Results 21,581-21,600 of 45,789 for speaker:Simon Harris

Written Answers — Department of Health: Patient Data (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Based on the 2016 census and dementia prevalence data published by the European Collaboration on Dementia, it is estimated that approximately 51,000 (8%) of the 637,567 people nationally aged 65 or older and 4,000 (0.18%) of the approx. 2.2 million people aged 30-64 has dementia. Based on these prevalence rates, and the proportion of its population in these age cohorts, it can be calculated...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Admissions (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The National Patient Experience Survey provides an invaluable insight into the care patients receive in our hospitals and is an essential service for policy makers, service providers, and regulators. It is encouraging that 84% of participants nationally reported a positive overall experience in our hospitals. This year's survey also showed improvement in the dignity and respect patients...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Staff Recruitment (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Increasing capacity is a priority for this Government. €10 million in funding is being made available in 2019 to increase acute bed capacity in line with the recommendations of the Health Care Capacity Review. My Department is currently in discussions with the HSE, in the context of the National Service Plan 2019, to identify the sites for investment and the associated number of...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Mental Health Services Staff (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As is widely acknowledged, there is currently an international shortage of Consultant Psychiatrists, particularly for the HSE Child and Adolescent Mental Health service (CAMHS). CHO4, which covers the Cork and Kerry areas, indicates that there are currently 7.25 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) vacancies at Consultant level in mental health there. Cork/Kerry Community Healthcare have...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medical Products (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The NuVasive MAGEC Spinal Bracing and Distraction System is a CE-marked medical device and, as such, it has been assessed by an EU-based notified body as complying with the safety and performance requirements of the EU medical device Directives. Certification requires that any clinical risks associated with a device are mitigated and reduced as far as possible, and that all risks cumulatively...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Disease Management (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Since 2004, it is mandatory for clinical directors of laboratories to notify a case of TB to the regional director of public health (DPH) under their role as medical officer of health (MOH). This relates to cases of TB disease only and not to cases of latent TB infection (LTBI). LTBI is not a notifiable disease. The ‘Guidelines on the Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis in Ireland...

Written Answers — Department of Health: HIQA Remit (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: Health Information and Quality Authority Background The Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) was established in 2007. HIQA is an independent authority established to drive high-quality and safe care for health and social care services in Ireland. HIQA’s mandate extends across a range of public, private and voluntary sector services. Reporting to the Minister for Health and...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The provision of a new MRI at Mullingar Regional Hospital is included in the proposed new extension of the radiology department at the Hospital. The project team are currently at an advanced stage in the pre-planning process with a view to lodging a full planning application in the first quarter of 2019. The Health Service Executive is developing its Capital Plan for 2019 which will...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Occupational Therapy Waiting Lists (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Medicinal Products Reimbursement (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I propose to take Questions Nos. 66 and 105 together. The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the 2013 Act. The Act specifies the criteria for decisions on the reimbursement of medicines. In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Appointments Delays (5 Dec 2018)

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

Written Answers — Department of Health: HSE Staff (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The union which is recognised by the HSE as representing ambulance grades is SIPTU. The Psychiatric Nurses' Association (PNA), which is a non ICTU affiliated union, have negotiating rights for nurses working in psychiatry and intellectual disability sectors. The National Ambulance Service Representative Association (NASRA), which is affiliated with the PNA is not recognised by the HSE and,...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Maternity Services (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I am committed to the development of the new maternity hospital on the St Vincent's campus. This is a vital project for women and babies in Ireland, representing the flagship project of the National Maternity Strategy and the largest single investment ever made in maternity services in Ireland. Considerable work has been undertaken to develop a legal framework to protect the State's...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Admissions (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: According to the National Patient Experience Survey which was published recently, 84% of respondents said they had a very good or good experience in our hospitals. The results regarding the confidence and trust, as well as the dignity and respect patients experience while in hospital were also encouraging. It is a matter of concern, however, that in the case of Naas Hospital, just 18%...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Overcrowding (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: I acknowledge the distress overcrowded EDs cause to patients, their families, and frontline staff working in very challenging working conditions in hospitals throughout the country. This year has been characterised by high demand for unscheduled care, particularly among the over-75 age group, which was further exacerbated by Storm Emma and the extended influenza season earlier this year. My...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Island Communities (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: 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.

Written Answers — Department of Health: Cancer Services Provision (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The Mater Hospital runs a Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic and Rapid Access Clinics for lung and prostate cancer. In October, the key performance indicators set out in the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 for access to the three clinics were reached as follows: Clinic Target Performance - Oct.2018 Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic 95% of referrals triaged as urgent to be seen within...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Hospital Services (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: As the Deputy will be aware, the INMO and the PNA have rejected recent pay proposals. The INMO are currently conducting a ballot of their members seeking a mandate for industrial action. While the Government will respect the outcome of this ballot, I would continue to urge the parties to continue to engage. Indeed, I understand that the parties have been invited to attend a meeting of the...

Written Answers — Department of Health: Brexit Issues (5 Dec 2018)

Simon Harris: The Government’s overriding priority at present is to work towards the finalisation of the draft Withdrawal Agreement and the political declaration on the EU-UK future relationship. However, any Brexit scenario will mean considerable change and impact for Ireland. Government Departments and Agencies are undertaking extensive and detailed Brexit preparedness and contingency work....