Written Answers Nos. 766-786
766. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to ensure that people are warned when entering publicly accessible lands of the potential dangers of Lyme disease, and of its possible prevention and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36683/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
767. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the significant challenges faced by children with disabilities in accessing timely and appropriate dental treatment, as highlighted by the case of a child (details supplied); the measures being taken to ensure that vulnerable children receive the urgent care they need; if a review of the disability paediatric service in the midwest, specifically in St. Camillus and Nenagh Hospital, will be conducted to address these systemic issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36688/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
768. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has a two and a half year wait for a medical procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36693/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
769. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of persons identified in the Maskey report as eligible for the south Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme; the number who applied to access the scheme; the number awaiting mediation; the number whose application has been refused; and the number whose application has been accepted, in tabular form. [36700/24]
View answerThe independent report of the review into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in South Kerry (the “Maskey Report”) was published on 26 January 2022. This examined the files of everyone who received care from South Kerry CAMHS between 1 July 2016 and 19 April 2021.
The Report found that 240 young people did not receive the standard of care they should have from CAMHS. It identified deficits in governance, supervision and oversight, clinical practice and the overall functioning and administrative processes, which contributed to the sub-standard care received by these young people.
Following publication of the Maskey Report, the Government introduced a non-adversarial route for children/ families to seek compensation for the shortfall in care received. The Maskey Report notes that there is no definitive number of people who suffered harm. Therefore, further evidence of levels of harm may be found, so that the number of people who are eligible for the scheme may change.
However, the terms of the scheme fundamentally remain the same – meeting the criteria of harm as set out by the Maskey report. For example, as evidenced by the additional eligible children in North Kerry subsequently identified by the HSE as qualifying for the Scheme, any further appropriate cases in Kerry recommended by HSE will be given full consideration by the State Claims Agency.
Aside from the inclusion of such individual eligible cases, it is not intended that there be any fundamental change to the Compensation Scheme introduced by Government relating to the Maskey report.
The State Claims Agency continues to engage with families in relation to the processes involved in the Compensation Scheme. As of 23 May 2024, the SCA had 204 applications to the Scheme with initial payments made to 201 applicants. Should patients or their families have any questions in relation to their eligibility for the Scheme, they can contact the HSE Kerry CAMHS information line which remains open on 1800 742 800, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The HSE has re-iterated that they intend to complete the on-going North Kerry Lookback review as soon as possible. The focus of this review is on an independent, thorough, and consistent assessment of the care and treatment that children received.
The HSE has confirmed that Phase 1 of the North Kerry Lookback Review would first look at the files of young people who were under the care of North Kerry CAMHS on 21st November 2022 i.e. the last date the clinician reviewed by Maskey worked in the service.
The next phase of the review (looking at older files i.e. those discharged from the service) will be informed by the review of current files. The outcome of Phase 1 will determine the detail, extent, and circumstances of Phase 2.
The ongoing Phase 1 of the Lookback Review of North Kerry CAMHS is a robust, independent process involving a team of specialised CAMHS consultants, external to North Kerry CAMHS. Files are still being reviewed by the team of specialised CAMHS consultants i.e. the review of individual files has not finished. The priority is that the Lookback Review gives each young person a thorough and consistent assessment of their care and treatment, involving independent expert specialised CAMHS input.
I understand that 9 Consultant CAMHS Psychiatrists from across the country who joined the North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Group. This reduced from 12 Consultants at the commencement of the review process and has impacted on the timelines of the review completion. The Consultants continue to review files - with weekly meetings held with the Consultant Review Group to discuss and sign off on reviewed cases.
The HSE has informed the Department of Health that they wish to express their regret to families and young people that this process is taking longer than they initially hoped, but it is important that both the Executive and families are assured that the review of each file is receiving the expert input needed.
It is important also to note that after each file is reviewed, contact is made with the young person involved and where necessary, Open Disclosure meetings take place. This is a significant step, as the HSE are not waiting for the completion of the review report to inform young people and families if issues are identified. The HSE is committed to keeping families and young people informed about the process and provide updates on hse.ie/northkerrycamhsreview
The Department of Health, in conjunction with the HSE, continues to closely monitor developments in relation to CAMHS in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the review and any evolving issues in relation to the SCA Compensation Scheme.
On the service matter you raised regarding the mediator positions, I have arranged for the HSE to reply directly to you on this.
770. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if all mediator positions for the south Kerry CAMHS compensation scheme have been appointed; the date on which each position was filled; and the county in which the mediator operates, in tabular form. [36701/24]
View answerThe independent report of the review into Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in South Kerry (the “Maskey Report”) was published on 26 January 2022. This examined the files of everyone who received care from South Kerry CAMHS between 1 July 2016 and 19 April 2021.
The Report found that 240 young people did not receive the standard of care they should have from CAMHS. It identified deficits in governance, supervision and oversight, clinical practice and the overall functioning and administrative processes, which contributed to the sub-standard care received by these young people.
Following publication of the Maskey Report, the Government introduced a non-adversarial route for children/ families to seek compensation for the shortfall in care received. The Maskey Report notes that there is no definitive number of people who suffered harm. Therefore, further evidence of levels of harm may be found, so that the number of people who are eligible for the scheme may change.
However, the terms of the scheme fundamentally remain the same – meeting the criteria of harm as set out by the Maskey report. For example, as evidenced by the additional eligible children in North Kerry subsequently identified by the HSE as qualifying for the Scheme, any further appropriate cases in Kerry recommended by HSE will be given full consideration by the State Claims Agency.
Aside from the inclusion of such individual eligible cases, it is not intended that there be any fundamental change to the Compensation Scheme introduced by Government relating to the Maskey report.
The State Claims Agency continues to engage with families in relation to the processes involved in the Compensation Scheme. As of 23 May 2024, the SCA had 204 applications to the Scheme with initial payments made to 201 applicants. Should patients or their families have any questions in relation to their eligibility for the Scheme, they can contact the HSE Kerry CAMHS information line which remains open on 1800 742 800, from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
The HSE has re-iterated that they intend to complete the on-going North Kerry Lookback review as soon as possible. The focus of this review is on an independent, thorough, and consistent assessment of the care and treatment that children received.
The HSE has confirmed that Phase 1 of the North Kerry Lookback Review would first look at the files of young people who were under the care of North Kerry CAMHS on 21st November 2022 i.e. the last date the clinician reviewed by Maskey worked in the service.
The next phase of the review (looking at older files i.e. those discharged from the service) will be informed by the review of current files. The outcome of Phase 1 will determine the detail, extent, and circumstances of Phase 2.
The ongoing Phase 1 of the Lookback Review of North Kerry CAMHS is a robust, independent process involving a team of specialised CAMHS consultants, external to North Kerry CAMHS. Files are still being reviewed by the team of specialised CAMHS consultants i.e. the review of individual files has not finished. The priority is that the Lookback Review gives each young person a thorough and consistent assessment of their care and treatment, involving independent expert specialised CAMHS input.
I understand that 9 Consultant CAMHS Psychiatrists from across the country who joined the North Kerry CAMHS Lookback Review Group. This reduced from 12 Consultants at the commencement of the review process and has impacted on the timelines of the review completion. The Consultants continue to review files - with weekly meetings held with the Consultant Review Group to discuss and sign off on reviewed cases.
The HSE has informed the Department of Health that they wish to express their regret to families and young people that this process is taking longer than they initially hoped, but it is important that both the Executive and families are assured that the review of each file is receiving the expert input needed.
It is important also to note that after each file is reviewed, contact is made with the young person involved and where necessary, Open Disclosure meetings take place. This is a significant step, as the HSE are not waiting for the completion of the review report to inform young people and families if issues are identified. The HSE is committed to keeping families and young people informed about the process and provide updates on hse.ie/northkerrycamhsreview
The Department of Health, in conjunction with the HSE, continues to closely monitor developments in relation to CAMHS in North Kerry, including the timeline for the completion of the review and any evolving issues in relation to the SCA Compensation Scheme.
On the service matter you raised regarding the mediator positions, I have arranged for the HSE to reply directly to you on this.
771. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths that have occurred during cardiac operations in University Hospital Galway compared to other hospitals preforming similar operations (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36703/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
772. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if the recruitment ban has been lifted in a hospital (details supplied); if so, when this ban was lifted; if the hospital has started recruiting since this date; if so, the number of positions advertised since this date; the name of the positions in question; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36714/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
773. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate a medical case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36715/24]
View answerI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when hospital appointments and procedures are cancelled. While every effort is made to avoid cancellations or postponements, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, and unforeseen circumstances that may impact a service.Patient safety remains at the center of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritized way, hospitals follow HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.Cancelled hospital appointments and procedures are, where appropriate, rescheduled as early as possible with priority given to patients requiring time-sensitive and urgent treatment.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.
774. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the effective recruitment embargo imposed in St. Michael's Hospital, Dún Laoghaire (details supplied); the reason for such a measure; if he will instruct the hospital group to end this embargo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36743/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
775. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the new DEXA scanner at Portiuncula University Hospital will be operational; the number of patients currently on the waiting list for an appointment for such a scan; the length of time those patients are on the waiting list, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36746/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
776. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current status of the rehabilitation unit at Roscommon University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36763/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
777. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current status of plans for the development of a new acute adult mental health unit to replace the existing unit at Roscommon University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36764/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
778. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on a waiting list for CAMHS, by CHO, age category and time waiting, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36767/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
779. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the staffing levels in CAMHS by CHO, in each month to date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36768/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
780. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if updated guidance for GPs on best practice prescription of codeine containing medicines has been issued recently; if not, if new guidelines are being developed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36771/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
781. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will increase funding for community, voluntary and charitable organisations to cover the substantial cost associated with the introduction the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System Act 2024, which comes into force in January, and as employers will be obliged to provide 1.5% of employees’ salary as a contribution. [36784/24]
View answerThe Department of Health is not the employer of staff working in the community, voluntary and charitable sector. Nor is it the sole source of funding for a number of agencies in these sectors.
Consequently, it does not have information on the number of staff in these agencies who do not have pensions and will be affected by the provisions of the Automatic Enrolment Retirement Savings System. It also means that the Department does not have information on how this requirement will impact on the finances of these agencies.
As with recent years, increased funding for community, voluntary and charitable agencies will be informed by ongoing negotiations regarding pay in the sector. However, because the negotiations are an industrial relations matter it would be inappropriate to comment any further on this matter at this time.
782. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1807 of 9 September 2024, if the process for medical device refunds will be streamlined; to examine the case of a person (details supplied) experiencing difficulty with this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36787/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
783. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the total number of persons awaiting a psychology report for mental health intellectual disability services in each of the CHO5 areas; the current expected waiting time for an assessment; and the plans he has to extend services within this area before the end of the year. [36793/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
784. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health to identify the specialist ophthalmology surgery treatment that is not provided within the State and for which patients are sent to the UK or elsewhere abroad; and the efforts being made to provide these surgeries within the State. [36794/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
785. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the opening hours of the pharmacy at Tipperary University Hospital each week; and if a senior pharmacist is on call within the hospital on a 24-7 basis. [36795/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
786. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the facilities and specialists that a GP can refer a person to in CHO3 in cases in which the person believes they have ADHD and wish to be diagnosed and appropriately treated by a psychiatrist and get access to medication. [36796/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
