Written answers

Tuesday, 6 July 2010

Department of Health and Children

Health Services

10:00 am

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 276: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she has ensured that the Health Service Executive has a rapid approval mechanism in place for the treatment of patients requiring emergency fillings under the dental treatment services scheme; if so, the precise nature of that mechanism; the definition of high risk in regard to medical card patients requiring treatment of gum disease and if this was done using appropriate clinical expertise; and if this definition has been communicated to the principal dental surgeons and dental treatment service scheme contractors involved. [29847/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 277: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will ensure that the Health Service Executive has principal dental surgeons in place in all areas to deal with the new approvals process and questions that arise daily as a result of the new arrangements. [29848/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 279: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the effort made to advise general medical practitioners of the new circumstances pertaining to the dental treatment service scheme which will impact on patients' health. [29850/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 282: To ask the Minister for Health and Children her views on whether it is an appropriate use of Exchequer funding to treat infection using antibiotics without treating the underlying disease. [29853/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

I am committed to ensuring the rational use of all pharmaceutical agents including antibiotics. My Department continues to promote the rational use of antibiotics and also their non-use in cases of viral infection. The Guidelines for Antimicrobial Stewardship in Hospitals in Ireland aim to promote the sensible prescribing of antibiotics. Data on antibiotic consumption collected by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), shows a welcome decrease in antibiotic consumption in hospitals in 2008 for the first time since 2000. Data for 2009 shows a further drop in consumption over the 2008 rates.

Ireland participated in the first two European Antibiotic Awareness Days in 2008 and 2009; an education programme for healthcare staff and the general public launched the 2008 programme and the 2009 campaign built on that platform.

Photo of Michael D'ArcyMichael D'Arcy (Wexford, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 283: To ask the Minister for Health and Children the specific arrangements in place for the treatment of adult special needs patients under the dental treatment service scheme or otherwise. [29854/10]

Photo of Mary HarneyMary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.