Written Answers Nos. 693-714
693. Deputy Joan Burton asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that one tenth of the national waiting list for gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures is at Naas General Hospital; his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54427/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
694. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54434/17]
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, 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.
695. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the reason treatment was not offered to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54435/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
696. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54436/17]
Amharc ar fhreagra801. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); the timeframe for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54900/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 696 and 801 together.
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, 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.
697. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of home care if home-care entitlements were put on a statutory footing. [54437/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving home-care services so that people can continue to live with confidence, dignity and security in their own homes for as long as possible is a key commitment of the Government. To support this, the Department of Health is currently engaged in the development of a new stand-alone statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-care. This will introduce clear rules in relation to the services for which individuals are eligible and in relation to service-allocation. It will therefore be an important step in ensuring that the system operates in a consistent and fair manner and will help to improve access to home-care services on an affordable and sustainable basis. The introduction of a system of regulation for home-care will help to ensure public confidence in the services provided.
The development of a new home care scheme is a complex undertaking which will involve significant legislative, operational and financial resources. A significant amount of detailed work remains to be undertaken before final decisions are taken on the form of a home care scheme and the regulation of these services. Work in relation to the cost of the new statutory scheme is ongoing as part of this process.
However, on the basis of current demand and demographic projections, it is likely that increased investment will be required to support the implementation of the new statutory scheme. The HSE home-care services budget for 2018 is €408 million, which it is anticipated will support the delivery of 17.094 million hours of home support to 50,500 people. It is expected that there will be a significant increase in demand for home-care over the coming years. Furthermore home-care service-users have increasingly complex care needs and there are sustained cost-pressures within the sector which are likely to inflate in the coming years.
698. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for a person (details supplied) will be expedited; the reason the surgery was cancelled by the consultant two years ago and never rescheduled; if this person will have to apply to Northern Ireland for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54470/17]
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, 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.
699. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [54485/17]
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, 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.
700. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting two years for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54511/17]
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, 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.
701. Deputy Timmy Dooley asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding temporary and agency workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54513/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
702. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults, respectively, with disabilities on a waiting list with each service provider and on a HSE waiting list for a residential placement; the level of priority attached to each category in circumstances in which the sole carer is incapacitated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54516/17]
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.
703. Deputy Hildegarde Naughton asked the Minister for Health the location to which the National Rehabilitation Hospital refers patients from County Galway for outpatient therapy post-discharge; if there is a rehabilitation centre in Galway for stroke patients who do not attend the National Rehabilitation Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54517/17]
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.
704. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of locum doctors working in the public dental system in the past five years; the wage bill for each year; the number of directly employed dentists who work in the public dental system; and the wage bill in each of these years. [54521/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
705. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of accident and emergency admissions in Our Lady's Hospital, Navan, County Meath, in each of the past five years; the number of persons who were on trolleys at the hospital in each of the past five years; the number of overnight medical patients who have been admitted to the hospital in each of the past five years; the budget for the accident and emergency department in each of the past five years; and the budget for the medical department in each of the past five years. [54522/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
706. Deputy Maureen O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason haemochromatosis is not classed as a long-term illness; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54523/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe LTI Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI 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.
There are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the Scheme.
My Department is currently examining arrangements for patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis in the context of the recommendations set out in the HSE's 'Model of Care Report for Therapeutic Phlebotomy for Patients with Hereditary Haemochromatosis.
707. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans to allocate a free general practitioner card automatically to carers in 2018; the process and criteria involved; the timeframe for its introduction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54524/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that in December 2017, I announced the Government's intention to provide all carers who are in receipt of a Carer's Allowance access to GP care without charge. Primary legislation will be required to give effect to this measure and my Department has begun work in that regard. Subject to the agreement of Government to the specific legislative proposals drawn up, it is my objective to have this legislation prepared and brought to the Oireachtas as soon as it is possible.
708. 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. [54525/17]
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, 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.
709. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health his plans for the extra €10 million in funding that is to be provided for respite care for persons with disabilities; the dedicated respite house that will benefit community health area one; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54526/17]
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.
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.
The full details of the services to be provided with the additional €10 million for respite care will be contained in the HSE's detailed operational plan. This initiative will provide for nine new dedicated houses for respite in each Community Health Area, plus an additional three houses in the greater Dublin area to respond to the very high demand for respite from this area. These additional twelve respite houses will provide 19,000 extra respite nights to the people living in those areas, on a yearly basis. In addition, a further €2 million extra funding will be used for innovative respite solutions, such as Home Sharing and extended day services, to provide assistance where people need it most.
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.
710. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 418 of 21 November 2017 and the referred response to same by the HSE (details supplied), the number of locums compared with the number of HSE staff by professional medical discipline at each hospital under the aegis of the HSE by month from January 2016 to December 2017; and the way in which the salaries paid to staff compares to salaries paid to locums by medical discipline at each hospital for the same period. [54533/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
711. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health the status of a clinical indemnity scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54540/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department is currently completing its review and consolidation of earlier Delegation Orders since 2003 which delegated the management of clinical indemnity claims under the Clinical Indemnity Scheme (CIS) to the National Treasury Management Agency.
A number of bodies, currently not covered by the CIS including the one listed by the Deputy, have requested that the State would provide clinical indemnity cover to them. The consolidation process has taken a considerable number of months to complete. My officials expect to provide me with details of the updated Scheme and details of new bodies seeking cover under the CIS and the criteria under which new bodies should be accepted into the CIS within the coming months. When a decision is made on this request, my officials will advise the body in due course.
The amended Delegation Order will be subject of a Memorandum for Government before it is signed into law.
712. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a hospital appointment. [54551/17]
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, 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.
713. Deputy Stephen S. Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if the circumstances of a person (details supplied) will be reviewed with a view to releasing funding. [54553/17]
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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
714. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health the reason funding was refused to an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54558/17]
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.
