Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:639. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if all sufficient care necessary will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45312/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services Provision
Ceisteanna (639)
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (640)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:640. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with a surgeon at University Hospital Galway. [45313/18]
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.
Hospital Consultant Recruitment
Ceisteanna (641)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:641. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of the appointment of a consultant to a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45315/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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.
Medical Aids and Appliances Provision
Ceisteanna (642)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:642. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a wheelchair will be provided to a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45316/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (643)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:643. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a case (details supplied) will be reviewed; the reason funding was cut by the HSE; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this activity is under threat due to lack of funding by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45317/18]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (644)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:644. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the national protocols in place in cases in which relatives of persons in residential care can be barred from visiting that resident or can have their visiting hours restricted; if there is an independent appeals process against such a decision; if not, if a process will be put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45318/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under current legislation, visiting restrictions may be required on occasion for a variety of reasons, including safety concerns relating to infection control and/or to safeguard residents from risk of harm.
The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the statutory independent regulator for designated centres for older people and this responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards. These standards promote person-centred care, uphold the rights of people, respect privacy and dignity and protect people living in residential care from abuse and neglect. They provide the framework for HIQA to assess whether residential centres are providing high-quality, safe and effective services and can be registered as ‘designated centres', in line with the requirements of the Health Act 2007.
The regulatory requirements are prescriptive and there are a number of relevant statutory provisions in place in relation to visiting arrangements in various residential care settings. In relation to older people’s settings for example, under Regulation 11 of the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013 (S.I. 415 of 2013), the registered provider shall make arrangements for a resident to receive visitors and the person in charge shall ensure that, in so far as is reasonably practicable, visits to a resident are not restricted, unless such a visit would, in the opinion of the person in charge, pose a risk to the resident concerned or to another resident, or the resident concerned has requested the restriction of visits.
In relation to approved mental health centres, the provisions of the Mental Health Act 2001 (Approved Centre) Regulations 2006 include a requirement that approved centres take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of residents and visitors and have written operational policies and procedures in relation to visits and the health and safety of residents, staff and visitors.
From a policy perspective, I have taken a number of steps to ensure the voice of patients is embedded in the health service. I intend to appoint two patient advocates to the board of the Health Service Executive. Proposals for an independent Patient Safety Council are at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to bring proposals to Government very shortly.
I understand that the Deputy is raising this important issue in the context of a recent Prime Time programme which was broadcast on 25 October. The Health Service Executive has advised that each of the current instances where some level of a restriction is in place will be reviewed. I welcome that decision.
The aspects of the question which relate primarily to service matters and related operational protocols and appeals processes have been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Question No. 645 answered with Question No. 578.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (646)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:646. 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. [45324/18]
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 Staff
Ceisteanna (647)
James Browne
Ceist:647. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding staffing levels within a specialist team (details supplied) for homeless persons with severe mental health difficulties; if staffing levels are affecting new referrals; if so, his plans to provide adequate mental healthcare to persons with conditions such as acute psychosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45332/18]
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.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (648)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:648. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if there is a mechanism to reimburse a person (details supplied) for private treatment who was referred to Tullamore accident and emergency department with severe pain and subsequently had to seek private treatment due to ongoing pain and the long wait for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45333/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My officials have informed me that there is no scheme which enables people who have paid for private medical treatment in Ireland to seek reimbursement from my Department, the HSE or the NTPF. If a person has private medical insurance they may be able to seek reimbursement from their private medical insurer. Similarly, they may be able to claim tax relief on certain unreimbursed medical expenses incurred. Details are available at their local tax office or on www.revenue.ie.
Health Products Regulatory Authority
Ceisteanna (649)
John Brassil
Ceist:649. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health his views on the proposal by the Health Products Regulatory Authority to increase its fees by 8% in 2019, further to an increase in fees in 2018, if his attention has been drawn to the rationale for these fee increases; his views on whether such an increase is justified against a backdrop of increased costs for pharmaceutical and other healthcare providers resulting from Brexit in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45334/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
While it is anticipated that the Health Products Regulatory Authority's fees will increase in 2019, I have not yet given formal consideration to any such increase.
It should be noted that the Authority's last significant fee increase was in 2010. In 2011 and 2012, the HPRA reduced fees, and there were no fee increases between 2013 and 2017. Fees were increased by approximately 2% in 2018.
The impact of new EU legislation continues to be felt across the organisation. For example, the Falsified Medicines Directive will commence in 2019, and the Clinical Trials Regulation is scheduled to be implemented in 2020. The regulatory model for medicines is becoming more complex, and EU pharmacovigilance legislation has led to an increase in the number of referrals and regulatory actions arising from the outcome of these referrals. Public scrutiny and the role of the regulator in relation to medicines such as the HPV vaccine has increased, while compliance activity is also increasing.
Over the last several years, the HPRA has continued to enhance services to support the pharmaceutical industry in Ireland. The development of an innovation office and an international platform has brought greater oversight and global co-operation to the benefit of all stakeholders and of public health. The development of the agency has ensured that the HPRA is well placed to negotiate the impact of Brexit and continual changes in the regulatory environment.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (650)
Paul Kehoe
Ceist:650. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health when a location (details supplied) in County Wexford will be made available for use by CAMHS service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45336/18]
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.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (651)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:651. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the services that were provided by a person (details supplied) at St. Vincent's University Hospital before their retirement; and the person that now carries out these procedures. [45339/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (652)
Frank O'Rourke
Ceist:652. Deputy Frank O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding by a sum of €600,000 to an organisation (details supplied) in order to allow the centre to operate 52 weeks of the year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45341/18]
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.
The particular issue raised by the Deputy is a service matter for the HSE. Accordingly I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
HSE Properties
Ceisteanna (653)
Pat Casey
Ceist:653. Deputy Pat Casey asked the Minister for Health the plans of the HSE for the old health clinic and surrounding lands in Tinahely, County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45374/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of its property, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Legislative Process
Ceisteanna (654)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:654. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45376/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill 2018 was approved by Government on 27 September, published on 1 October. Second Stage of the Bill was concluded in the Dáil in October and Committee Stage will commence on 6 November. The key provisions of the Bill are the same as those of the draft General Scheme approved by Government and published on the Department's website ahead of the Referendum, and of the updated Scheme made public in July.
A significant amount of collaborative work is ongoing with the HSE to prepare for the implementation of the expanded service for termination of pregnancy by January 2019 in the community and hospital setting throughout the country.
HSE Properties
Ceisteanna (655, 656, 657, 658, 659, 660)
Eamon Ryan
Ceist:655. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if an internal audit was carried out by HSE into the proposed sale of 14.2 acres of HSE land at Merlin Park Hospital to a hospice (details supplied). [45377/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:656. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will release the outcome of the internal audit into the proposed sale of 14.2 acres of HSE land at Merlin Park Hospital to a hospice (details supplied). [45378/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:657. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if a business case covering the proposed sale of the land at Merlin Park Hospital was recommended or demanded by the internal audit; and when the business case will be completed and released. [45379/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:658. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if a new valuation of the land at Merlin Park Hospital was recommended or demanded by the internal audit; and when the new valuation will be released. [45380/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:659. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health if the internal audit conducted by the HSE into the sale of the land at Merlin Park Hospital recommended or demanded that the proposed sale of land could not proceed unless the planning permission granted by Galway City Council was confirmed by An Bord Pleanála. [45381/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraEamon Ryan
Ceist:660. Deputy Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Health the way in which interested parties including voluntary organisations in County Galway would be enabled to make an independent input into the proposed sale of the land at Merlin Park Hospital to the HSE officials that will make the final decision into the proposed sale. [45382/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 655 to 660, inclusive, together.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of its healthcare estate, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Questions Nos. 661 to 664, inclusive, answered with Question No. 502.