Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:360. 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. [46331/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (360)
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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (361)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:361. 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. [46332/19]
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 (362)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:362. 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. [46333/19]
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 (363)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:363. 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. [46334/19]
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 (364)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:364. 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. [46335/19]
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.
Respite Care Services Data
Ceisteanna (365)
Shane Cassells
Ceist:365. Deputy Shane Cassells asked the Minister for Health the number of respite beds available to adults with intellectual disabilities in County Meath; the locations of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46340/19]
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 service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (366)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:366. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the development of a new primary care centre in Grange, County Sligo; if the site which has received planning permission has been acquired by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46364/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (367)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:367. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the reason for not providing the couple at the centre of the false diagnosis crisis at the National Maternity Hospital the minutes of their meeting with the CMO in May 2019 and the minutes of the meeting that he had with the master of the hospital in August 2019; and if he will release those minutes pursuant to FOI. [46383/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the House will be aware, a termination took place at the National Maternity Hospital in March of this year on the grounds that a condition incompatible with life was present. The couple involved have requested a review of their case.
My overriding concern as Minister for Health is for the couple involved and ensuring that questions regarding this incident are appropriately answered. As such, I support an independent and external review into this case. I have been advised that the National Maternity Hospital has commissioned such a review. I am sure that the Deputy would agree it is important to await the outcome of that review process, which will allow for a better understanding of what has occurred. It will also allow for any learning that may emerge to be disseminated throughout the health system. I can assure the Deputy and the House that any recommendations made by the review panel will be actioned by my Department, as well as the HSE in order to ensure that a similar incident does not occur again. My Department has also sought assurances from the National Maternity Hospital with regard to the safety and operation of the termination service, and it in turn has confirmed its compliance with the relevant legislation.
A note of the meeting which the family had with the CMO in May 2019 is being forwarded to their legal representative this week. My officials are currently examining the request that has been made for the note of the other meeting which the Deputy refers to.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (368)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:368. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of each of the recommendations of the review of maternity services in Portiuncula Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46400/19]
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.
Occupational Therapy Data
Ceisteanna (369)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:369. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists by hospital; the number of occupational therapy vacancies by hospital and permanent vacancies and temporary vacancies, respectively; the number of occupational therapists employed by county in non-hospital settings; the number of occupational therapy vacancies by county in non-hospital settings by permanent vacancies and temporary vacancies, respectively; the number of occupational therapists on interview panels by county awaiting appointments as of 31 October 2019, in tabular form; and his views on the provision of occupational services nationwide. [46406/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Health Services Data
Ceisteanna (370)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:370. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of children on early intervention waiting lists for treatment for less than one year, for between one and two years and for over two years by speciality and county, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46407/19]
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (371)
Tony McLoughlin
Ceist:371. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Health if a series of matters will be addressed in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46422/19]
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.
Primary Care Centres Provision
Ceisteanna (372)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:372. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his plans for a new primary care centre for Ardee, County Louth (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46425/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (373)
Gerry Adams
Ceist:373. Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Minister for Health the status of the 2009 report of the vaccine damage steering group; when the recommendations of the report will be enacted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46444/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report of the Vaccine Damage Steering Group was published in September 2009 and was considered by my Department at that time.
The Programme for a Partnership Government (2016) includes a commitment to “put in place a scheme, on a no-fault basis, that will respond to the needs of people with disability arising from vaccination”. The policy objectives in putting in place a scheme to meet the needs of people with disability arising from vaccination are to provide fair and just compensation for those who may have been injured by a vaccine, to reduce the costs to the State by providing an alternative to litigation and to maintaining public confidence in immunisation.
My Department asked the Health Research Board (HRB) to carry out an evidence review on vaccine injury redress programmes in other jurisdictions. The review was completed in March 2019 and can now be found on the HRB website. This matter is under consideration by my Department with a view to developing a proposal regarding a vaccine damage scheme based on evidence concerning vaccine damage schemes, legal advices and consultation with other Government bodies.
In June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of an Expert Group to review the law of torts and the current systems for the management of clinical negligence claims. It was agreed that High Court Justice Charles Meenan would Chair the Group which would advise on whether there are alternative mechanisms to the current court process for resolving clinical negligence and personal injury claims.
Judge Meenan's Expert Group is examining the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively yet more sensitively with certain cases. In this process the Group is also looking at the impact of tort legislation on the overall patient safety culture and open disclosure. I am informed that the work of the group is at an advanced stage and it is expected to report to both myself and the Minister for Justice and Equality before the end of 2019.
This work, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, will inform the development of a vaccine damage scheme.
Freedom of Information Data
Ceisteanna (374)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:374. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when the disclosures made by his Department under freedom of information was last updated; if this is in line with the disclosure policy of his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46470/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I assume that the Deputy is referring to the log of the text of Freedom of Information requests received in my Department. This log is published on the Department's website on a quarterly basis.
However, the most recent log published includes requested received up to 31 March 2019. Work is ongoing to update the log for the second and third quarters of this year and these will be published in the coming weeks.
Hospital Beds Data
Ceisteanna (375)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:375. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the number of the 600 extra acute beds to be phased in by the end of 2020 that have been provided and are in use as of 1 November 2019 further to the 2018 announcement; the hospitals in which they have been provided; if the balance of the 600 will be in place and used by patients by the end of 2020; and the hospitals in which the remainder of the 600 beds are to be provided, in tabular form. [46481/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Service Capacity Review published last year indicated that there was a need for a major investment in additional capacity in both hospital and community beds, combined with reform of the manner and the location of where health services are provided.
As set out in Sláintecare, moving care options for patients closer to their homes and into their local communities is a key part of the solution. In addition, there is a need to further develop community services to meet the increasing demand, which is placing additional pressure on hospital services.
The Capacity Programme for 2019 provides for the following increases in capacity, as set out in the National Service Plan 2019:
- The provision of 75 acute beds and 70 community beds under the Winter Plan 2018/19;
- preparation of 202 beds, of which 16 are critical care, during 2019, with a view to bringing this extra capacity into operation in Q1 of 2020;
The National Service Plan for 2020 is currently under consideration by the Department.
I will be happy to update the Deputy further in due course.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (376)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:376. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if a meeting between a person (details supplied) and the management of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, will be facilitated. [46493/19]
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.
Palliative Care for Children
Ceisteanna (377)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:377. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the provision of palliative care facilities in the south-east; his views on the lack of paediatric palliative care; if his attention has been drawn to the case of a person (details supplied); if appropriate paediatric palliative care will be made available in the future to children facing the same challenges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46502/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Palliative Care for Children with Life-limiting Conditions in Ireland – a National Policy (2009) sets out a clear direction for the development of an integrated palliative care service for children and their families, across all care settings. Under this policy, the HSE has established a Children’s Palliative Care Programme which includes 11 clinical nurse coordinators for children with life-limiting conditions, two consultant paediatricians with a special interest in children’s palliative medicine based in Crumlin and Temple Street, and an education programme also based in Crumlin. The aim of the Clinical Nurse Coordinator (CNC) service is to co-ordinate seamless continuity of care between the acute paediatric unit, community services and the child’s home. The paediatricians provide support to parents and neonates in maternity hospitals and paediatric units.
In relation to the provision of paediatric palliative care in the south-east specifically, 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 Status
Ceisteanna (378)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:378. 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. [46504/19]
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 (379)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:379. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46506/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.