Written Answers Nos. 580-604
580. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Kerry, UHK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
581. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied) in UHK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4513/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
582. 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. [4515/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
583. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 216 of 12 December 2019, if he will further investigate the query (details supplied). [4516/20]
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.
584. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health his plans to clear the waiting list for ophthalmic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4528/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra585. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with cataracts waiting for treatment in counties Laois and Offaly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4529/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 584 and 585 together.
Reducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and made considerable improvements to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures and life limiting procedures including cataracts.
At the end of July 2017, the number of people waiting for a cataract procedure was 10,024. Since then the numbers waiting have consistently improved and at the end of December 2019, they stood at 4,388. Of these, 396 patients are waiting over 9 months which represents a reduction of 91% when compared to July 2017, when the number waiting over 9 months stood at 4,371. A key development to improve access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources are made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 May. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
The information requested by the Deputy has been provided to my Department by the NTPF and is set out in the following table.
Total Waiters for Cataract Surgery with Area of Reisdence in Laois/Offaly by Wait Time Band as at 26/03/2020
|
Cataracts |
106 |
72 |
9 |
4 |
191 |
586. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if more timely access will be ensured for persons awaiting outpatient ophthalmic services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4530/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and made considerable improvements to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures and life limiting procedures including cataracts.
At the end of July 2017, the number of people waiting for a cataract procedure was 10,024. Since then the numbers waiting have consistently improved and at the end of December 2019, they stood at 4,388. Of these, 396 patients are waiting over 9 months which represents a reduction of 91% when compared to July 2017, when the number waiting over 9 months stood at 4,371. A key development to improve access to Ophthalmology services was the opening of a stand-alone high-volume consultant-led cataract theatre by the University of Limerick Hospital Group in Nenagh Hospital in 2018, with the intention that it would facilitate patients from surrounding geographical areas to avail of their treatment there.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources are made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 May. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
587. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if a target for eye care patients based on the urgency of the condition will be introduced alongside referral to treatment targets to prevent avoidable blindness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4531/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised: if a target for eye care patients based on the urgency of the condition will be introduced alongside referral to treatment targets to prevent avoidable blindness, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
588. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will work with an organisation (details supplied) to ensure the eye clinic liaison officers are in the right place at the right time across major eye clinics by helping patients maintain independence and well-being whilst reducing the burden on ophthalmologists and clinic based staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4532/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe integration of hospital and community eye care services through Integrated Eye Care Teams was recommended by both the HSE Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report (PCESRG) and the Model of Care developed for Ophthalmology.
The establishment of Primary Care Eye Teams has commenced and my Department will liaise with the HSE on the possible scope for the development of the eye clinic liaison officer service, in the context of integrating these Primary Care Eye Teams with their local hospital groups.
589. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider setting up a central agency to be mandated with the responsibility of ensuring coordinated delivery of the technical aids grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4534/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Assistive Technology Grant is under the remit of, and administered by the Department of Education and Skills.
590. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to the HSE to adequately resource the technical aids grant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4535/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Assistive Technology Grant is under the remit of, and administered by the Department of Education and Skills.
591. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided to the technical aids grant in order that it can be extended to smartphones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4536/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that the Assistive Technology Grant is under the remit of, and administered by the Department of Education and Skills.
592. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if high spec sunglasses, filters and specialist spectacle lenses will be included for those with vision impairment within the definition of HSE aids and appliances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4537/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
593. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider providing a second back-up pair of high spec lenses and sunglasses for each pair received in order to mitigate against the high risk of accidental damage and reduce the cost of reassessment for the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4538/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
594. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department will enable those with an ophthalmic diagnosis to change their low vision aid if their eye specialist or optometrist has identified that their sight has deteriorated further; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4539/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
595. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if each HSE region will adopt standardised criteria for approving low-tech magnification aids as an entitlement under the General Medical Services scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4540/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
596. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if a new transport support payment scheme will be set up to provide transport to health-related appointments; if so, if it will be made available to those who need transport to and from work in cases where they are unable to drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4541/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra597. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if an organisation (details supplied) will be involved in the consultation process when proposals are put forward in relation to the development of a new transport support payment scheme in order to ensure that the needs of blind and vision impaired persons are fully considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4542/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra602. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will involve an organisation (details supplied) in the consultation process when proposals are put forward regarding the development of a new transport support payment scheme in order to ensure that the needs of persons who are blind and vision impaired are fully considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4547/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra608. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the new transport support payment scheme will not only provide transport to health-related appointments but will also be available to those who need transport to and from work in cases where they are unable to drive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 596, 597, 602 and 608 together.
Two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport.
The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts. The HSE has continued to pay an equivalent monthly payment on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed.
Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019. Of these recipients, 2,030 are in receipt of the full allowance rate of €208.50 per month.
There are improvements in access to a range of transport supports available to persons with disabilities in the State, for example the Disabled Drivers and Disabled Passengers scheme, operated by the Revenue Commissioners; the Free Travel Scheme operated by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection; and CLÁR funding, approved by the Minister for Rural and Community Development, to voluntary organisations providing transport for people with significant mobility issues.
Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport.
While consideration of the issues regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability continues within the Department of Health, recent developments which will impact on policy options include the following:
- The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;
- The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs, from a whole of Government perspective; and
- The Working Group established by the Department of Justice and Equality under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Action 104 states that:-'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
598. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if one cane per year will be funded for each blind or vision impaired person who needs to use one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4543/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
599. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be supported in extending the personal assistant service to include persons who are blind and vision impaired; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4544/20]
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.
600. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if personal assistant services for blind and vision impaired persons will be funded regardless of their area of residence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4545/20]
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.
601. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the funding allocation to an organisation (details supplied) will be restored by at least 16%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4546/20]
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.
603. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the financial resources will be provided to introduce a subsidised taxi transport scheme for persons with sight loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that a whole of government approach in relation to transport policy for people with a disability, including sight loss, is desirable.
Under the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017 - 2021, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport. There has been considerable ongoing progress by that Department in providing accessible public transport nationally including a public consultation launched in November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport.
As part of Budget 2019, the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection commissioned a Cost of Disability Study which is currently underway. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs, from a whole of Government perspective.
A Working Group, chaired by the Department of Justice and Equality, has been convened to progress Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy. Action 104 provides for ‘a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources. Importantly, this Working Group brings together the key stakeholders and it is hoped that the work of the Group will also inform policy development to enable the most efficient use of available transport resources for persons with disabilities.
604. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the provision made for drive-in testing for Covid-19; and if medical professionals are checking passengers from affected areas to assess risk in ports and airports [4561/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe provision made for drive-in testing centres is an operational matter and I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
In relation to ports and airports, all passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are expected to complete a COVID-19 Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to self-isolate for 14 days, regardless of the origin of their journey. Some categories of passengers, for example essential supply chain workers and passengers transiting to another jurisdiction, are exempted from the requirement to self-isolate. The Passenger Locator Form contains advice on how to self-isolate and what to do if you have symptoms.
