Written Answers Nos. 751-770
751. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, CAMHS, appointment in Community Health Organisation, CHO, 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1400/19]
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.
752. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied). [1401/19]
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.
753. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the protocol in place with the National Ambulance Service for the dispatching of an air ambulance to the scene of a serious accident; if he will provide a copy of the protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1402/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
754. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in a person (details supplied) receiving an appointment with the Cavan-Monaghan child development team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1403/19]
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.
755. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the protocol in place with the National Ambulance Service for the transfer of patients between hospitals; if he will provide a copy of the protocol; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1404/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
756. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a cataract operation for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1406/19]
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.
757. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of bank accounts used by the Health Service Executive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1407/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive, I have asked it to respond to you directly.
758. Deputy John Brassil asked the Minister for Health the process in place to use the services at a hospital (details supplied) for ophthalmology and orthopaedic operations; the number of ophthalmology and orthopaedic public patient operations that took place at the hospital in 2018, including under the National Treatment Purchase Fund, NTPF, agreement; the number planned for same in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1408/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for the Government.
As a result of Waiting List Action Plan 2018, the Inpatient and Daycase waiting list reduced to 70,200 in December 2018, down from the peak of 86,100 in July 2017. This represents a reduction of over 18% in the overall number of patients waiting for an inpatient or day case procedure. Furthermore, the number of patients waiting over 9 months has almost halved in the same period, reducing from over 28,100 to just over 14,900.
The NTPF advises that it offered treatment to 40 Ophthalmology public patients and 157 Orthopaedic public patients in relation to Bon Secours Private Hospital Tralee in 2018. In 2019, the NTPF and the HSE will continue to work closely with all Hospital Groups, inviting proposals to improve access for patients waiting for a hospital procedure.
759. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve helicopter landing facilities at University Hospital Galway; the number of air ambulance and coastguard landings at the hospital in 2017 and 2018, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1412/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
760. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the way in which the ophthalmology waiting list data is compiled; the components considered when producing the waiting list numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1442/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health if the ophthalmology waiting list information which is publicly released takes into consideration the wait time for persons to receive and access treatment for eye conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, AMD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1462/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 760 and 765 together.
In relation to the information requested, I have asked the HSE to provide the Deputy with a direct response.
761. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare can expect an appointment for a procedure in University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1444/19]
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.
762. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when it is planned to make a drug (details supplied) available to children and adults suffering from spinal muscular atrophy; the estimated number of sufferers here of this condition between children and adults, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1445/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drug schemes, in accordance with the provisions of the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
763. Deputy Michael Harty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare can expect an appointment for a cranioplasty in Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1447/19]
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.
764. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to make it more attractive for consultants to apply for new consultancy posts within the Saolta hospital group (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1450/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Public Sector Pay Commission in its Report published on 4 September 2018 identified difficulties in attracting consultant applications for advertised posts at present and acknowledged that the pay rates for new entrants had been highlighted as a factor in this. It identified a number of other factors including geographic location and work/life balance. The Commission also recognised that implementation of the settlement of the 2008 Consultant Contract claim, while necessary of itself, would serve to highlight further the differential in pay between the pre-existing cadre of consultants and new entrants.
Given its analysis, the Pay Commission proposed that the Parties to the Public Service Stability Agreement jointly consider what further measures could be taken, over time, to address the pay differential between pre-existing consultants and new entrant consultants. The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and my Department have noted the Commission's views and consideration will need to be given to potential solutions which are in line with public sector pay policy and available budgets. This will be a significant challenge given the amounts involved.
766. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the measures in place within the ophthalmology healthcare system to avoid lengthy delays in persons accessing treatment for conditions such as AMD; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1463/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
767. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the progress in relation to the approval process for the drug Nusinersen, also known as Spinraza; if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; the type of care and medication that his Department and-or the HSE will fund in this case; if he will meet the parents of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1464/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
Nusinersen (Spinraza) is indicated for the treatment of 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a disorder characterised by progressive muscle atrophy and weakness.
An application for Nusinersen is currently undergoing assessment by the HSE.
The statutory assessment process involves a Health Technology Assessment followed by detailed consideration by the HSE expert groups on new Drug therapies, including the Technology Review Group for Rare Diseases and the HSE Drugs Committee.
The assessment focus is twofold and particularly centred on reviewing the evidence of the clinical effectiveness of this new drug therapy i.e. the benefits for patients undergoing clinical trials; and on the cost effectiveness of the product in view of the prices being charged for the drug.
The application is currently going through the final stages of assessment, and the various reports are due to be considered shortly by the HSE Leadership Team, following which the final decision will be notified.
I appreciate that this debilitating and progressive condition places enormous pressure on SMA sufferers and their families. It would not be appropriate for me as Minister to comment on individual cases. However, if any patient or their family have concerns in regards to their care I would suggest they they discuss this with their treating clinician.
768. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans for the HSE, his Department or an agency under the aegis of his Department to become directly involved in the development of retirement villages or to support the private sector in the development of such villages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1479/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraA key principle underpinning Government policy is to support older people to live independently in their own homes and communities. The changing demographics and the implications for future health care costs underpin the importance of developing a wider choice of appropriate housing options for older people. The objective is to encourage and facilitate timely planning by older people for their future housing needs, and to rebalance the care model away from residential care to supporting people to remain in their own communities for as long as possible. As the research shows, this reflects the preferences of older people themselves.
Our aim is to ensure that older people will have more choice by developing a range of housing options that are suited to their needs, so they can choose the right option for them. These options may include supported community developments akin to retirement villages, housing with supports projects or other initiatives.
Varying levels of support will be needed to enable older people to continue living in their own homes and communities, including care needs where appropriate. However, it is envisaged that there will always be a cohort of people for whom residential nursing home care is the most appropriate option. The main issue is the significant gap in alternative or intermediary options. This is the issue that I wish to address. There is a need to put in place suitable options to give older people the choice and importantly, to ensure that care is provided in the most appropriate setting. This aligns with the vision of Sláintecare where there is an overarching aim to bring care closer to the community and the person's home.
In November of last year, I hosted an expert conference on housing for older people with my colleague Mr. Damien English T.D. Minister for Housing and Urban Development. The overwhelming view of participants, shared by experts, was that the development of a range of community supports and services in close proximity to older people is key to enabling them to remain living in their chosen environment. The outcome of this conference are being used by officials from both Departments working collaboratively together to inform the development of a suitable policy framework for housing for older people.
This work is actively progressing and a policy framework will be published later this year.
769. Deputy Martin Kenny asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to reduce waiting times for gynaecology in Sligo University Hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1512/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
770. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a date for an appointment at Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1515/19]
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.
