Barry Cowen
Ceist:567. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [44950/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (567)
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.
Debt Collection
Ceisteanna (568, 569, 570, 571)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:568. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount spent by the HSE in contracting debt collection agencies to pursue unpaid statutory charges in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44951/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:569. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the costs incurred by each public hospital in contracting external debt collection agencies to pursue unpaid statutory charges in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44952/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:570. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatients or inpatient day cases with unpaid inpatient charges whose debt was referred to a debt collection or legal agency in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44953/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraAlan Kelly
Ceist:571. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the expenditure by the HSE and public hospitals on referral of statutory charges to external debt collection or legal agencies; and the breakdown of expenditure per charge, that is, inpatient charge, outpatient and emergency charge in each of the years 2011 to 2017 and to date in 2018. [44954/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 to 571, inclusive, together.
As this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked them to respond to you directly.
Orthodontic Services
Ceisteanna (572)
Michael Harty
Ceist:572. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 480 of 18 September 2018, when the report compiled by persons (details supplied) in 2015 into orthodontic services within the HSE will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44963/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (573)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:573. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 443 of 23 October 2018; if he will elaborate on the information provided in the reply with respect to the reopening of the short stay ward at Letterkenny University Hospital; the date on which the unit will be reinstated; the details of the staffing complement which be allocated to the facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44969/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
€10 million in funding is being made available in 2019 to increase acute bed capacity in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review. Increasing capacity is a priority for this Government.
My Department is currently in discussions with the HSE, in the context of the National Service Plan 2019, to identify the sites for investment and the associated number of beds, as part of an agreed capacity programme for 2019.
The selection and opening of beds on specific sites in 2019 and future years will be considered as part of the annual estimates and service planning process, and subject to financial, operational, human resource and policy considerations and priorities.
General Practitioner Services Provision
Ceisteanna (574)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:574. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the reason the under six years of age general practitioner visit card has not been extended to persons under 12 years of age as outlined in budget 2016. [44988/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy will be aware of the cross-party Sláintecare Report published in May 2017 which made recommendations regarding fundamental reform of the Irish health system. The report recommended a decisive shift towards community based care and an expansion of GP services on a phased basis.
The Government approved a Sláintecare Implementation Strategy in July 2018 which provides the framework within which a system-wide reform programme will be advanced. It sets out four over-arching goals and ten high-level strategic actions which will be the key focus for the first three years of the reform programme. At its core, the strategy focuses on establishing the building blocks for a significant shift in the way in which health services are delivered in Ireland including a significant shift to primary care. One of the key actions in the first three years of reform in primary/community care includes a review of the current eligibility framework to develop a roadmap to achieve universal entitlement, in particular for primary care. This will ensure people can access the care they need as close to home as possible, and will remove cost as a barrier to access.
Decisions on the roll-out of GP visit cards to further cohorts of the population will have regard to the proposal and timelines in the Implementation Strategy.
Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (575)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:575. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the average annual operational cost of a filled acute bed in a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44993/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of health services, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you.
Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (576)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:576. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health the average annual operational cost of a filled palliative care bed in a public hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44995/18]
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.
Health Promotion
Ceisteanna (577)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:577. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the details of the Healthy Ireland stakeholder forum on the built environment taking place in November 2018; the persons and bodies invited to the event; the speakers and presenters at the event; the format of the event; the outcomes expected (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45003/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A number of Government policies aim to support the design and development of built environments that enhance health, well-being and quality of life for all. Healthy Ireland's Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP) and the National Physical Activity Plan (NPAP) both require that joint action is taken to promote the importance of physical activity and to reduce the obesogenic nature of the built environment.
In line with Actions 31 of the NPAP and 2.1 of the OPAP, which commit to developing guidelines and support materials for those working in developing the built environment in order to promote the importance of physical activity, and Action 59 of the NPAP which commits to developing a programme of on-going stakeholder communication and engagement, a Stakeholder Forum will be held on November 21st, 2018.
This Forum, entitled Connect, Collaborate, Create; Co-Designing Healthier Communities, A Healthy Ireland Stakeholder Forum on the Built Environment, will bring together those who have a responsibility for planning and developing public spaces with those who have expertise regarding the impacts of the built environment on health and well-being. It will provide an opportunity for interdisciplinary discussion on how we might support enhanced collaboration in the future, to create healthier communities.
Connect, Collaborate, Create; Co-Designing Healthier Communities will take place in the National Indoor Arena, at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown, on Wednesday, November 21st.
Planning for the Forum is at an advanced stage, and a number of individuals have agreed to present and to take part in workshops at the event. A wide range of stakeholders will be invited to the Forum, comprising key representatives from Health, Sport, Planning, Environment, Local Government and others. A Save the Date has been sent out; meanwhile, finishing touches are being applied to the programme and invitations will be issued during the week commencing November 5th.
Deputy O'Reilly will be furnished with the Programme by officials from my Department, as soon as it has been finalised.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (578, 630, 645)
James Lawless
Ceist:578. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health his plans to address capacity issues at the family history breast care clinic in St. James's Hospital; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that appointments at this clinic have been cancelled at short notice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45016/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:630. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the non-offering of appointments as part of the family risk assessment clinic in St James's Hospital; his plans to address this issue in the near future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45266/18]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:645. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the removal of the service of the family risk assessment clinic for breast cancer at St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8; the rationale for this decision; if the hospital has been deprived of the resources to carry on this service; if his attention was drawn to the issue in either 2017 or to date in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45322/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 578, 630 and 645 together.
St James's Hospital, as a designated cancer centre, runs a Rapid Access Breast Clinic for Symptomatic Breast Disease.
In parallel with the Rapid Access Breast Clinic, a Familial Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service has evolved to provide a clinical service to women who are considered to be at higher than average risk of developing cancer in their lifetime. Due to increased referral rates to the symptomatic breast disease clinic, as well as to the 'family risk' clinic, the hospital is currently prioritising the symptomatic patients to ensure that a quality, timely and sustainable service is available to them. This has resulted in the suspension of the family risk service, other than for urgent cases. This matter came to the attention of my Department in July.
One of the hospital's two mammography machines which was at end of life has recently been replaced. A third machine is on order and is expected to be installed late this year or early in 2019. Capacity for mammography has been a major part of the challenge in meeting demand for breast services in St James's.
The intention is to restore the Familial Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Service in St James's early in the new year.
Nursing Staff Data
Ceisteanna (579)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:579. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of additional nursing staff required in hospitals in order to implement the recommendations of the framework for safe nurse staffing and skill mix. [45017/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In April this year I launched the Final Report and Recommendations by the Taskforce on Staffing and Skill Mix on Phase I of the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix.
The Framework sets out, for the first time in Ireland, a methodology to determine the appropriate number of nurses and healthcare assistants required for our medical/surgical wards. Results from the pilots did indicate that additional resources, both nursing and healthcare assistants, were required in those pilot sites. These were met through a mix of additional recruitment and agency conversion.
The Framework determines the required nurse staffing and skill mix by matching the nursing resource to the type and number of patients on an individual ward and individual patients’ needs. Therefore accurate estimates will only become available when the implementation plan, currently being developed in the HSE, is fully developed.
Hospital Waiting Lists Data
Ceisteanna (580)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:580. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for reporting back on X-ray referrals across each of the hospitals in the RCSI group of hospitals for each month over the first nine months of 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45019/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (581)
Pat Breen
Ceist:581. Deputy Pat Breen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be facilitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45020/18]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (582)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:582. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter regarding mental health services for children and teenagers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45023/18]
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.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (583)
Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin
Ceist:583. Deputy Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to give effect to the call included in a broader motion on disabilities that sought the withdrawal of the in loco parentis rule and that was adopted unopposed by the Dáil Éireann on 27 March 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45027/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
When considering the loco parentis rule, it must be recognised that Paediatric Homecare Packages (PHCPs) are clinical care nursing packages designed for children with complex medical conditions and who have significant healthcare needs. As PHCPs are a clinical rather than respite support, nurses delivering care do not assume sole responsibility for a child in the home. It is also the case that the loco parentis provision is necessary in case of an acute emergency such as respiratory arrest, de-cannulation of a tracheostomy or status epilepticus.
Nonetheless, I am very aware of the issues raised regarding the operation of the loco parentis rule and have asked my officials to engage with the HSE to ensure that concerns around the operation of this provision and its potential impact on parents are considered as part of the Quality Assurance Process for PHCPs.
I understand that the HSE has developed an extensive suite of new policy and practice documents which will provide a framework for the care of children with complex needs in the community. In developing this new approach, the HSE has listened to parents, taken advice from Royal College of Nursing in Britain and consulted with specialists in Ireland. I am informed that the HSE hopes to be able to publish the suite of documentation before the end of the year.
Health Services Expenditure
Ceisteanna (584)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:584. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if a letter of determination sent to the HSE in respect of Estimates for public services 2018 will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45039/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The letter of determination is part of the Department's governance arrangements with the HSE. It sets out the level of approved expenditure for the HSE, and is updated on an ongoing basis during the year as plans for new developments are finalised, submitted for approval, approved and commenced.
The Department does not routinely publish communications between it and the HSE in the performance of their relative functions, as this would be inappropriate, and impact on both organisations ability to function effectively. It is not intended to publish this letter.
Medical Aids and Appliances Expenditure
Ceisteanna (585)
Mary Butler
Ceist:585. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a cost-benefit analysis on the usage of the finger test strips for persons between five and 21 years of age with type 1 diabetes; if it has provided savings over the past six months since the FreeStyle Libre reimbursement scheme was launched; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45044/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Policy
Ceisteanna (586)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:586. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health when the implementation plan for the national neuro-rehabilitation strategy will be published; if the HSE submitted the plan to his office in June 2018; and the reason for the delay in publishing it in view of the fact that he originally committed to publish the plan by June 2017. [45047/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for a Partnership Government includes a commitment to publish a plan for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community.
The Health Service Executive recently finalised its implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015. The framework was submitted by the HSE to the Minister for Health at the end of September 2018.
The framework will guide the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level. It proposes the formation of Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs), with the set-up of one demonstration MCRN suggested as the first step.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Services
Ceisteanna (587)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:587. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the dedicated funding that will be available in 2019 to support the development of neuro-rehabilitation services. [45048/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospitals Funding
Ceisteanna (588)
Margaret Murphy O'Mahony
Ceist:588. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the dedicated funding that will be available in 2019 to address waiting times at the National Rehabilitation Hospital. [45049/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 a service issue, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Expenditure
Ceisteanna (589)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:589. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to his statement at the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health on 4 October 2018 on the national development plan as it relates to Sláintecare, the way in which he arrived at the €6.6 billion calculation; the breakdown of this calculation; and the projected year in which each expenditure is to be incurred. [45055/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has decided that the resourcing of Sláintecare is a matter for the annual estimates process.
However, the National Development Plan (NDP), published earlier this year as part of the Project Ireland 2040 policy initiative, provides €10.9 billion to invest in infrastructure, equipment and additional service capacity for the public health sector over the next 10 years in line with Sláintecare.
Health capital investments over the coming decade will support existing Government priority projects and commitments, facilitate the shift to new models of care and enable the roll-out of new additional capacity, guided by the implementation of Sláintecare.
The main capital elements of Sláintecare include:
- 2,600 additional acute hospital beds;
- 4,500 additional long and short-term beds;
- Elective only hospitals in Cork, Dublin and Galway;
- Significant investment in modern e-health and ICT infrastructure;
- Additional Primary Care facilities with greater access to diagnostics;
- Additional facilities for mental health services and for people with disabilities.
It is important to recognise that the NDP and Sláintecare are long-term plans. Many capital proposals are at an early stage and, as with all capital development proposals, will require further appraisal, planning, design and tender before a firm timeline or funding required can be established.
Health capital projects and programmes currently underway will continue and these major priority projects will require the bulk of the notified capital allocation over the initial period of the Plan, 2018-2022.
Seeking to deliver on Sláintecare and the National Development Plan, and following discussions with my colleague the Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform, Budget 2019 provided:
- €20m additional capital funding in 2018;
- Capital funding of €667m in 2019 – an increase of €174m (35%) compared to 2018;
- €50m capital funding brought forward to 2020 and ringfenced for developing health service capacity.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (590)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:590. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45069/18]
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.