Duncan Smith
Ceist:516. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the up-to-date position with a new health facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (516)
Freagraí 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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (517)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:517. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the-up-to-date position with a health facility (details supplied) in County Kildare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22087/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Abortion Services
Ceisteanna (518, 519)
Michael Collins
Ceist:518. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the dangerous impact of telemedicine abortion in cases of unidentified ectopic pregnancies due to the absence of a physical examination and ultrasound; the steps that his Department and the HSE have taken to address this concern; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22090/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Collins
Ceist:519. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health the way in which an accurate assessment of a pregnant women's gestational stage can be determined under current telemedicine restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22103/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 518 and 519 together.
As the Deputy’s question relates to a service area, I have referred this question to the HSE for direct response.
Question No. 519 answered with Question No. 518.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (520)
Robert Troy
Ceist:520. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will schedule a date for neck surgery for a person (details supplied). [22115/22]
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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (521)
Martin Browne
Ceist:521. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the details of the specialist team tasked with addressing trolley numbers at University Hospital Limerick; the options that will be open to this specialist team to improve patient pathways; the way this specialist team will address the impact that high trolley numbers at UHL is affecting services at Nenagh Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22169/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I wrote to Mr. Reid, CEO of the HSE, on 26th April to request that an expert team be sent to University Hospital Limerick to ascertain urgently what additional resources might be deployed, as well as any changes that could be made quickly to alleviate the current pressures being experienced in the Emergency Department. I have stressed that it is very important to me that the management and the clinicians at University Hospital Limerick get all of the support that they possibly need.
Through my engagement with the HSE, the management of University Hospital Limerick have assured me that they are currently undergoing an assessment of the hospital's patient pathways.
My Department and the HSE will continue to work with local hospital management to improve patient experience in UHL.
Tobacco Control Measures
Ceisteanna (522)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:522. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress in relation to any ongoing HSE investigations into any tobacco products currently on the market in Ireland for having a characterising flavour of menthol, contrary to the EU Tobacco Products Directive; if the investigations have concluded and the outcome of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22211/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Tobacco Control Measures
Ceisteanna (523)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:523. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans if any to address legislation that permits the sale of menthol cigarettes in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22212/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Menthol cigarettes were prohibited in Ireland from 20 May 2020. The prohibition is contained in the EU (Manufacture, Presentation and Sale of Tobacco and Related Products) Regulations 2016. The Regulations transposed the 2014 EU Tobacco Products Directive into Irish law.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (524)
Pa Daly
Ceist:524. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will consider expanding the criteria for granting a medical card to include patients who have a cancer diagnosis that would prove fatal without treatment. [22214/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
Furthermore, the HSE also has a system in place for the efficient provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e. in circumstances where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or are receiving end of life care. In these cases, a medical card is issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and completed medical report by a healthcare professional. Additionally, patients who have been certified by their treating Consultant as having a prognosis of 24 months or less are also now eligible for a medical card without a means assessment.
Finally, it should be noted that since 2015 medical cards are awarded without the need of a financial assessment to all children under 18 years of age with a diagnosis of cancer, for a period of five years.
Ukraine War
Ceisteanna (525)
Neasa Hourigan
Ceist:525. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to ensure Ukrainians fleeing war and arriving into Ireland are aware of and appropriately referred to services that support children with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22215/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is a priority for the Department and the HSE to ensure that Ukrainian refugees are provided with appropriate health and social care services.
Ukrainian nationals including children with disabilities will be able to get health care services from the HSE including access to Covid-19 vaccinations, GPs, community care and hospital or emergency care. As well as access to services for children’s health, mental health, disabilities maternity care, older people and many more. Ukrainian nationals will be able to get the same health services as people who are already living here, including Irish citizens.
Healthcare services for people with urgent medical needs will be provided through the public hospital system. It is important that these needs are identified to the health authorities upon arrival in Ireland.
A HSE team is in place at Dublin Airport ensuring that Ukrainian refugees receive information on health services.
Information on these health services is available on hse.ie/Ukraine and also on gov.ie/Ukraine (also available in both Ukrainian and Russian).
An Information Pack is being finalised for families with disabilities and this will be available on www.hse.ie/ukraine under “Disabilities” – this information pack sign posts people with families to supports and services available to them.
A “Visual Cues” poster is also in development to be displayed in airports, ports, reception centres and congregated accommodation centres to support families with disabilities to self- declare any additional needs that they have – and to be referred to HSE Disability Services.
The HSE has established a number of dedicated workstreams underpinning its national coordination efforts, including one which focuses on ‘Disability Services’. This is chaired by the HSE Disability Specialist for Quality Improvement and meets weekly to provide updates from the National Coordination Group, identify challenges that organisations or CHOs are dealing with and develop solutions.
The HSE National Disability Operations Office is working with the Community Health Organisations, its funded disability service providers, and representative bodies, to manage and co-ordinate appropriate responses for children and adults with disabilities.
HSE Disability Specialist for Quality Improvement meets with the Heads of Disability Services in each of the Community Health Organisation Areas weekly to ensure that a pathway for disability screening and assessment as Ukrainians arrive into Ireland is being undertaken – Ukrainians are then placed on the normal referral pathways for Children’s Disability Network Teams, Primary Care Occupational Therapy for equipment, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, Day Services.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (526)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:526. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of those in County Mayo who are diabetic pump patients in tabular form. [22217/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (527)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:527. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to introduce the Pathfinder programme which is in operation at Beaumont Hospital in the mid-west region to help alleviate pressures on University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22218/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (528)
Robert Troy
Ceist:528. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the funding that is available to families of disabled children who require permanent equipment in their home such as a hoist; and if there is funding available to help families with extensions for level access bathrooms and extra space for such large equipment. [22220/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for older persons and for people with disabilities which will empower them to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and to plan and live independent lives. There are a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical and surgical needs.
Applications to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a wide range of aids and appliances - including beds, wheelchairs, respiratory equipment etc - are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under the General Medical Services scheme and community schemes, such as the Long-Term Illness scheme.
These applications are considered by Resource Allocation Groups within each Community Health Organisation and a determination is made regarding approval based on clinical priority and the funding available within local budgets. These aids and appliances play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain every day functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 prohibits 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 Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability assist people to have necessary adaptations, repairs or improvement works carried out in order to make their accommodation more suitable for their needs. These works can include making it wheelchair-accessible, extending it to create more space, adding a ground-floor bathroom or toilet or a stairlift. The scheme is administered by local authorities and more information can be found here: www.gov.ie/en/service/6636c-housing-adaptation-grants-for-older-people-and-people-with-a-disability/
In late 2020, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage offered guidance to local authorities that ceiling hoists should not be included in the Housing Adaptation Grant. Since then, most local authorities no longer provide funding for the provision of the hoist itself, although they may fund the structural works needed to place hoist tracks in ceilings.
There is engagement ongoing between the Department of Health, the Health Service Executive, and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage in relation to this matter.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (529)
Johnny Mythen
Ceist:529. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Wexford; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six and more than 12 months, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22237/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.