Mary Butler
Ceist:149. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for an outpatients appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4749/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (149)
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (150)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:150. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); if an appointment will be scheduled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4752/19]
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.
Service Level Agreements
Ceisteanna (151)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:151. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the service level agreement or other governance arrangements in place and the amount of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) either directly by his Department or through the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4756/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Dental Health Foundation receives annual funding from the Department of Health for the provision of secretariat services to the Irish Expert Body on Fluorides and Health including staffing and office costs. Funding of almost €215,000 was provided in 2018. A Financial Agreement between the Department and the Dental Health Foundation accompanies the allocation of funding each year. The funding is drawn down monthly on receipt of the required documentation including bank and expenditure statements.
The Dental Health Foundation's Financial Statement for 2017 is published on its website.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on its funding and service level agreement with the Dental Health Foundation.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Review
Ceisteanna (152)
Martin Heydon
Ceist:152. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the proposed introduction of changes to the fair deal legislation to assist farmers and small business owners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4759/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The proposed policy change to the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), to cap contributions from farm assets at 3 years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset, has been approved by Government. My Department is working on the development of draft Heads of Bill while considering a number of complex ancillary policy and operational matters which may need to be addressed in the proposed legislation.
It is intended that this proposed policy change, the 3 year cap, will be extended to eligible existing participants in long term residential care so that they are not disadvantaged, but that there would be no retrospective recoupment of contributions for those who have paid contributions over and above the 3 year period.
A draft General Scheme of a Bill is currently with legal advisers for advice and legal quality control review. Subject to legal advice, I expect to bring the heads of bill to Government soon. The changes to the Scheme will come into effect in 2019 subject to the legislative process.
National Children's Hospital Administration
Ceisteanna (153)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:153. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the due diligence that was carried out to ascertain the business links between companies (details supplied) before one of the companies was appointed to carry out the assessment of the costs of the national children’s hospital. [4763/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE commissioned the review into the cost escalation relating to the new children's hospital project. Accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly.
National Children's Hospital Administration
Ceisteanna (154)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:154. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if a company (details supplied) is the on-site project compliance manager for a construction company on the new children’s hospital. [4773/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am advised by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board that the company in question is not the on-site project compliance manager for the main contractor on the new children’s hospital project.
Treatment Abroad Scheme
Ceisteanna (155)
Robert Troy
Ceist:155. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if treatment for a person (details supplied) will be approved under the cross-Border scheme. [4776/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been forwarded onto the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (156)
Kevin O'Keeffe
Ceist:156. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be placed back on a waiting list. [4779/19]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (157)
Martin Ferris
Ceist:157. Deputy Martin Ferris asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be seen by a gastroenterologist at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4781/19]
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.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (158)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:158. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding home help shifts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4782/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (159)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:159. 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. [4783/19]
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.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Ceisteanna (160)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:160. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); the reason the person has not received speech and language therapy in almost two years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4784/19]
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.
National Children's Hospital Expenditure
Ceisteanna (161)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:161. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the final cost of submitting the scheme for planning on the Mater Hospital site in respect of the new national children's hospital (details supplied). [4786/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) was established in 2007 as the body with statutory responsibility for the planning, design, building and equipping of the new children's hospital. In 2012, a planning application for the construction of the new children's hospital at the Mater campus was refused by An Bord Pleanála. Cumulative expenditure on the project to December 2012 was €39.9m. Of this, €35.5m was deemed not to be transferable to the new location at St James's Hospital campus, and from an accounting perspective could no longer add value to the project and should be effectively written off in accounting terms. The €35.5m included activities such as the production of a High Level Framework Brief, recruitment of Executive and Project Teams, preparation of the Design Brief, recruitment of an Integrated Design Team, and a stakeholder engagement process that was ongoing throughout the design development phase.
National Children's Hospital
Ceisteanna (162)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:162. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the brief changed from that in the first planning application for the Mater Hospital site in respect of the new national children's hospital; if so, the way in which it did; and the person or body responsible for the preparation of the brief and its subsequent changes. [4787/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has responsibility for the design and planning applications of the new children's hospital, I have asked that they respond to you directly.
National Children's Hospital
Ceisteanna (163)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:163. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason a contract with a company (details supplied) for the new national children's hospital was not a fixed price contract. [4788/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The size, complexity and specialist nature of the new children's hospital project informed the decision by the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) to adopt a two-stage procurement process comprised of:
Procurement Stage 1: A full tender and contract for Phase A (below ground including basement works) on the basis of a detailed design with the tendering of Phase B (the main above ground works) on a Preliminary 1st stage design with an approximate and re-measurable bill of quantities reflecting the Preliminary 1st stage design; and
Procurement Stage 2: While the basement Phase A works were under construction, the 2nd stage detailed design for the above ground Phase B works was completed with a full bill of quantities priced at the 1st stage Preliminary design tendered rates. The contract becomes in effect a lump sum contract.
The procurement strategy was developed and finalised from 2014 to 2016. The Government Contracts Committee, the cross-government consultative committee for construction procurement matters, accepted that given the project’s scale, complexity and its programme, the circumstances were such as to warrant a deviation from the standard form of Government contract and agreed a derogation from its use.
Reasons for adopting the two-stage process include:
- Early commencement on site, two years ahead of traditional procurement (Phase A works commenced on site on 3 October 2017 and are nearing completion. Finalisation of instruction for Phase B main works in parallel allows these works to commence on site at end January;
- Market engagement with Irish and international contractors identified this procurement approach would attract increased competition in a situation where there are a very limited number of contractors with the ability to undertake a project of this scale. This was borne out by the competitive nature of the tender process with 5 contractors shortlisted for the main contract, 4 for the mechanical installation and 4 for the electrical installation;
- Claims are addressed up front, prior to main construction, rather than as is traditional throughout the project and beyond;
- Reduce exposure to rising inflationary pressures in the construction market through procurement at 2016 tender market rates (versus 2018 tender rates);
- Provide opportunity for the 3 contractors (main contractor and Mechanical & Electrical contractors) to influence/interrogate the detailed design and assume contractual responsibility for completeness including quantities at end of Stage 2 Design;
- The programmes for main works are fully aligned across 3 contractors with a single point accountability for site management;
- A Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) is determined prior to the instruction to proceed with the main Phase B works (with the GMP only adjustable for clearly defined exclusions such as changes in scope, excess national construction tender inflation above 4% post July 2019, changes in legislation (e.g. VAT, PRSI, statutory labour rates, building regulations);
- Other than in respect of exclusions, the GMP ceiling cannot be exceeded with any amount in excess not recoverable by contractors;
- Project substantially de-risked in relation to ground conditions with Phase A nearing completion prior to instructing and commencing the main hospital build (Phase B); and
- Incorporation of streamlined dispute resolution including using an independent expert whose decisions are binding on all parties.
Health Care Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (164)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:164. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the practice of agreeing large infrastructural projects such as the national children's hospital without a fixed price is standard; and if other large health projects are conducted in a similar manner. [4789/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of the health capital programme, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (165, 166)
Clare Daly
Ceist:165. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 381 of 22 January 2019, if a high dependency bed was available over the Christmas 2018 period, that is, 23 December to 26 December in the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital. [4790/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraClare Daly
Ceist:166. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 381 of 22 January 2019, the midwifery and obstetric registrar staffing levels in the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital for the period of 23 to 26 December 2018; and the obstetric consultant cover available. [4791/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 165 and 166 together.
As the queries raised by the Deputy relate to operational matters, I have asked the HSE to reply to you directly.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (167)
Declan Breathnach
Ceist:167. Deputy Declan Breathnach asked the Minister for Health the status of the all-island children’s cardiac surgery centre in Dublin; the funding arrangements of the centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4792/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2013, an Expert International Working Group (IWG) was established by former Health Ministers, James Reilly and Edwin Poots, to carry out an independent assessment of current and future needs for cardiology and cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
The primary recommendation of the report was to cease the provision of paediatric cardiac surgery and paediatric interventional cardiology services in Belfast and transfer surgical care of all paediatric patients to Our Ladies Children’s Hospital Crumlin.
The report also recommended that the Belfast programme should refocus on elective, lower complexity adult congenital cardiac surgical and interventional catheterisation procedures and on surgical situations resulting from adult congenital cardiology interventional procedures.
In April 2015, the Congenital Heart Disease Network Board was established by the then Minister for Health, and now An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, and Minister Jim Wells to realise the recommendations set out in the report.
In July 2016, the former Health Minister in the North, Michelle O’Neill MLA and I committed to a significant €57 million investment in the all-island Congenital Heart Disease Service following the approval of the All-island CHD Network Business Case and implementation plan.
The phased implementation of the All-Island CHD Network commenced with Our Ladies Children’s Hospital Crumlin providing cardiothoracic surgery and paediatric cardiac catheterisation for emergency patients from Northern Ireland since late 2015, while treatment of urgent cases commenced in March 2017. The transfer of elective patients from Northern Ireland, which is the next phase in the implementation of the Network, commenced in April last.
During the development of the Full Business Case it was acknowledged that further additional capacity in the paediatric intensive care unit in Crumlin would be required to accommodate all elective patients from Northern Ireland.
The Deputy might wish to note that, on 3 November 2018 at the 3rd Annual Congenital Heart Disease Network Conference, I had the pleasure of announcing the formal approval by both jurisdictions of a 4 bedded extension to the paediatric intensive care unit at Our Ladies Children’s Hospital Crumlin.
The HSE has been requested to consider the costs of this extension in the context of the HSE’s Capital Plan for 2019, which is currently being finalised.
This extension will allow for the expansion and enhancement of the services offered by the Network, benefitting more children and young people on the island of Ireland.
Respite Care Services Provision
Ceisteanna (168)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:168. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans for a respite house at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4802/19]
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 Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Organ Donation
Ceisteanna (169)
Robert Troy
Ceist:169. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to implement a national opt-out organ donation policy; his views on whether this needs to be implemented as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4811/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The General Scheme of a Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill is being finalised at present and will be submitted to Government shortly.
The proposed legislation will include provisions for a soft opt-out organ donation system.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (170)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:170. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hip operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4816/19]
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (171)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:171. 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. [4817/19]
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 Services
Ceisteanna (172)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:172. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the functional significance of a test (details supplied); if the Health Service Executive recognises the test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4818/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this PQ refers to a technical matter, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (173)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:173. 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. [4819/19]
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.