Written answers

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Department of Health

Vaccine Damage Compensation Scheme

Photo of Denise MitchellDenise Mitchell (Dublin Bay North, Sinn Fein)
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143. To ask the Minister for Health the supports available to those who were affected by side effects of the swine flu, H1N1, vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52392/17]

Photo of Simon HarrisSimon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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The Department of Health, the Health Service Executive (HSE), and the Department of Education and Skills, continue to work together to provide a wide range of services and supports for those who have received a diagnosis of narcolepsy following administration of the pandemic influenza vaccine. These include discretionary medical cards, reimbursement of expenses associated with diagnosis and treatment, home tuition and learning supports.

The HSE’s Advocacy Unit acts as liaison with service and support providers and other Government Departments to facilitate access to required services. It is in regular contact with individuals affected and regularly meets with representatives of the SOUND. Regional co-ordinators have been appointed to assist individuals by providing advice, information and access to local services.

The ex-gratiahealth supports include clinical care pathways to ensure access to diagnosis and treatment, multi-disciplinary assessments led by clinical experts, counselling services for both the individuals and their families, discretionary medical cards for those who have been diagnosed have been provided to allow unlimited access to GP care and any prescribed medication, ex-gratia reimbursement of vouched expenses incurred in the process of diagnosis and treatment, including travel expenses for attending medical appointments; physiotherapy, occupational therapy assessments, dental assessments and dietary services all on a needs basis.

The development of a national service for patients with all forms of narcolepsy in adults, and in children transitioning from paediatric services, in St James Hospital is being prioritised. The HSE is currently in the process of preparing its 2018 National Service Plan and it is due to be finalised shortly.

In the interim, the HSE will continue to pay for access to services, such as dietician and psychology services, that would have been provided in the Centre of Excellence from private providers to so that none of the affected individuals miss out on receiving these supports.

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