Matt Carthy
Ceist:771. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure an early surgery appointment for a person (details supplied). [28058/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (771)
Freagraí scríofa
I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (772)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:772. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the estimated full capital and current costs to achieve a 24/7 crisis intervention service. [28071/22]
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.
Departmental Communications
Ceisteanna (773)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:773. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he has spoken to his United States counterpart since his appointment. [28072/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Ireland enjoys strong bilateral relations with the US, with regular and ongoing contact taking place across a range of levels from political to official and technical. The programme of my St Patrick’s Day visit to Texas encompassed political, economic, cultural and Irish community engagements, such as courtesy calls on the Texas Secretary of State, John B. Scott and the Mayor of Austin, Stephen Adler. Officials from my Department have also engaged with US officials, including in the context of multilateral fora including WHO.”
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (774)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:774. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent staff by job title in each of the chronic disease Community specialist teams; the number of whole-time equivalent staff vacancies by job title in each team; when each of these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [28073/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (775)
Darren O'Rourke
Ceist:775. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the psychology staffing figures by grade staff, senior and principal across each CHO8 specialist adult mental health team; the population served by each team. [28074/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (776)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:776. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists who are currently employed by the HSE in University Hospital Waterford and in community services in County Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28091/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (777)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:777. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the expected number of additional speech and language therapists who will be hired in Waterford city and county, outlining between community and hospital positions; the timeframe for this; if he will outline the recruitment process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28092/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (778)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:778. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the number of positions for the 24 whole-time staff for the second catheterisation laboratory in University Hospital Waterford approved by the South/Southwest Hospital Group in November 2021 that have been recruited already; their specialty; the start dates that have been listed in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28093/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (779)
Matt Shanahan
Ceist:779. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on a recruitment-process query at University Hospital Waterford (details supplied). [28094/22]
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.
National Treatment Purchase Fund
Ceisteanna (780)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:780. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the reason that the HSE will not approve surgical interventions for Ehlers Danlos Syndrome under the European Union Cross-Border Directive or the treatment abroad scheme; the treatments that are presently available in Ireland for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28096/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (781)
Ivana Bacik
Ceist:781. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health the supports that are available for wheelchair users who are in employment and whose wheelchair requires replacement or repair. [28100/22]
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 needs.
Applications to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for a wide range of aids and appliances, including wheelchairs, are made on foot of prescriptions from relevant health care professionals and based on an applicant's eligibility under the Health Act 1970 (as amended). These are primarily the General Medical Services scheme and the Long-Term Illness scheme.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card under the General Medical Services scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These 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 drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Applications to the HSE for aids and appliances, such as wheelchairs, 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 products and services play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (782)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:782. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the terms of reference for the expert team that is examining overcrowding in University Hospital Limerick; and the details of the persons who are on the expert team. [28104/22]
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.
Child and Family Agency
Ceisteanna (783)
Martin Browne
Ceist:783. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if TUSLA social workers are entitled to the pandemic bonus payment as is the case in respect of HSE social workers in recognition of their frontline work during the Covid pandemic if not, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28110/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
To recognise their unique role during the pandemic, the Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers. Eligibility guidelines for this payment, as applies in HSE and Section 38 organisations, were published by the HSE on 19th April and are available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html.
Separately, the Department of Health shall shortly publish information for those other certain healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
- Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
- Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
- Agency roles working in the HSE;
- Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
- Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in the HSE in Covid-19 exposed frontline settings;
- Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage
I am also mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (784)
Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:784. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 653 of 17 May 2022, when a review of the current eligibility framework of the long-term illness scheme, which includes the basis for existing hospital and medication charges will be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28116/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A review of the entire eligibility framework is to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy. This is a large and multifaceted workstream within the Department of Health. It will have many stages and much scoping work has already been completed.
The current priority has been looking at access to GP services and reviewing hospital and other charges.
The LTI scheme will be included at a later stage of the review. As the review of the eligibility framework will be conducted as part of a move towards the provision of universal healthcare, the work will need to be completed in an appropriately robust manner.
It is not possible to say at this juncture what the results of the specific review of the LTI scheme will be or when this will be completed.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (785)
Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:785. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 653 of 17 May 2022, if his attention has been drawn to the high costs associated with the ever-fluctuating severity and the long-term nature of Addison’s disease as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28117/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare to all. There are a range of services in place to protect individuals and families from excessive costs for their medical needs.
Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicinal products. The HSE also administers the General Medical Services scheme and the community drug schemes. The formal HSE Reimbursement list is the same for the General Medical Services (GMS) scheme and the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS)..
Under the DPS, no individual or family pays more than €80 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 eligible for a medical card under the GMS scheme. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge. GP visit cards do not cover charges for consultants, blood tests, visits to the Emergency Department, or the cost of prescribed medicines dispensed.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses. This includes medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (786)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:786. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of speech and language therapists who are currently employed by the HSE in Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28126/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (787)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:787. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of new speech and language positions that are being created in Waterford; the process for the recruitment of new therapists; the timeframe for recruitment of therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28127/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (788)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:788. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the number of the 24 whole-time equivalent staff approved by the South/South West Hospital Group in November 2021 for the cath laboratory who have been recruited; when are they due to commence work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28128/22]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (789)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:789. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the details of the recruitment process for cath laboratory staff; the timeframe for the process; the locations for which the jobs have been advertised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Question No. 790 answered with Question No. 752.