Written Answers Nos. 1480-1504
1480. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children in the Cork and Kerry CHO4 area awaiting treatment, in six monthly wait intervals, including data in tabular form; the number waiting more than 12 months for orthotics by the different types of orthotics; the estimated funding needed to clear the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33157/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1481. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the status of the health (transport support) Bill; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33165/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be familiar with the background to the closure of both the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant schemes in 2013.
With regard to the proposals for a new Health (Transport Support) Bill, the Deputy may be aware that my colleague, the Minister for Health and I, brought a Memorandum to Government on proposals for a new Transport Support Payment Scheme. Following consideration of the matter, it was decided to withdraw the Memorandum from the Cabinet Agenda at that time. I intend to revert to Government in due course with revised proposals to reflect the discussions at that Cabinet meeting and further discussions between myself and Minister Harris, on the best way to progress the Transport Scheme.
It is important to note that the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners, remains in place. This scheme provides VRT and VAT relief, an exemption from road tax and a fuel grant to drivers and passengers with a disability, who qualify under the relevant criteria set out in governing regulations made by the Minister for Finance. Specifically adapted vehicles driven by persons with a disability are also exempt from payment of tolls on national roads and toll bridges. Transport Infrastructure Ireland has responsibility for this particular scheme.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport support schemes available to persons with disabilities in the State and on-going work is being carried out by Government Departments, agencies and transport providers to further improve access to public transport services. Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of public transport for people with a disability.
The Deputy may wish to note that my colleague the Minister for Rural and Community Development recently announced CLÁR funding of €890,632 to 20 voluntary community organisations. This funding will support the purchase and/or fit out of vehicles to provide transport for people in rural areas with mobility issues. It will support voluntary organisations that provide:-
- transport for people with significant mobility issues, including those requiring specialised wheelchair accessible vehicles, to day-care or other medical, therapeutic or respite services; or
- transport to/from designated cancer treatment hospitals/centres under the National Cancer Care Programme.
1482. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in possession of a primary medical certificate in each community healthcare organisation, CHO, in tabular form. [33169/19]
Amharc ar fhreagra1483. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received for a primary medical certificate in each of the years 2015 to 2018 and to date in 2019, in tabular form; and the number that were successful. [33170/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1482 and 1483 together.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
1485. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the original budget allocation for primary care in 2018 in each community healthcare organisation, CHO; the outturn for same in 2018; and the budget allocation for 2019, in tabular form. [33172/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1486. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the original budget allocation for social inclusion in 2018 in each community healthcare organisation, CHO; the outturn for same in 2018; and the budget allocation for 2019, in tabular form. [33173/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1487. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the percentage of new oral health patients that commenced treatment within three months of a scheduled oral health assessment in each community healthcare organisation, CHO, in tabular form. [33174/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
1488. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if an evaluation has been made of the estimated costs required to meet requirements in view of the HSE regularly highlighting the financial challenge in meeting the regulatory requirements in the disability sector, long-stay facilities and mental health services. [33175/19]
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.
1489. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the extent of the deficit in acute mental health bed capacity in CHO7 which was highlighted as a service risk in the CHO7 operational plan for 2019; the number of additional beds required to rectify the deficit; and the number of additional staff in whole-time equivalent terms that would be needed to accompany such bed provision. [33181/19]
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.
1490. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which CHO7 is expanding mental health services for persons with alcohol addiction presenting in acute hospitals. [33182/19]
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.
1491. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the statement in the CHO7 2019 operational plan that its mental health services generally remain underfunded in comparison with national norms and significant risks remain across the full range of services. [33183/19]
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.
1492. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the original budget allocation for mental health in 2018 by community healthcare organisation, CHO; the outturn for same in 2018; and the budget allocation for 2019, in tabular form. [33184/19]
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.
1493. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the roll-out of a community-based bibliotherapy initiative within primary care psychology services in counties Carlow and Kilkenny. [33185/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1494. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of additional posts provided to date in 2019 in CHO5 in order to reduce the waiting times for assessment of needs under the Disability Act 2005. [33192/19]
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.
1495. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of additional new emergency residential placements provided to date in 2019 in CHO5. [33193/19]
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.
1496. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which CHO5 is dealing with its funding challenge of €11 million in disability services in 2019. [33194/19]
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.
1497. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the way in which CHO5 is dealing with its funding challenge of €6.7 million in mental health services in 2019. [33195/19]
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.
1498. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the refurbishment of Macroom Community Hospital, County Cork; if the increased expenditure on the new national children’s hospital will have an effect on the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33213/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1499. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the refurbishment of Kanturk Community Hospital, County Cork; if the increased expenditure on the new national children’s hospital will have an effect on the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33214/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1500. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the refurbishment of St. Joseph's Community Hospital, Millstreet, County Cork; if the increased expenditure on the new national children’s hospital will have an effect on the timeframe for the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33215/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
1501. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on reimbursement for the drug osimertinib for treatment of advanced lung cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33216/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. As Minister for Health, I have no role or powers in relation to such matters.
Decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds by the HSE, including advice from the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The HSE has a robust assessment and commercial negotiation process for new medicines. This process challenges inappropriate costings from applicant companies and delivers improved value for money on new medicines, allowing more treatments to be provided within a finite budget.
The HSE strives to reach a decision in as timely a manner as possible. However, because of the significant monies involved, it must ensure that the best price is achieved, as these commitments can be ongoing multi-million euro investments.
I am advised by the HSE that it has assessed osimertinib for the following indication:
- The treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive NSCLC.
In respect of this indication, the NCPE completed its Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in May 2018. Following the assessment and after a number of rounds of commercial negotiations and HSE reviews, the HSE notified the applicant in February 2019 that it was minded to not approve osimertinib for the 2nd line treatment of EGFR T790M mutation-positive non-small-cell lung cancers.
The Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013 requires a period of representations after such notifications, before the HSE makes any formal final decision. The HSE reviewed representations received at its May 2019 meeting and they are currently under consideration.
In addition, the HSE have commissioned a HTA on osimertinib for:
- the first-line treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer with activating epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations.
I am informed that a health technology assessment is ongoing.
1502. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the operating theatre in Mallow General Hospital is being utilised to its full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33217/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1503. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the operating theatre in Bantry General Hospital is being utilised to its full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33218/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1504. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for orthopaedic surgery in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33219/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious that waiting times are often unacceptably long and of the burden that this places on patients and their families. In this regard, the Government is committed to improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures.
Budget 2019 announced that the Government has further increased investment in tackling waiting lists, with funding to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) increasing from €55 million in 2018 to €75 million in 2019. The joint Department of Health/HSE/NTPF Scheduled Care Access Plan 2019 was published in March and sets out measures to improve care for patients waiting for scheduled care in 2019 by reducing waiting times for inpatient/day case treatment and outpatient appointments. The plan places a strong focus on ten high-volume Inpatient/Day Case procedures, including hip/knee replacements. When combined with HSE activity, it is projected that the NTPF will be in a position to offer treatment to all clinically suitable patients waiting more than 6 months for one of these high-volume procedures.
The NTPF advise that over recent months they have placed a particular focus on engaging with hospital groups and individual hospitals to identify waiting list proposals. The NTPF welcomes proposals from all acute hospitals for initiatives to improve access for patients on waiting lists.
The data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the following table.
|
Row Labels |
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
15-18 Months |
18+ Months |
Grand Total |
|
Bantry General Hospital |
11 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
11 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
5 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
5 |
|
Small Volume Hospitals |
- |
1 |
- |
- |
- |
- |
- |
1 |
|
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
163 |
94 |
67 |
30 |
26 |
22 |
30 |
432 |
|
Grand Total |
179 |
95 |
67 |
30 |
26 |
22 |
30 |
449 |
