Joe Carey
Ceist:352. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to a query (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41722/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraServices for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (352)
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.
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (353)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:353. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 635 of 6 November 2018, the status of the operational position regarding the drug addiction centre (details supplied); the final cost of the project to date; the number of staff that are employed and working on site; the number of vacancies that remain unfilled; the reason for the delay in operational commencement and other details relating to the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41729/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (354)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:354. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if a private consultation room will be provided at South Tipperary General Hospital accident and emergency department for patients that present with mental health problems; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41732/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible
Nursing Staff Provision
Ceisteanna (355)
James Browne
Ceist:355. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the creation of a neuroscience nurse at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41748/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible
Dental Services Provision
Ceisteanna (356)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:356. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the availability of child dental services in Ardee and mid-County Louth due to reports of children having to travel to Nobber for services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41754/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (357)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:357. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41756/19]
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 (358)
Mary Butler
Ceist:358. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a surgical procedure; if the procedure will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41757/19]
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.
Palliative Care for Children
Ceisteanna (359)
James Browne
Ceist:359. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the availability of palliative care for children by LHO in tabular form; the recommended locations for palliative care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41763/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In December 2009 the Department of Health published Palliative Care for Children with Life Limiting Conditions: a National Policy. Containing 31 recommendations under 19 headings, the structures set out in the Policy are designed to meet the palliative care needs of children born with a life-limiting condition and their families across all care settings.
To respond to the increasing demand for palliative care services for children, the HSE, with co-funding from the Irish Hospice Foundation, established a Children’s Palliative Care Programme including three elements: a consultant post in Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin, an education programme, and the appointment of clinical nurse co-ordinators. A network of 11 clinical nurse co-ordinators is in place, with responsibility for ensuring that children being cared for at home by their families have access to co-ordinated and supportive services. A second consultant took up a position at Temple Street Children's Hospital in February 2019. The Children’s Hospital Group has agreed that both posts will be located in the new national children’s hospital when it opens.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy on the provision of palliative care for children by LHO as soon as possible.
Question No. 360 answered with Question No. 317.
Hospitals Data
Ceisteanna (361)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:361. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of urologist consultants in each of the RCSI hospitals in 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of consultant urology hours provided in each hospital under current contracts; the number of urology surgeries that were cancelled in each RCSI hospital in 2018 and to date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41767/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (362, 363)
Lisa Chambers
Ceist:362. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health when a working group will be established to address the long waiting times for diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41769/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraLisa Chambers
Ceist:363. Deputy Lisa Chambers asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the lack of adequate care for patients with endometriosis here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41770/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 362 and 363 together.
As the queries raised by the Deputy relate to a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
The Deputy may wish to note that a new Women's Health Taskforce has been established by the Department of Health to improve women’s health outcomes and experiences of healthcare. It met for the first time on 26th September 2019 and is being led by the Secretary General of the Department of Health Jim Breslin and Peggy Maguire, the Director General of the European Institute for Women’s Health, in partnership with the National Women’s Council of Ireland. The new Taskforce will take a comprehensive approach to women's health and will tackle a wide range of issues impacting women’s health outcomes in Ireland. The first action of the Taskforce will be a large-scale listening exercise with women in Ireland to hear their experiences of and solutions for the health system. This will be a significant, substantial and large-scale consultation. Data from this process, combined with the available evidence on women's health, will determine the work programme for the Taskforce.
For more information including opportunities to engage with the Taskforce see https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/-womens-health/
Hospitals Capital Programme
Ceisteanna (364)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:364. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed 100-bed unit at the St. Mary's Hospital site, Dublin Road, Drogheda, County Louth; the most recent specification brief on the project; if specific commencement dates have been agreed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41777/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Executive recently published its Capital Plan for 2019-2021. The plan includes capital funding for the Community Nursing Unit programme and also sets out the current status of all projects within the programme, including the development at St. Mary's Hospital, Drogheda.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects and has advised that this phased development is currently at planning stage. A planning application was submitted to Louth County Council earlier this year. Further information was requested by the local authority and this has recently been submitted by the HSE.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council
Ceisteanna (365)
Tom Neville
Ceist:365. Deputy Tom Neville asked the Minister for Health the fee for the certificate in first aid training that registered institutions have to pay the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council; if the fee has increased; if so, the amount; when the charge will occur; if the fee changed in the past three months; and the fee prior to the change [41784/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) is an independent statutory body with responsibility for professional regulation in the area of pre-hospital emergency care including the recognition of professional qualifications.
Accordingly, the Deputy's query has been referred to PHECC for direct response.
Patient Forums
Ceisteanna (366)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:366. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if a patient representative is informed of meetings due to take place between patients and HSE staff and-or management in cases in which a patient has requested the presence of same; the person or body with responsibility to inform the patient representative; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41789/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Patient Forums
Ceisteanna (367)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:367. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the role of a patient representative in meetings between patients and the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41790/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, the question has been referred to the Health Service Executive for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Records
Ceisteanna (368)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:368. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the reason parents are encountering delays in obtaining birth and death certificates for babies born at Portiuncula hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41791/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Qualifications
Ceisteanna (369)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:369. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if all staff charged with operating ultrasounds have had their qualifications verified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41792/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (370)
Anne Rabbitte
Ceist:370. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health the number of the recommendations listed in the external independent clinical review of the maternity services at Portiuncula hospital, Ballinasloe, that have been fulfilled; the recommendations still outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41793/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Walker Report, which was the report of an external review into maternity services in Portiuncula University Hospital, was published on 3 May 2018. The report made 35 key recommendations under five themes: Environment, Training, Clinical Care, Staffing, and Communication issues. The HSE established an Implementation Group to progress these recommendations and I understand that significant progress has been made to implement these 35 recommendations.
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to you with regard to the current status of the implementation of the recommendations.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (371)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:371. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an urgent appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41807/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Departmental Staff Data
Ceisteanna (372)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:372. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019; the number of full-time and part-time civil servants his Department has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41820/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The attached table sets out the total number of full-time and part-time civil servants the Department of Health has recruited by grade in each of the years 2014 to 2018 and to date in 2019 and the total number of full-time and part-time civil servants the Department of Health has lost due to retirement by grade in the same period.
The figures include individuals who were seconded into the Department and those existing civil servants who were successful in internal, interdepartmental and open promotion competitions.
Services for People with Disabilities
Ceisteanna (373)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:373. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) that has issued to parents regarding cover for a therapist; if the HSE response issued to this Deputy is to indicate that resources are not sufficient to provide cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41831/19]
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.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme Payments
Ceisteanna (374)
Brendan Griffin
Ceist:374. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when funding will be allocated to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41844/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Long-Term Illness Scheme Coverage
Ceisteanna (375)
Robert Troy
Ceist:375. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will make arrangements to include rheumatoid arthritis on the long-term illness scheme; his views that the ongoing medication needed to treat this condition provides a substantial expense for those that suffer from same. [41849/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Long Term Illness (LTI) Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; Parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of thalidomide.
Under the LTI Scheme, patients receive medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that the LTI Scheme will be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €124 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
Speech and Language Therapy Provision
Ceisteanna (376)
Fiona O'Loughlin
Ceist:376. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined, as the person has been waiting 18 months for access to speech and language therapy through the south Kildare network disability team. [41851/19]
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.