Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 14 Jul 2020

Written Answers Nos. 1198-1222

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1198)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

1198. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if overdue surgery will be expedited for a child (details supplied). [15522/20]

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 response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan. The decision to delay appointments and admissions is not undertaken lightly and when such a decision is made, it is based on the safe delivery of care to all patients.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund 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.

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

National Children's Hospital

Ceisteanna (1199)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1199. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if building work is progressing on the new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15532/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (1200)

James Browne

Ceist:

1200. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a podiatry appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15540/20]

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.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (1201)

James Browne

Ceist:

1201. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an ophthalmology appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15541/20]

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.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (1202)

James Browne

Ceist:

1202. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for an audiology appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15542/20]

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.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (1203)

James Browne

Ceist:

1203. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a dietetics appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15543/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (1204)

James Browne

Ceist:

1204. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities in receipt of home support hours in each LHO area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form. [15544/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant (PA) and Home Support services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives. The Department of Health and HSE are committed to protecting the level of PA and Home Support Services available to persons with disabilities, in line with the National Service Plan. As part of its response to the unprecedented COVID19 crisis, the HSE has worked with service providers and developed a Contingency Plan to assist in the delivery of services where possible, and recognises that many new and innovative processes were developed to maintain different forms of service delivery during this crisis.

The Department of Health recognises that the programme for Government pledges to deliver increased home support and Personal Assistance hours, and notes that additional funding was allocated in the National Service Plan for 2020.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Disability Services Data

Ceisteanna (1205)

James Browne

Ceist:

1205. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons with disabilities in receipt of personal assistance hours in each LHO area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number on the waiting list for same in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form. [15545/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Department of Health and HSE are committed to protecting the level of Personal Assistant (PA) and Home Support Services available to persons with disabilities, in line with the National Service Plan. As part of its response to the unprecedented COVID19 crisis, the HSE has worked with service providers and developed a Contingency Plan to assist in the delivery of services where possible, and recognises that many new and innovative processes were developed to maintain different forms of service delivery during this crisis.

The Department of Health recognises that the programme for Government pledges to deliver increased home support and Personal Assistance hours, and notes that additional funding was allocated in the National Service Plan for 2020.

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Disability Services Data

Ceisteanna (1206)

James Browne

Ceist:

1206. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of residential places for persons with a disability being provided at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available by CHO area in tabular form. [15546/20]

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.

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

Disability Services Data

Ceisteanna (1207)

James Browne

Ceist:

1207. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of new emergency places provided to persons with a disability at the end of June 2020 by local health office area in tabular form. [15547/20]

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.

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.

Disabilities Assessments

Ceisteanna (1208)

James Browne

Ceist:

1208. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available that were awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005. [15548/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

HSE Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1209)

James Browne

Ceist:

1209. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the physiotherapy waiting list in each local health area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number in each category waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, in tabular form. [15549/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (1210)

James Browne

Ceist:

1210. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy assessment waiting list in each local health area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number in each category waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, in tabular form. [15550/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (1211)

James Browne

Ceist:

1211. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy initial treatment waiting list in each local health area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number in each category waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively in tabular form [15551/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (1212)

James Browne

Ceist:

1212. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language further treatment waiting list in each local health area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number in each category waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, in tabular form. [15552/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply. 

Occupational Therapy

Ceisteanna (1213)

James Browne

Ceist:

1213. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first time assessment waiting list in each local health area at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than four, four to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively; and the number in each category waiting aged zero to four, five to 17, 18 to 64 and 65 plus years of age, respectively, in tabular form. [15553/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Primary Care Services

Ceisteanna (1214)

James Browne

Ceist:

1214. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a counselling appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting four to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15554/20]

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 (1215)

James Browne

Ceist:

1215. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a child and adolescent mental health services appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting four to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15555/20]

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 (1216)

James Browne

Ceist:

1216. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a psychology appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting zero to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [15556/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services

Ceisteanna (1217)

James Browne

Ceist:

1217. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children admitted to adult mental health units to date in 2020. [15557/20]

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.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (1218)

James Browne

Ceist:

1218. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of home support hours being provided in each LHO area as of 1 July 2020 or the latest date available; the way in which this compares to target in each LHO for the same time period; the number of persons currently on the waiting list for home support hours in each LHO area; and the number waiting zero to three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form. [15558/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Ceisteanna (1219)

James Browne

Ceist:

1219. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting placement under the fair deal scheme as of 1 July 2020 or latest date available; the average waiting time; the number of persons awaiting placement under the scheme; and the length of time waiting. [15559/20]

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.

Question No. 1220 answered with Question No. 1011.

Medicinal Products

Ceisteanna (1221)

Patricia Ryan

Ceist:

1221. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will fully implement the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health recommendations on sodium valproate and foetal anticonvulsant syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15562/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On 8 July, the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK published its report into sodium valproate and two other medical interventions. I have asked officials in my Department, as well as in the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, to consider the findings of this report and provide me with comprehensive briefing before I consider the next steps in addressing the issue of sodium valproate use in Ireland. This will include consideration of the recommendations of the Joint Committee on Health.

Question No. 1222 answered with Question No. 1011.
Barr
Roinn