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Wednesday, 8 May 2019

Written Answers Nos. 828-851

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (828)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

828. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a hip replacement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19221/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (829)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

829. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a property (details supplied) for conversion to a respite care facility for persons residing in the catchment area. [19235/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (830)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

830. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a property (details supplied) for conversion to a respite care facility for persons residing in the catchment area. [19236/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (831)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

831. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if funding will be made available to enable a person (details supplied) in County Donegal to purchase equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19238/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (832)

Pearse Doherty

Ceist:

832. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect an appointment at Beaumont Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19247/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (833)

Bernard Durkan

Ceist:

833. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) has eligibility for treatment benefit, including optical benefit, through the medical card scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19257/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Thalidomide Victims Compensation

Ceisteanna (834)

James Browne

Ceist:

834. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding State support for those who suffered injuries resulting from thalidomide use; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19258/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Following an Irish Government Decision in January 1975, the Government granted an ex-gratia sum equivalent to 4 times the German lump-sum and an ex-gratia monthly allowance for life equal to the German monthly allowance, to each of the Irish children found to have thalidomide related injuries. There are currently 29 Irish people in receipt of ex-gratia monthly payments from my Department and all are now in their late 50s.

The German monthly payments are made by the Contergan Foundation, which is established under German legislation. From the 1st August 2013, the Foundation substantially increased its monthly payments to thalidomide survivors, including Irish survivors. Both the German payments and the Irish ex-gratia payments made to the survivors are exempt from tax, including DIRT and are not reckonable as means for the purpose of Social Welfare payments. The rate of payment is related to the survivors' level of thalidomide related injury.

In addition to the initial lump sum and the monthly payments for life, the supports provided to each Irish survivor include a medical card on an administrative basis regardless of means, provision of appliances, artificial limbs, equipment, housing adaptations, and access to a full range of primary care, hospital and personal social services. There is a designated senior manager in the Health Service Executive to act as a liaison with regard to the ongoing health and personal social service needs of Irish survivors.

The Contergan Foundation has confirmed that since 2013, it is accepting applications from individuals for compensation for thalidomide related injury. It is open to any Irish person to apply to the Foundation for assessment of their disability as being attributable to thalidomide. Any Irish person who establishes that their injury is attributable to thalidomide, will be offered appropriate supports by the Irish Government commensurate with those currently provided to Irish thalidomide survivors, outlined above.

Work is underway in the Department to bring forward Heads of a Bill to provide on a statutory basis for health and personal social services for the Irish survivors of thalidomide.

Home Care Packages Eligibility

Ceisteanna (835)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

835. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been refused a home care package; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19259/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Aids and Appliances Provision

Ceisteanna (836)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

836. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Health if an application was received by the HSE in respect of a person (details supplied) in County Cork; and if a decision has been reached on the provision of an orthosis. [19262/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (837)

James Browne

Ceist:

837. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the occupancy rates in the Central Mental Hospital for each month in 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19266/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (838)

James Browne

Ceist:

838. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the criteria applied when deciding the suitability of a prisoner for transfer to the Central Mental Hospital if a place is available there; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19268/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Home Accommodation Provision

Ceisteanna (839)

Imelda Munster

Ceist:

839. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if promised developments of public nursing homes in Drogheda and Ardee in County Louth are progressing to plan regarding completion dates in 2021, as necessitated to retain HIQA registration; the progress of both projects; the expected timelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19275/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare services and infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.

Home Help Service Provision

Ceisteanna (840)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

840. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if home help hours will be reviewed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19281/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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 Appointments Delays

Ceisteanna (841)

Peter Burke

Ceist:

841. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited in order for the person to be eligible for another surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19289/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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 Facilities

Ceisteanna (842)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

842. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when his attention was drawn to the serious conditions at the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

When the serious nature of the conditions in the mortuary at University Hospital Waterford were brought to my attention last month, I made contact with the management of the hospital. Following on from this, the hospital management and the HSE have provided a number of assurances regarding measures that will be taken to address the issues raised.

HSE Estates have confirmed that plans for the new mortuary are at an advanced stage and, subject to inclusion in the 2019 Capital Plan, it is expected the request for tender will be issued shortly with the expectation that construction will commence before the end of this year, with a twenty-month construction programme.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (843)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

843. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the actions and steps taken by University Hospital Waterford to address issues raised in a letter by four consultant pathologists at the hospital. [19294/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (844)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

844. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the record of complaints made since 2004 by consultant pathologists at University Hospital Waterford regarding facilities in the mortuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19295/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Ceisteanna (845)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

845. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of risk incident forms submitted by staff at the pathology department at University Hospital Waterford since 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19296/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (846, 847, 848)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

846. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of incidents of decomposing bodies of deceased persons on hospital trolleys recorded at University Hospital Waterford since 2004; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19297/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

847. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of families of deceased persons informed since 2004 to date that the bodies of their loved ones were left to decompose on trolleys at University Hospital Waterford due to poor conditions at the mortuary; the way in which they were informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19298/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

David Cullinane

Ceist:

848. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of families of deceased persons whose bodies decomposed on hospital trolleys at University Hospital Waterford (details supplied) due to poor conditions at the mortuary since 2004 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19299/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 846 to 848, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Ceisteanna (849)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

849. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the action the management at University Hospital Waterford and the South-South West hospital group took when it received a letter from four consultant pathologists outlining serious concerns relating to the mortuary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19300/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is an operational issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Hospital Appointments Delays

Ceisteanna (850)

Timmy Dooley

Ceist:

850. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Clare will receive a hospital appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19304/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

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.

Hospitals Policy

Ceisteanna (851)

Brian Stanley

Ceist:

851. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if the facilitator has been appointed for the consultation process on Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise; when the process will commence; and the expected completion date. [19309/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As I have outlined previously, no decision has been made yet on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital. I committed to ensuring that local clinicians and the community would be consulted with before a decision is made. The appointment of an independent external facilitator for the consultation process is being progressed. The outcome of the consultation process will be a submission from my Department, setting out the key findings from the consultation process and recommended response to inform me in making a final decision on the draft Action Plan.

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