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Friday 12 October 2001 Social Security Office Newry Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to outline what progress has been made in acquiring a site for the new Social Security Office in Newry. (AQW 244/01) The Minister of Finance and Personnel (Mr Durkan): The new office will be built on the site of the original building in Bridge Street Newry, which remains in Government ownership. A number of developers responded to a Developer's Brief to provide a replacement building, which will also incorporate the Training and Employment and Child Support Agencies, and these proposals are currently being evaluated. My Department will recommend a preferred Developer as soon as possible after this evaluation is completed. Pressures on the Health Service Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment regarding the release of £10 million of the Department of the Environment's budget to alleviate the crisis in the Health Service. (AQO 235/01) Mr Durkan: Ministers will consider the views of MLAs and others in respect of proposals for modification of the Draft Budget for 2002-03, as previously confirmed to the Assembly and in accordance with the timetable set out in the Budget document laid in the Assembly on 25 September. In the course of preparing the Draft Budget all Departments have underlined their spending needs and the implications of reduced allocations. Assembly Committees' comments on the Executive Position Report highlighted some similar points [to me]. In agreeing the Draft Budget the Executive has recognised the pressures on the Health Service by achieving spending increases above the indicative allocations agreed last December. The Executive will be considering shortly the scope for reallocation of resources in 2001-02 in the September Monitoring Round. Pressures on the Health Service Mr Seamus Close asked the Minister of Finance and Personnel to give his assessment regarding the release of £10 million of the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister's budget to alleviate the crisis in the Health Service. (AQO 236/01) Mr Durkan: Ministers will consider the views of MLAs and others in respect of proposals for modification of the Draft Budget for 2002-03, as previously confirmed to the Assembly and in accordance with the timetable set out in the Budget document laid in the Assembly on 25 September. In the course of preparing the Draft Budget all Departments have underlined their spending needs and the implications of reduced allocations. Assembly Committees' comments on the Executive Position Report highlighted some similar points [to me]. In agreeing the Draft Budget the Executive has recognised the pressures on the Health Service by achieving spending increases above the indicative allocations agreed last December. The Executive will be considering shortly the scope for reallocation of resources in 2001-02 in the September Monitoring Round. TOPHEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES AND PUBLIC SAFETY Patients Travelling for Surgical Procedures Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her policy on patients travelling to Great Britain or the Republic of Ireland for surgical procedures as a result of extensive waiting lists in Northern Ireland. (AQW 195/01) The Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (Ms de Brún): Patients who have been waiting some time for surgical procedures may be offered the opportunity to travel to hospitals in Great Britain or the South of Ireland for their operations. However, it is not always appropriate or convenient for patients to travel for such operations and it is, therefore, a matter for Boards to discuss with patients on an individual basis. Féadtar deis a thabhairt d'othair a bhí ag fanacht fada go leor ar ghnáthaimh mháinliachta taisteal go hotharlanna sa Bhreatain Mhór nó i ndeisceart na hÉireann dá n-obráidí. Níl sé ceart nó caoithiúil i gcónaí d'othair áfach taisteal lena leithéid d'obráidí a fháil agus, mar sin de, is ceist í seo do Bhoird le plé le hothair ar bhonn indibhidiúil. Belfast Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre Mr Ian Paisley Jnr asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 27/01, to specify what additional financial assistance she can offer to the Rape Crisis Centre in order to prevent it from closing. (AQW 204/01) Ms de Brún: My officials are working with Belfast Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre in a review of its financial position and management and organisational structure and are seeking to secure the appropriate level of funding to assist it with its current difficulties. Tá mo chuid feidhmeannach ag obair leis an Ionad Éigeandála um Éigniú agus Mí-Úsáid Ghnéasach Bhéal Feirste in athbhreithniú ar a staid airgeadais agus ar a struchtúr bainistíochta agus eagraíochta, agus tá siad ag féachailt le go leor maoiniú a aimsiú le cuidiú leis an ionad na deacrachtaí ina bhfuil sé faoi láthair a chur de. Patient Transport Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail what co-ordination takes place between GP surgeries and the ambulance service to ensure that suitable staff and ambulances are sent out to transport patients to hospital. (AQW 207/01) Ms de Brún: The GP, making the request for patient transport, must advise the Ambulance Service of the condition of the patient and the timescale within which transportation to hospital is required. It is then a matter for the Ambulance Service to provide suitable and timely transport. For urgent hospital admissions the Ambulance Service will provide an Accident & Emergency vehicle with two crew members, one of whom will normally be a paramedic and the other an emergency medical technician. For routine admissions or attendance at outpatients the Ambulance Service will, depending on the condition of the patient, provide either a Patient Care Service or high dependency vehicle, with appropriately trained staff. Caithfidh an gnáthdhochtúir, a iarrann ar iompar d'othar, eolas ar riocht an othair agus ar an mhéid ama a bheadh iompar de dhíth a thabhairt don tSeirbhís Otharcharr. Ansin, is ceist í seo don tSeirbhís Otharcharr iompar cuí agus tráthúil a sholáthar. Le daoine a ghlacadh isteach go práinneach san otharlann, soláthróidh an tSeirbhís Otharcharr feithicil Thimpistí & Éigeandálaí agus beirt bhall den fhoireann, ar paraimhíochaineoir é/í duine díobh agus ar teicneoir éigeandála míochaine é/í an duine eile de ghnáth. Do ghlacadh isteach nó d'fhreastal rialta ag ionaid éisothar, soláthróidh an tSeirbhís Otharcharr, ag brath ar riocht an othair, feithicil Sheirbhíse Cúraim Othair nó ardspleáchais chomh maith le foireann oilte mar is ceart. Child Development Centre Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the business objectives associated with moving the Child Development Centre from the Ulster Hospital to Ards Hospital. (AQW 208/01) Ms de Brún: I recently announced my approval of the Ulster Hospital and Community HSS Trust £98 million Strategic Development Plan for the redevelopment of the Ulster Hospital. My announcement also signalled a £2 million investment to reinstate 20 adult inpatient beds in Jaffe Ward, to address problems of bed capacity and reduce trolley waits at the hospital. Relocation of the Child Development Centre from Jaffe Ward in the Ulster Hospital to Ards Hospital was essential to create the space for much needed extra beds. In addition children's services will be centralised in Ards Hospital. D'fhógair mé ar na mallaibh gur fhormheas mé Plan Straitéiseach Forbartha £98 milliún Iontaobhas SSS Otharlann agus Phobal Uladh d'athchóiriú Otharlann Uladh. Chuir m'fhógra in iúl fosta infheistíocht de £2 milliún le 20 leaba d'othair chónaitheacha fhásta a athchur ar fáil i mBarda Jaffe, le dul i gceann fadhbanna a bhaineann le toilleadh leapacha agus leis an fhanacht ar thralaithe san otharlann a laghdú. Bhí athlonnú an Ionaid Fhorbairt Pháistí ó Bharda Jaffe in Otharlann Uladh go hOtharlann na hAirde riachtanach leis an spás a chruthú do leapacha breise a bhí de dhíth go mór mór. Ina theannta sin, neartófar na seirbhísí páistí in Otharlann na hAirde. Child Development Centre Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the estimated cost to move the Child Development Centre from the Ulster Hospital to Ards Hospital. (AQW 209/01) Ms de Brún: The estimated cost, within the overall scheme cost of approximately £2 million, is £600,000. Is é £600,000 an costas measta, laistigh de chostas iomlán na scéime de thimpeall is £2 milliún. Child Development Centre Mr Jim Shannon asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail any consultation that has taken place with the Ulster Community and Hospitals HSS Trust in relation to the Child Development Centre move from the Ulster Hospital to Ards Hospital. (AQW 210/01) Ms de Brún: The Trust submitted its business case for reinstatement of 20 adult inpatient beds in Jaffe Ward, which involved relocation of the Child Development Centre to Ards Hospital. The business case was formally endorsed by the Trust Board and supported by the Eastern Health and Social Services Board. My officials subjected the proposals to robust assessment before the Trust was given approval to proceed. Chuir an tIontaobhas isteach a chás gnó le haghaidh athchur ar fáil 20 leaba d'othair chónaitheacha fhásta i mBarda Jaffe, ina raibh athlonnú an Ionaid Fhorbairt Pháistí in Otharlann na Airde i gceist. Ghlac Bord an Iontaobhais leis an chás gnó go foirmiúil agus thacaigh Bord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Oirthir leis. Rinne mo chuid oifigeach measúnú daingean air sular tugadh cead don Iontaobhas le dul ar aghaidh leis. Pre-School Playgroups Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of pre-school playgroups that have closed, and the associated number of pre-school places that have been lost, during each of the last three years. (AQW 217/01) Ms de Brún: The Department does not collect information on the numbers of pre-school playgroups that have been closed and the associated number of pre-school places that have been lost. Over the past three years, the number of pre-school playgroups operating and associated number of pre-school places provided here is as follows:
Ní bhailíonn an Roinn eolas ar líon na naíolann réamhscoile a druideadh agus ar líon na n-áiteanna naíolainne réamhscoile iontu a cailleadh. Seo a leanas líon na naíolann réamhscoile ag feidhmiú agus na n-áiteanna naíolainne réamhscoile iontu soláthraithe le linn na dtrí bliana anuas:
Speech and Language Therapy Students Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 2737/00, to detail any increase in Speech and Language Therapy students to meet current needs. (AQW 220/01) Ms de Brún: Additional funding has been made available to increase the Speech and Language Therapy student intake level by 10 places for the Academic Year 2001/2002. My Department is currently undertaking a more detailed analysis of the Speech and Language Therapy workforce, which will seek to address concerns about recruitment and retention difficulties. The outcome of this exercise will be known early in the New Year and will influence any decisions on future student places. Cuireadh maoiniú breise ar fáil le leibhéal ghlacadh isteach mac léinn Teiripe Labhartha agus Teanga a mhéadú faoi 10 áit don Bhliain Acadúil 2001/2002. Tá an Roinn s'agamsa ag déanamh anailíse níos mine ar an mheitheal oibre Teiripe Labhartha agus Teanga i láthair na huaire, a dhéanfaidh iarracht le dul i gceann buarthaí faoi dheacrachtaí earcaíochta agus coinneála. Cuirfear toradh na hanailíse seo in iúl sa Bhliain Úr agus beidh tionchar aige ar chinneadh ar bith a dhéanfaidh mé ar áiteanna do mhic léinn sa todhchaí. Fracture Surgery : Waiting Times Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to reduce the waiting time for fracture surgery in Northern Ireland. (AQW 221/01) Ms de Brún: I am aware that there has been substantially increased pressure on our fracture services in recent months. I recognise that it is unacceptable for people to be waiting long periods for treatment and I have asked the Boards and Trusts to continue to collaborate to minimise delays. There remains a shortage of orthopaedic surgeons both here and in the NHS. My Department has taken steps to increase the number of trainees in this specialty but this will clearly take time. A shortage in the number of theatre nurses has also contributed to the problem. However, I am advised that this issue has now been resolved. A range of other measures have been taken to alleviate the current difficulties, including the protection of fracture lists at the Royal Victoria Hospital, the provision of additional theatre lists by the Royal, Green Park and Ulster Hospital Health Trusts, and utilisation of spare capacity in the Duke of Connaught Unit on the Musgrave Park Hospital site. Tá a fhios agam go raibh méadú mór sa bhrú ar ár seirbhísí briste sna míonna déanacha. Admhaím go bhfuil sé doghlactha do dhaoine a bheith ag fanacht le tréimhsí fada ar chóireáil agus d'iarr mé ar na Boird agus ar na hIontaobhais comhoibriú ar aghaidh le chéile chun moilleanna a laghdú. Tá easpa máinlianna ortaipéideacha anseo agus sa SNS ann go fóill. Rinne an Roinn s'agamsa bearta le líon na bprintíseach sa tsainghairm seo a mhéadú ach is léir go nglacfaidh seo am. Chuir ganntanas i líon na n-altraí obrádlainne leis an fhadhb fosta. Cuireadh in iúl dom áfach gur réitíodh an cheist seo anois. Rinneadh réimse beart eile leis na deacrachtaí atá ann faoi láthair a mhaolú, cosaint liostaí briste in Otharlann Ríoga Victeoiria, soláthar liostaí breise obrádlainne ag an Iontaobhas Ríoga Sláinte, ag Iontaobhas Sláinte na Páirce Glaise agus Otharlann Uladh, chomh maith le feidhmiú Ionad Diúc Chonnacht ar láithreán Otharlann Pháirc Musgrave san áireamh. Statistics on Back Related Problems Mr Sean Neeson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail statistical data relating to those people who are currently receiving treatment for back related problems. (AQW 230/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not collected. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo. Meals on Wheels Provision Mr Roy Beggs asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of persons receiving meals on wheels services supported by her Department in each (a) district council area and (b) post code area. (AQW 234/01) Ms de Brún: This information is not available. Ní bhailítear an t-eolas seo. Energy Efficiency Mr Ken Robinson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to make energy efficiency a priority for local trusts. (AQW 238/01) Ms de Brún: HSS Trusts have made considerable progress in improving energy performance over a number of years, consistently meeting government targets. The improvement in energy performance of HSS Boards, Trusts and Agencies to April 2000 was 20.47% compared to the base year of 1990/91, exceeding the Government's target of 20% for that period. This also resulted in a reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide of 26.77% over the same period, already exceeding the target of 20% by 2010. My Department is developing an environmental policy and strategy tailored to the healthcare sector, to allow the wide range of environmental and sustainable development issues to be taken forward. Energy will be one of the key areas addressed. The Department of Finance and Personnel operates a Central Energy Efficiency Fund - a fund spanning all departments to promote energy efficiency schemes. Trusts are encouraged to submit bids to the Fund each year. This has resulted in schemes totalling £343,000 being funded in HSS Trusts this current year. Tá dul chun cinn mór déanta ag Iontaobhais SSS i bhfeabhsú feidhmithe fhuinnimh thar roinnt blianta, ag baint spriocanna Rialtais amach go rialta. 20.47% ba ea an feabhsú i bhfeidhmiú fuinnimh Bhoird, Iontaobhais agus Ghníomhaireachtaí SSS go hAibreán 2000 i gcomparáid leis an chéad bhliain 1990/91, ag sárú sprioc an Rialtais de 20% don tréimhse sin. Laghdú 26.77% in astúcháin dhé-ocsaíde carbóin thar an tréimhse chéanna a tháinig as seo fosta, ag sárú sprioc de 20% faoi 2010 cheana féin. Tá an Roinn s'agamsa ag forbairt polasaí agus straitéise timpeallachta atá fóirsteanach don earnáil chúraim shláinte, chun an réimse leathan ceisteanna timpeallachta agus forbartha leanúnaí a chur chun cinn. Is é fuinneamh ceann de na heochaircheisteanna a rachfar i gceann orthu. Feidhmíonn An Roinn Airgeadais agus Pearsanra Lárchiste Tíosachta Fuinnimh - ciste atá ar fáil do na Ranna uile le scéimeanna tíosachta fuinnimh a chur chun cinn. Spreagtar Iontaobhais tairiscintí a chuir isteach chuig an Chiste gach bliain. Ba é an toradh air seo gur tugadh maoiniú de £343,000 san iomlán do scéimeanna in Iontaobhais SSS sa bhliain seo. Hepatitis C Virus Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to make it her policy to introduce a regional strategy to combat the hepatitis C virus. (AQW 239/01) Ms de Brún: Work on a regional strategy dealing with all aspects of Hepatitis C is already in progress. A report is presently being prepared for discussion at a multi-disciplinary workshop before the end of this year. The Strategy will address issues under prevention, surveillance, diagnosis, treatment, services, public and professional education and counselling for affected patients. Tá obair ar straitéis réigiúnach ag déileáil le gach gné de Heipitíteas C faoi lánseol cheana féin. Tá tuairisc á hullmhú i láthair na huaire le haghaidh caibidle ag ceardlann ildhisciplíneach roimh dheireadh na bliana seo. Rachaidh an Straitéis i gceann ceisteanna faoi chosc, fhaire, fháthmheas, chóireáil, sheirbhísí, oideachas poiblí agus gairmiúil agus faoi chomhairle d'othair faoi leatrom. Health Service : Primary Care Services Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to improve primary care services. (AQW 240/01) Ms de Brún: Over the past year I have consulted widely on the future role of primary care with a view to improving the service available and to enhance the role of primary care within the health and social services. This round of consultation culminated in the consultation paper Building the Way Forward in Primary Care. I have carefully considered the responses to the consultation and I expect to make an announcement about my future plans in this area in the very near future. An additional £5.4m has been made available this year for primary care. This money will be spent on extra staff, premises and information and communications technology in general practice and on improving and developing front line primary care services. I am also keen to preserve the enhanced primary care services that are currently funded through GP Fundholding savings and £1m has been earmarked for this purpose. I have agreed continued funding for the Primary Care Commissioning pilots to enable them to maintain local primary care services on, for example, care of the elderly, cardiac rehabilitation, mental health, diabetes and orthopaedic clinics. Finally, the Chief Dental Officer has undertaken a mid term evaluation of my Department's Oral Health Strategy. With the help of the dental profession and other health professionals, the Chief Dental Officer will prioritise and take forward recommendations from the evaluation in order to ensure continued improvements in oral health for all the population. Le linn na bliana seo a chuaigh thart, chuaigh mé i gcomhairle fhorleathan ar ról príomhchúraim sa todhchaí de gheall ar an tseirbhís atá ar fáil a fheabhsú agus le ról príomhchúraim laistigh de na seirbhísí sláinte agus sóisialta a mhéadú. Chríochnaigh an babhta comhairlithe seo le foilsiú an pháipéir chomhairlithe Ag Tógáil an Bhealaigh Chun Tosaigh i bPríomhchúram. Rinne mé machnamh cúramach ar fhreagraí a tugadh sa chomhairliú agus tá mé ag súil le fógra a dhéanamh faoi mo phleananna amach anseo sa réimse go h-an luath. Cuireadh £5.4m breise ar fáil i mbliana le haghaidh príomhchúraim. Caithfear an t-airgead seo ar fhoireann bhreise, áitreabh, theicneolaíocht eolais agus chumarsáide i ngnáthdhochtúireacht agus ar fheabhsú agus fhorbairt sheirbhísí tosaigh príomhchúraim. Tá dúil agam fosta na seirbhísí méadaithe príomhchúraim atá á maoiniú faoi láthair trí airgead ciste-shealbhaíochta gnáthdhochtúra taisce a chaomhnú agus cuireadh £1m i leataobh le haghaidh an chuspóra seo. D'aontaigh mé maoiniú leanúnach do na scéimeanna píolótacha Choimisiúnú Príomhchúraim chun cur ar a gcumas seirbhísí áitiúla príomhchúraim a choinneáil, mar shampla, ar chúram seandaoine, athshlánú cairdiach, shláinte meabhrach, dhiaibéiteas agus ar chlinicí ortaipéideacha. Sa deireadh thiar, thosaigh an Príomh-Oifigeach Fiaclóireachta ag déanamh measúnaithe lárthéarma ar Straitéis Shláinte Béil mo Roinne. Le cuidiú ón ghairm fhiaclóireachta agus ó ghairmithe sláinte eile, tabharfaidh an Príomh-Oifigeach Fiaclóireachta tosaíocht do mholtaí ón mheasúnú agus forbróidh sé iad le feabhsuithe leanúnacha i sláinte bhéil don phobal uile a chinntiú. Maternity Services Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to improve maternity services in West Tyrone. (AQW 241/01) Ms de Brún: The Acute Hospitals Review Group has made recommendations about the future development of hospital services here, including maternity services, and I have issued the Group's report for a period of public consultation which lasts until 31 October. Following consideration of the outcome of the public consultation process and discussion with Executive colleagues, proposals on the way forward can be put out for consultation. I hope to be in a position to announce decisions in the course of 2002. Rinne an Grúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna moltaí faoi fhorbairt sheirbhísí otharlainne anseo sa todhchaí, seirbhísí máithreachais san áireamh, agus d'eisigh mé tuairisc an Ghrúpa le haghaidh tréimhse comhairlithe phoiblí a mhairfidh go dtí 31 Deireadh Fómhair. I ndiaidh toradh an phróisis chomhairliúcháin a mheas agus caibidil a dhéanamh le Comhghleacaithe an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin, is féidir moltaí ar an bhealach chun tosaigh a chur faoi chomhairliúchán. Tá súil agam bheith i riocht cinntí a fhógairt i rith 2002. Waiting List for Heart Surgery Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to reduce to 3000 the number of patients on the waiting list for heart surgery. (AQW 242/01) Ms de Brún: At the end June 2001 there were 561 people on the waiting list for cardiac surgery. I have set a target for the current financial year of reducing by 50% the number of people waiting more than 12 months for cardiac surgery and the elimination of such long waits by March 2003. By the end of the first quarter of the current financial year the number waiting more than 12 months for cardiac surgery had reduced by 9.5%. In September last year I commissioned a review of cardiac surgery. I established this review to identify the problems facing this service and to identify solutions. As you are aware the report of the Cardiac Surgery Review has now been finalised and my Department has developed a proposed joint action plan for the implementation of the recommendations made by the Cardiac Surgery review and the Review of Cardiology Services. I have now issued the Joint Action Plan for public consultation. The Action Plan provides a basis upon which to move forward and bring about real and meaningful change to ensure that we have a high quality, effective and timely service for those requiring cardiac surgery. However, given that some of the recommendations have significant resource implications, the speed and approach to implementation will be influenced by both the outcome of the consultation process and the availability of resources in 2002-03 and beyond Immediate action to improve recruitment and retention of staff, particularly nursing staff in cardiac surgery is a priority if waiting times are to be reduced. I have allocated additional funding for supernumerary nursing posts in cardiac intensive care to support the existing staff and allow additional nurses to receive the specialised training. This will help increase bed capacity and facilitate an increase in the number of operations possible. The four Health and Social Services Boards have been purchasing cardiac surgery at units elsewhere for some patients who are able and willing to travel. This practice will need to continue until the number of procedures conducted at the Royal increases. Ag deireadh mhí Mheithimh 2001 bhí 561 duine ar an liosta feithimh le haghaidh máinliachta cairdí. Leag me sprioc síos don bhliain airgeadais seo le líon na ndaoine ag fanacht níos mó ná 12 mí ar mháinliacht chairdiach a laghdú faoi 50% agus le deireadh a chur lena leithéid d'fhanacht fhada faoi Mhárta 2003. Faoi dheireadh na chéad ráithe den bhliain airgeadais seo laghdaigh líon na ndaoine ag fanacht níos mó ná 12 mí ar mháinliacht chairdiach faoi 9.5%. I Meán Fómhair anuraidh, choimisiúnaigh mé athbhreithniú ar mháinliacht chairdiach. Chuir mé tús leis an athbhreithniú seo leis na fadhbanna atá ag an tseirbhís seo a aimsiú agus le réitigh a aimsiú. Mar is eol daoibh, cuireadh an dlaoi mhullaigh anois ar thuairisc an Athbhreithnithe ar Mháinliacht Chairdiach agus d'fhorbair an Roinn s'agamsa comhphlean molta gnímh do chur i bhfeidhm na moltaí déanta ag an Athbhreithniú ar Mháinliacht Chairdiach agus ag an Athbhreithniú ar Sheirbhísí Cairdeolaíochta. D'eisigh mé an Comhphlean Gnímh anois le haghaidh comhairlithe phoiblí. Soláthraíonn an Plean Gnímh dúshraith ar ar féidir dul chun cinn a dhéanamh agus fíorathrú tábhachtach a dhéanamh le cinntiú go bhfuil seirbhís ardcháilíochta, éifeachtach agus thráthúil againn dóibh siúd ag iarraidh máinliacht chairdiach. Cé go bhfuil impleachtaí móra ag na moltaí d'acmhainní áfach, beidh tionchar ag toradh an phróisis chomhairlithe agus ag infhaighteacht acmhainní i 2003/03 agus taobh thall de ar a ghaiste agus ar an dóigh a bheidh an cur i bhfeidhm. Is tosaíocht é gníomh láithreach le hearcú agus le coinneáil foirne a fheabhsú, go háirithe foireann altrachta i máinliacht chairdiach má táthar amanna feithimh a laghdú. Dháil mé maoiniú breise le haghaidh post sáruimhriúil altrachta i ndianchúram cairdiach chun tacú leis an fhoireann atá ann faoi láthair agus chun ligean d'altraí breise an tsainoiliúint a fháil. Cuideoidh sé seo le toilleadh leapacha a mhéadú agus le méadú i líon na n-obráidí is féidir a dhéanamh a éascú. Bhí na ceithre Bhord Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta ag ceannach máinliachta cairdí in ionaid eile do roinnt othar atá ábalta agus toilteanach taisteal. Is gá leis an chleachtas seo leanstan ar aghaidh go méadóidh líon na ngnáthamh déanta san Otharlann Ríoga. Cottage and Community Hospitals Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail her plans to expand cottage and community hospitals; and to make a statement. (AQW 243/01) Ms de Brún: Following publication of the Acute Hospitals Review Group Report in June, I issued the Report for a period of public consultation, which will end on 31 October. Following consideration of the outcome of the public consultation process and discussion with Executive colleagues, proposals on the way forward can be put out for consultation. I hope to be in a position to announce decisions in the course of 2002. Nuair a foilsíodh tuairisc an ghrúpa athbhreithnithe ar ghéarospidéil i mí an Mheithimh, d'eisigh mé an tuairisc le haghaidh tréimhse chomhairliúcháin phoiblí a chríochnóidh ar 31 Deireadh Fómhair. I ndiaidh toradh an phróisis chomhairliúcháin a mheas agus caibidil a dhéanamh le Comhghleacaithe an Choiste Feidhmiúcháin, is féidir moltaí ar an bhealach chun tosaigh a chur faoi chomhairliúchán. Tá súil agam bheith i riocht cinntí a fhógairt i rith 2002. Occupational Therapists Mr John Fee asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) how many Occupational Therapists have been recruited in each Health and Social Services Board in the last six months and (b) how many of these are engaged solely in assessments for Disabled Facilities Grants. (AQW 245/01) Ms de Brún: The information for (a) is detailed in the table below. Figures refer to the six months ending September 2001. Occupational Therapists recruited - April to September 2001
1 Includes appointments to new and existing posts. 2 Includes 3.5 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) temporary Occupational Therapist in Homefirst Community Trust. 3 Includes 1.0 WTE temporary Occupational Therapist recruited in Craigavon and Banbridge Community Health and Social Services Trust. 4 Includes 6 WTE temporary Occupational Therapists recruited in Sperrin Lakeland Health and Social Services Trust. 5 Includes 6 WTE Occupational Therapists that had been employed on temporary contracts and subsequently secured permanent posts in Foyle Health and Social Services Trust. (b) There are no Occupational Therapists engaged solely in assessments for Disabled Facilities Grants. Miondealaítear an t-eolas do (a) sa tábla thíos. Tagraíonn na figiúirí do na sé mhí ag críochnú Meán Fómhair 2001. Teiripithe Saothair earcaithe - Aibreán go Meán Fómhair 2001
1 Cuimsíonn sé ceapacháin do phoist nua agus do phoist atá ann faoi láthair. 2 Cuimsíonn sé 3.5 Teiripí sealadacha Saothair Coibhéise Lánaimseartha (CLA) in Iontaobhas Phobal Homefirst. 3 Cuimsíonn sé 1.0 Teiripí sealadach Saothair CLA earcaithe in Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Phobal Chreag na hAbhann agus Dhroichead na Banna. 4 Cuimsíonn sé 6 Teiripí sealadacha Saothair CLA earcaithe in Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta Shliabh Speirín agus Thír na Lochanna. 5 Cuimsíonn sé 6 Teiripí sealadacha Saothair CLA a fostaíodh ar chonarthaí sealadacha agus a fuair poist bhuana in Iontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta an Fheabhail ina dhiaidh sin. Includes 6 WTE Occupational (b) Níl Teiripí Saothair ar bith i mbun measúnuithe amháin le haghaidh Deontas d'Áiseanna do Mhíchumasaigh. Number of General Practitioners in Service Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail (a) the number of General Practitioners in service and (b) the expected numbers in 2003. (AQW 248/01) Ms de Brún: The information is as follows: (a) at September 2001 there were 1060 General Practitioners in service; (b) currently the Medical Committee of the Central Services Agency considers the need for new or replacement General Practitioners. The future numbers of General Practitioners will be dependent upon a number of factors such as the outcome of the consultation on the Acute Hospitals Review Group Report. Seo a leanas an t-eolas: (a) ag Meán Fómhair 2001 bhí 1060 Gnáthdhochtúir ag obair; (b) faoi láthair, síleann an Coiste Míochaine den Lár-Ghníomhaireacht Sheirbhísí go bhfuil gá le Gnáthdhochtúirí nua nó le hionadaithe. Braithfidh líon na nGnáthdhochtúirí sa todhchaí ar roinnt fachtóirí amhail toradh an chomhairlithe ar Thuairisc an Ghrúpa Athbhreithnithe ar Ghéarotharlanna. Failure to Keep Outpatient Appointments Mr Oliver Gibson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety what plans she has to reduce the number of patients who fail to keep outpatient appointments. (AQW 250/01) Ms de Brún: Under the Framework for Action on Waiting Lists which I issued last year, Health and Social Services Trusts are required to monitor the number of patients who do not attend or cancel their outpatient appointments. Trusts are also required to establish protocols to assist those patients who cancel their appointments repeatedly. This may include, where appropriate, patients being returned to the care of their GP for alternative care or treatment to be considered. Faoin Chreat Gníomhaíochta i leith Liostaí Feithimh a d'eisigh mé anuraidh, caithfidh Iontaobhais Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta faireachán a dhéanamh ar líon na n-othar nach fhreastalaíonn ar choinní d'othair sheachtracha nó a chuireann ar ceal iad. Caithfidh Iontaobhais prótacail a bhúnú le cuidiú a thabhairt do na hothair sin a chuireann coinní ar ceal arís agus arís eile. Is é a bheadh i gceist, dá mba chuí, go gcuirfí othair ar ais faoi chúram an Liachleachtóra Ghinearálta atá acu le go gcuirfí cúram nó cóireáil eile san áireamh. Statistics for Punishment Beatings and Shootings Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety, pursuant to AQW 3489/00, when will hospital statistics for services used to treat punishment beatings and shootings be collected and collated. (AQW 258/01) Ms de Brún: There are no plans to collect this information. Níltear ag brath an t-eolas seo a bhailiú. Orthopaedic Services Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail, in monetary terms only, the resources used by the Orthopaedic Departments for the years (a) 1997 (b) 1998 (c) 1999 (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 to date. (AQW 259/01) Ms de Brún: The figures in the table below represent total expenditure by Health and Social Services Trusts on Orthopaedic services, for the 1997/98, 1998/99 and 1999/00 financial years. Expenditure figures for 2000/01 and the current year to date are not yet available.
Is é atá sna figiúirí sa tábla thíos caiteachas iomlán na nIontaobhas Sláinte agus Seirbhísí Sóisialta ar sheirbhísí Ortaipéideacha do na blianta airgeadais 1997/98, 1998/99 agus 1999/00. Níl figiúirí caiteachais don bhliain 2000/01 agus don bhliain seo ar fáil go fóill.
Orthopaedic Services Mrs Joan Carson asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to detail the number of beds used by patients receiving orthopaedic treatment for the years (a) 1997 (b) 1998 (c) 1999 (d) 2000 and (e) 2001 to date. (AQW 260/01) Ms de Brún: Information on the average number of occupied beds in the specialty of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery for the financial years 1996/7 to 2000/01 is available and is detailed in the table below.
Tá eolas ar mheánlíon na leapacha in úsáid i speisiacht Tráma agus na Máinliachta Ortaipéidí do na blianta airgeadais 1996/7 go 2000/01 ar fáil agus miondealaítear sa tábla thíos é.
Fire Authority Board Mr Ivan Davis asked the Minister of Health, Social Services and Public Safety to explain why the independent members of the Fire Authority have been appointed for a two year term rather than the four year term normally associated with these positions. (AQW 293/01) Ms de Brún: The 4 year term of office of all Fire Authority members expired on 30 September 2001.To ensure continuity of Fire Authority Board business, I considered it prudent to re-appoint some board members for a further term of office. However, to avoid a potential situation in four years time when all Board Members might have to be replaced at the same time, I decided that these re-appointments should be for a 2-year period. This will stagger the terms of office of the new Fire Authority Board and therefore ensure ongoing continuity and good governance. Bhí deireadh le téarma feidhmeannais gach ball den Údarás Dóiteáin ar 30 Meán Fómhair 2001. Le leanúnachas obair an Údaráis Dóiteáin a chinntiú, shíl mé go raibh sé críonna cuid de na baill a athcheapadh go ceann téarma eile. Bíodh sin mar atá, le drochstaid ionchasach a sheachaint i gceann ceithre bliana nuair a d'fhéadfadh sé go mbeadh gach Ball an Bhoird le hathrú in aon am amháin, chinn mé gur athcheapadh téarma dhá bhliain a bheadh ann. Fágfaidh seo na téarmaí feidhmeannais den Bhord Nua Údaráis Dóiteáin scaipthe ó chéile ag cinntiú, mar sin de, leanúnachas agus dea-rialú. TOP |
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