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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 9 Jul 2019

Written Answers Nos. 436-462

HSE Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (436)

Catherine Martin

Ceist:

436. Deputy Catherine Martin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that new medical entrants to the HSE are required to work unpaid induction periods; his views on whether this is a barrier to the recruitment and retention of essential medical staff here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29629/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Government is committed to addressing factors that impact negatively on the recruitment and retention of medical staff. The issue of unpaid induction periods for medical interns raised by the Deputy had been highlighted in consultation meetings the MacCraith Implementation Monitoring Group holds with the IMO and Forum Trainees. I am pleased to say that agreement has now been reached that interns, including those commencing employment this month, are to receive five days additional pay in respect of attendance for induction.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (437)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

437. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the position regarding persons who have been diagnosed with a disease (details supplied); the arrangements in place in relation to a post mortem; the arrangements to deal with the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29635/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos and patients with this condition have access to the same range of diagnostic and treatment services provided in the public health system as other patients with chronic lung conditions.

In relation to the arrangements in place for post-mortem, this is a matter for the HSE and, accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Ceisteanna (438)

James Browne

Ceist:

438. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals accepted by the community CAMHS teams during the first six months of 2019, by local health office area; and the equivalent figures for 2018, in tabular form. [29640/19]

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 Provision

Ceisteanna (439)

James Browne

Ceist:

439. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the expansion of rehabilitation services to respond to the needs of those with enduring mental illness and challenging behaviour; the location of the additional services; the number of additional staff employed in whole-time equivalent terms; the number of service users in receipt of such services; and the way in which this compares to 2018. [29641/19]

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 (440)

James Browne

Ceist:

440. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the model of care for specialist perinatal mental health services; and the number of additional staff in whole-time equivalent terms appointed to date in 2019. [29642/19]

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 Provision

Ceisteanna (441)

James Browne

Ceist:

441. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which he has provided increased access to talk therapies to date in 2019; the number of additional service users availing of the therapies; and the number of persons availing of talk therapies in each CHO area. [29643/19]

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.

HSE Staff Data

Ceisteanna (442)

James Browne

Ceist:

442. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of additional enhanced peer support workers delivered to date in 2019 in line with A Vision for Change recommendations. [29644/19]

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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (443)

James Browne

Ceist:

443. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the status of efforts to develop a seven-day-per-week service for CAMHS; the number of CAMHS teams now operating on such a basis; the CHOs in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29645/19]

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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Data

Ceisteanna (444)

James Browne

Ceist:

444. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of additional CAMHS clinical staff in whole-time equivalent terms recruited to date in 2019, by CHO; the number of CAMHS staff in whole-time equivalent terms who left the service over the same period, by CHO. [29646/19]

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.

HSE Staff Recruitment

Ceisteanna (445)

James Browne

Ceist:

445. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of positions in whole-time equivalent terms for children’s mental health intellectual disability teams being advertised for recruitment, by CHO. [29647/19]

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 Data

Ceisteanna (446)

James Browne

Ceist:

446. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the new or enhanced services for those who are deaf and mentally ill that commenced to date in 2019; if additional staff have been recruited to date in 2019; the number of staff in whole-time equivalent terms now employed in such services at the end of June 2019; and the equivalent figures at the end of June 2018. [29648/19]

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.

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services Administration

Ceisteanna (447)

James Browne

Ceist:

447. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the CAMHS advocacy model; and the CHOs in which it is available and utilised. [29649/19]

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 Services

Ceisteanna (448)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

448. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the status of a new central sterile services department at Roscommon University Hospital; the funding allocated to progress the project to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29655/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (449)

Denis Naughten

Ceist:

449. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29656/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Diabetes Strategy

Ceisteanna (450)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

450. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of adequate pump therapy for adults with type 1 diabetes in Sligo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29660/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Medical Products Supply

Ceisteanna (451)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

451. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29661/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Mental Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (452)

Brendan Ryan

Ceist:

452. Deputy Brendan Ryan asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the national forensic mental health service facility in Portrane, County Dublin; the completion date for same; if the project will be delivered on time and within budget; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29667/19]

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 to you directly in relation to this matter. 

Stroke Care

Ceisteanna (453)

Bobby Aylward

Ceist:

453. Deputy Bobby Aylward asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure adequate step-down and rehabilitation services for those who suffer from stroke upon discharge from inpatient hospital care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29677/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Mental Health Services Funding

Ceisteanna (454)

James Browne

Ceist:

454. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the roll-out of the agreed minor capital fund to enhance mental health facilities and infrastructure; the projects undertaken in 2019, by location; and the funding allocated to each in 2019. [29678/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Consultant Recruitment

Ceisteanna (455)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

455. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a second consultant for a service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29697/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Outreach Clinics

Ceisteanna (456)

Charlie McConalogue

Ceist:

456. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when an outreach clinic for patients in County Donegal will be reinstated; the reason this has not taken place to date; the efforts being made to resume the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29698/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy directly.

Services for People with Disabilities

Ceisteanna (457)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

457. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an application for a place in a care home by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29709/19]

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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (458)

Eamon Scanlon

Ceist:

458. Deputy Eamon Scanlon asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Leitrim will have cataract surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29727/19]

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.

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (459)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

459. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if the closing of 27 medical step-down respite beds at St. Mary’s Hospital, Phoenix Park, Dublin 20, is in line with the principles and aims of Sláintecare. [29729/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

St Mary’s Hospital in the Phoenix Park provides 150 long term residential beds, located across two modern purpose-built units.  The hospital also provides 75 sub-acute or short stay beds, located separately in the main hospital building which dates back to the 18th century.

A recent Health and Safety Assessment identified significant patient and staff safety risk issues in the main building and in particular on Elms Ward. The risks identified relate to safety, fire safety management, layout, size, age, fixtures, fittings and lighting. Environmental risks were identified in relation to safe evacuation of patients. Elms Ward was found to have significant risk to patients and staff due to its uneven floor.

To comply with legislative requirements, and in the best interests of patients and staff, the HSE needs to close the ward on a phased basis with effect from 1st July 2019, to be completed by August. This decision was based solely on health and safety concerns, and not as a cost saving measure.  There will be some reduction in access to transitional care beds from acute settings, however, all patients will remain in the Hospital until their current care is completed. The Department has been assured that all commitments for booked respite care will be honoured and plans are being put in place to that effect. 

Staff were advised of this decision through consultation with their line management and they will be reassigned within the Hospital. The HSE has advised the Department that significant capital is required to address the health and safety issues and part of the project development process will be to examine all options available to provide safe services.

The primary focus must be on patients.  Engagement with them, their families, staff, union representatives and any other relevant stakeholders is on-going to ensure minimal impact for all concerned during the closure of the ward.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (460)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

460. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 102 of 29 May 2019, the recommended medical, infrastructural and accessibility designation criteria for a major trauma centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29730/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospitals Data

Ceisteanna (461)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

461. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who presented to emergency departments with influenza during the influenza seasons in 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19, in tabular form. [29734/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive collects and collates influenza statistics, I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy.

HSE Expenditure

Ceisteanna (462)

Stephen Donnelly

Ceist:

462. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the costs or estimated costs to the health service in providing prevention measures and treatment of influenza in each of the years from 2016 to 2018 and to date in 2019; and the costs associated with vaccinations, prescriptions, treatment in primary care settings and treatment in acute care settings. [29735/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Health Service Executive collects and collates influenza statistics, I have asked them to reply directly to the Deputy.

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