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Health Services Funding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 15 November 2017

Wednesday, 15 November 2017

Questions (180)

Bernard Durkan

Question:

180. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which various increased budgetary provisions throughout the health service announced in budget 2018 are likely to positively impact on the delivery of health services in the coming year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48439/17]

View answer

Written answers

The gross current budget for the Health Sector in 2018 is €14.798 billion and represents a €646m (4.6%) increase over the 2017 allocation of €14.152 billion. It is expected that the funding provided will result in better access for patients, more help for families and more supports for disability, mental health and older and vulnerable people. The exact quantum of services to be delivered in 2018 will be set out in detail in the 2018 National Service Plan currently being prepared by the Health Service Executive.

The additional funding provided will mean more front-line staff for the health service across the acute, mental health, disability, primary and community care sectors. Increases in nursing numbers will be realised as we continue to extend and roll out the Task-force on Safe Staffing.

Some of the key areas where funding will be targeted and where it is hoped to have a positive impact on the delivery of services in the coming year are highlighted below.

New access programme

Reducing waiting times for patients and improving access to our health services is a key priority. The significant increase in funding to the NTPF in 2018 should ensure that additional procedures will be offered to patients across a range of specialties and procedures. This means that more patients will be seen in our hospitals and fewer patients should encounter long waiting times. In addition, funding to improve access to emergency care in 2018 will enable the opening of additional hospital capacity, including new beds and by providing additional diagnostic services and surge capacity to reduce Emergency Department overcrowding.

Additional funding will also be available to progress key strategic initiatives which will enable progress in the phased implementation of the National Cancer Strategy, the National Maternity Strategy, and in the continued development of the National Ambulance Service. Extra funding for home care packages and transitional care beds should also further strengthen supports for older people, particularly to facilitate speedier discharge from acute hospitals over the winter period.

Shift to Primary Care

The provision of a new primary care fund will enable a range of initiatives to be progressed in 2018 which will focus on disease prevention and early intervention, particularly through the further development and expansion of GP services, Community Intervention Teams and the recruitment of additional therapy posts and advanced nurse practitioners. Throughout 2018 there will also be a continued focus on the development of primary care centres and primary care teams.

Expanding and developing Mental Health Services

The provision of an additional €35 million for 2018 will help build on the work commenced in 2017 on the enhancement of Community Teams for Children, Adults, Later Life and Mental Health Intellectual Disability services. It will also help continue the move towards a full 24/7 service with an initial focus on increasing the provision of services on a 7-day-a-week basis. Further improvements are also planned to services for Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis.

Supporting Disability Services

Additional funding for Disability Services will be focused on a number of priority areas arising from ongoing demographic changes including residential places, respite places, Personal Assistance and Home Support service hours.

Supporting the most vulnerable

A focus on the health needs of the most vulnerable groups in society, who can experience health inequalities, have difficulties accessing services and present with multiple, complex health and support needs will also be maintained. In this context, significant additional funding has been approved to address the health needs of people who are homeless and have mental health and addiction issues in line with Rebuilding Ireland.

Additional funding has also been provided to the Healthy Ireland Fund which will support partnership working in different sectors and communities to help ensure policies under Healthy Ireland have an impact at local level and empower people to improve their own health and well-being.

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