Ruth Coppinger
Question:674. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health further to previous questions on the matter, the latest preparations for any possible cases of Ebola in the State. [41437/14]
View answerTuesday, 4 November 2014
Questions (674, 756)
Seamus Kirk
Question:756. Deputy Seamus Kirk asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to a discovery of a vaccine against Ebola; if the EU is contributing to the research project; if so the amount Ireland is contributing to this research fund; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41870/14]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 674 and 756 together.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is the forum for coordinating the response between the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive during the planning and response phases of a public health emergency. It has met four times in recent weeks to coordinate preparedness in the Irish health services and meets regularly to review progress and coordinate the response to any cases in Ireland.
The EVD Coordination Group has been formed to coordinate preparedness on cross-sectoral issues. It includes representatives from a number of Government Departments and State agencies. The EVD Transport Sub-group has met to coordinate preparedness at ports and airports.
The HSE Emerging Viral Threats group meets regularly. Most of its work is progressed through the Communications and Training sub groups which are very active. The HSE has established a cross directorate group to fast track training of front line health care staff and this group is developing a plan to do so. In addition, the Acute Hospitals Directorate has established an Ebola response management group to increase preparedness across all hospitals.
The Health Protection Surveillance Centre continues to provide extensive information for hospital clinicians, general practitioners and other health care workers to enable rapid identification and management of suspected Ebola cases. Health care workers in the National Isolation Unit and hospitals around the country have received information and advice on identification and management of Ebola patients. There is also extensive guidance relating to infection prevention and control which clearly describes the steps that staff must take to ensure that they protect themselves and other patients in the event of the presentation of a case or suspected case of Ebola. Two information sessions on Ebola and relevant guidance have taken place recently with representatives of the National Isolation Unit in attendance to answer queries. A number of hospitals have held, or are planning shortly to undertake, simulation exercises. This helps to increase preparation levels across hospitals and identify any further training and protocols that may be required.
The HSE has distributed Personal Protective Equipment packs to GP practices and out of hours services.
Within the EU, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) is coordinating a review of potential Ebola virus treatments. The EMA recently gave scientific advice to a company developing a vaccine. Details are provided on the agency's website.
Ireland, through its delegates from the Health Products Regulatory Authority who participate on the scientific committees at the EMA, is working with experts from across the European Union to continuously assess data as it becomes available. Together with other regulatory authorities the EMA is advising the World Health Organisation on possible pathways for more rapid development, evaluation and approval of medicines to fight Ebola.