18]
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.
The Deputy is advised that local authorities come under the remit of my colleague the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (353)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:353. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for cataract surgery; when a reply will issue to the representation made on 2 October 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41773/18]
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.
Orthodontic Services
Ceisteanna (354)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:354. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called to receive braces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41777/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (355)
Peter Burke
Ceist:355. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied) [41782/18]
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.
Occupational Therapy Provision
Ceisteanna (356)
James Lawless
Ceist:356. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if an appointment with an occupational therapist will be expedited in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41786/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Treatment Abroad Scheme
Ceisteanna (357, 367)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:357. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his plans for those diagnosed with Lyme disease to receive funding for treatment abroad in view of the fact that there is no treatment for the disease available here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41787/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Healy-Rae
Ceist:367. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41876/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 357 and 367 together.
Testing and treatment for Lyme borreliosis is widely available in Ireland in all major hospitals. Lyme borreliosis is diagnosed by medical history and a physical examination. The infection is confirmed by blood tests which look for antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi produced by an infected person's body in response to the infection. These normally take several weeks to develop and may not be present in the early stages of the disease.
Laboratories in Ireland generally follow the laboratory testing recommendations of the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, the Infectious Disease Society of America, the European Federation of Neurological Societies, and the British Infection Association. Whereas Irish laboratories have their own quality assurance methods to make sure the tests are working correctly and are also accredited by the Irish National Accreditation Body to perform the relevant tests correctly, testing which is performed abroad may be performed in laboratories which have not met National or International Accreditation (Quality Standards) to a similar degree, giving rise to a greater degree of risk of diagnosis of a “false positive” result or interpreting equivocal results in a manner that is more likely to give rise to verification bias.
Best practice dictates that if a patient presents themselves in front of a GP or consultant in Ireland with a report/test from another EU member state and they are seeking ongoing treatment for a particular illness, the GP or consultant would examine the patient using both clinical and laboratory diagnostics confirmed before they would be in a position to prescribe a course of treatment for them. The same protocol would apply across most other EU member states as the GP or consultant would need to be totally satisfied that the patient is correctly diagnosed while getting the right course of treatment for their illness.
Patients can seek to access health care in another EU/EEA member state via two different schemes. Where a service is provided in Ireland but a patient wishes to access care in another EU/EEA Member State, this can be possible by seeking treatment under the Directive on Patients' Rights in Cross Border Healthcare, otherwise known as the Cross Border Directive (CBD). The HSE operates the CBD in Ireland. Referral for care under the CBD may be made by a GP, a hospital consultant and certain other clinicians. In line with practice in other EU Member States, the HSE through the National Contact Point (NCP) provides information for patients on the CBD on its website which can be accessed at: hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/cbd/ and also by phone at (056) 7784551.
The HSE advises where a patient is in any doubt as to the need to seek prior authorisation before availing of a consultation or treatment abroad to contact the NCP.
The HSE also operates the Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) for persons entitled to treatment in another EU/EEA Member State or Switzerland under EU Regulation (EC) No. 883/2004, as per the procedures set out in EU Regulations (EC) No. 987/2009. The TAS provides for the cost of approved treatments in another EU/EEA member state or Switzerland through the issue of form E112 (IE) where the treatment is:
- Among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
- Not available in Ireland; and
- Not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease.
GPs refer patients to consultants for acute care and it is the treating consultant who, having exhausted all treatment options including tertiary care within the country, refers the patient abroad under the terms of the TAS. The consultant must specify the specific treatment and in making the referral accepts clinical responsibility in relation to the physician and facility abroad where the patient will attend. Applications to the TAS are processed and a determination given in accordance with the statutory framework prior to a patient travelling to avail of treatment. The statutory framework stipulates the patient must be a public patient and is required to have followed public patient pathways. Information on the TAS can be accessed on the HSE website at: hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/schemes/treatmentabroad/ and also by phone at (056) 7784551.
Medical Products
Ceisteanna (358)
Mary Butler
Ceist:358. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his plans in the short to medium term to meet representatives of an organisation (details supplied) to discuss new medication which could be made available for sufferers of multiple sclerosis here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41789/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Owing to scheduling difficulties, it was not possible for me to meet with MS Ireland in June. However, a meeting has been scheduled to take place in the coming weeks.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (359)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:359. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the timescale for the new mental health unit at Naas General Hospital; and the estimated completion date of the project. [41790/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Diabetes Strategy
Ceisteanna (360)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:360. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if funding for an additional community based diabetes podiatrist in County Limerick will be made available in budget 2019; the reason for the sudden increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41792/18]
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.
Orthodontic Services Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (361)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:361. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when an additional orthodontist will commence work at St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown, in order to ease waiting times for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41832/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a staffing matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (362)
Jan O'Sullivan
Ceist:362. Deputy Jan O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of hip and knee replacements carried out at Croom Hospital, County Limerick, in each of the years 2016 to 2017 and to date in 2018; the number of persons awaiting hip and knee replacement operations at the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41836/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government. This year has seen ongoing improvements with the number of patients waiting for inpatient and daycase procedures (IPDC), now at 72,700 from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a 16% reduction in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case procedure.
In Budget 2019 the Government has further increased investment in this area, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to increase from €55m in 2018 to €75m in 2019. My Department is working closely with the NTPF and the HSE to finalise the 2019 Waiting List Initiatives before the end of this year. This approach is to ensure a seamless continuation of the considerable progress made this year into next year.
Data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (see following table) sets out details of the number of patients waiting for hip and knee replacements at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital at the end of September 2018.
In relation to the number of hip and knee replacements carried out at Croom in the past three years, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Croom Orthopaedic Hospital - Waiting List for Hip and Knee Replacements at 27/09/2018
|
0-3 months |
3-6 months |
6-9 months |
9-12 months |
Grand Total |
|
|
Hip |
30 |
4 |
1 |
2 |
37 |
|
Knee |
23 |
7 |
1 |
1 |
32 |
|
Total |
53 |
11 |
2 |
3 |
69 |