Written Answers Nos. 51-70
51. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to reduce waiting lists for gynaecological services at Cork University Maternity Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28285/18]
View answerThe waiting list data from the National Treatment Purchase Fund for the end of May 2018 indicates that there were 395 people waiting for Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) gynaecology inpatient services, compared with 495 waiting in May 2017. Of these, 54% were waiting for less than 6 months, and 81% were waiting for less than 12 months. The outpatient waiting list data for May indicates there were 3,629 people waiting for gynaecology services, compared with 4,610 in May 2017, a decrease of 21%. Of these, 44% were waiting for less than 6 months, 74% were waiting less than 12 months.
In recent years, CUMH, has received funding to invest in the improvement in its Gynaecology Services. The South/South West Hospital Group (SSWHG) committed an additional €700,000 to the service for 2017 to provide increased theatre capacity and staffing resources to deliver improved waiting times for inpatient/day case treatment and outpatient appointments. While an additional €0.4m in funding has also been allocated by SSWHG for CUMH gynaecology services in 2018.
In January 2017, a National Women & Infants Health Programme was established within the HSE to lead the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services.
In addition, the SSWHG has developed a phased approach to improve waiting times for gynaecology services at CUMH. This includes the establishment of the SSWHG Women and Children Services Directorate last year, which, I expect, will ensure better coordination and utilisation of maternity gynaecological resources across the group.
More broadly, the Inpatient/Day Case Action Plan 2018 which was published in April outlines the combined impact of HSE and NTPF activity in 2018 to reduce the number of patients waiting for treatment. Under the Plan, the HSE will deliver 1.14 million hospital procedures across a range of specialties. The NTPF will deliver 22,000 Inpatient Day Case treatments across a range of specialties through both outsourcing and HSE insourcing. As outlined in the Plan, the NTPF and the HSE will invite proposals from hospitals for waiting list initiatives. The NTPF will provide funding to the solutions proposed if appropriate.
52. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health his views on figures from an organisation (details supplied) which indicate that the number of patients on trolleys in St. Vincent's Hospital in May 2018 was higher than in November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28303/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department uses validated data from the HSE TrolleyGAR system to monitor the trolley situation in our Emergency Departments (EDs). This data is available from the HSE website.
However, the INMO independently collate data on trolleys and wards beds. The INMO Trolley and Ward Watch figures are available at the INMO website.
The HSE TrolleyGAR data is collected each day at 8am every day of the week, while INMO data is collected at 11am but not on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
In relation to St Vincent's Hospital, according to figures from the HSE TrolleyGAR system, a total of 437 trolleys were recorded in May 2018, as compared with 257 in November 2017, a rise of 41%. This increase reflects a significant rise in attendances of almost 20% and admissions of almost 12% by patients aged over 75 at St Vincent's Hospital during May 2018, as compared with the same period last year.
It is simply unacceptable that patients have to wait on trolleys for long periods of time, especially those who may be elderly and vulnerable. Behind every “trolley number” there is a patient in need of effective, timely and compassionate care from our health service. That is why this Government is committed to breaking the cycle of overcrowding in our health service.
In the light of the conclusions of the Health Service Capacity Review that the system will need nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds by 2031, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019. My Department has received proposals from the HSE in this regard, which are currently under consideration.
In addition, a review of the Winter Initiative 2017/2018 is currently being finalised by the HSE, which will inform a 3-year plan for unscheduled care, as well as supporting the provision of additional capacity in Winter 2018/19.
Finally, Minister Daly, who has special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People at my Department, has established a Working Group to undertake an independent expert review of delayed discharges, which can impact on patient flow and ED performance. This Group is due to report back to him by the end of August 2018 with interim recommendations and a final report with full recommendations and an implementation plan by the end of September 2018.
53. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the way in which he plans to address the long waiting times in the Dublin north west LHO area for children and adolescents needing an assessment for occupational therapy. [28321/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
54. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health his views on figures from an organisation (details supplied) which indicate that the number of patients on trolleys in Naas Hospital in May 2018 was higher than in November 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28300/18]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, my Department uses validated data from the HSE TrolleyGAR system to monitor the trolley situation in our EDs. This data is available on the HSE website.
However, the INMO independently collate data on trolleys and wards beds. The INMO Trolley and Ward Watch figures are available at the INMO website. The HSE TrolleyGAR data is collected each day at 8am every day of the week, while INMO data is collected at 11am but not on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.
In relation to Naas Hospital, according to figures from HSE TrolleyGAR system, a total of 320 trolleys were recorded in May 2018, as compared with 307 in November 2017, a rise of 6%. This increase is in the context of an almost 20% rise in attendances and a 15% rise in admissions of patients over 75 at Naas Hospital during May 2018, as compared with the same month last year.
It is simply unacceptable that patients have to wait on trolleys for long periods of time, especially those who may be elderly and vulnerable. Behind every “trolley number” there is a patient in need of effective, timely and compassionate care from our health service. That is why this Government is committed to breaking the cycle of overcrowding in our health service.
In the light of the conclusions of the Health Service Capacity Review that the system will need nearly 2,600 additional acute hospital beds by 2031, I have asked my Department to work with the HSE to identify the location and mix of beds across the hospital system which can be opened and staffed this year and into 2019 in order to improve preparedness for Winter 2018/2019. My Department has received proposals from the HSE in this regard, which are currently under consideration.
In addition, a review of the Winter Initiative 2017/2018 is currently being finalised by the HSE, which will inform a 3-year plan for unscheduled care, as well as supporting the provision of additional capacity in Winter 2018/19.
Finally, Minister Daly, who has special responsibility for Mental Health and Older People at my Department, has established a Working Group to undertake an independent expert review of delayed discharges, which can impact on patient flow and ED performance. He has asked the Group to report back to him by the end of August 2018 with interim recommendations, and a final report with full recommendations and an implementation plan, by the end of September 2018.
55. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to reduce outpatient waiting times for neurology consultations in Galway University Hospital in which 466 appointments are outstanding for more than 18 months. [28196/18]
View answerImproving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. While the Inpatient and Day Case (IPDC) Action Plan was published in April to address waiting times for IPDC procedures, the outpatient waiting list remains a significant challenge to be addressed in 2018.
There are currently 2,664 patients on the neurology outpatient waiting list in Galway University Hospital, with 70% (1,891) waiting less than a year.
In order to address the issue of growing outpatient waiting list numbers, my Department, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with its National Service Plan targets, reduce the growth in the number of patients waiting for outpatient services, improve the accuracy of the waiting list, and trial a number of NTPF-funded interventions, including weekend and out-of-hours clinics.
It is worth noting that in 2017 almost half a million (477,000) outpatients did not attend their appointment. Therefore, the validation of waiting lists is an important part of the successful management of waiting lists and clinics. This month I approved the establishment of a Central Validation Office in the NTPF in order to centralise the validation of all waiting lists across the HSE. The NTPF envisages being in a position to commence validation of patient files from September of this year.
In relation to the specific measure being taken by Galway University Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
56. Deputy Margaret Murphy O'Mahony asked the Minister for Health the status of the introduction of new assessment of need procedures under the Disability Act 2005; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28317/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
57. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if, in conjunction with the implementation of the Sláintecare report, a radical reorganisation of the HSE will be ensured (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28331/18]
View answerThe Sláintecare report makes a number of recommendations in relation to improving health service structures, governance and accountability, including the establishment of a governing board for the HSE and the establishment of regional bodies to support the delivery of integrated care.
A range of actions are already underway in response to the Sláintecare report. Work is at an advanced stage in my Department in developing a Sláintecare Implementation Plan. The plan will translate the Sláintecare Report into a detailed programme of reform over the next 10 years, with a focus on the immediate years ahead. I have already signalled my support for the Committee's recommendations in relation to structures, governance and accountability and these will form an integral component of the Implementation Plan. I expect to bring this Plan to Government very shortly.
As part of delivering early on this element of the reform programme, the Government has agreed to the establishment of an independent board for the HSE. The required legislation is being drafted and it is hoped that it can pass through the Houses of the Oireachtas and be enacted quickly.
The task of identifying the optimal set of health structures and the most appropriate governance, accountability and performance framework for the future health system will also be an important stream of work under the Sláintecare programme of reforms. As an initial first step, my Department has undertaken a public consultation regarding the geographical alignment of Hospital Groups and Community Healthcare Organisations. The outputs from this consultation process will inform the development of detailed proposals in this area, including the role and function of regional bodies.
Reducing waiting times and the numbers on waiting lists is a key priority for the Government and will form an important component of the forthcoming Sláintecare Implementation Plan. I have already put in place a number of important initiatives to improve waiting times.
In Budget 2018, €50 million was provided to the NTPF to provide treatment for public patients this year, which more than doubled its 2017 total allocation for the NTPF. The NTPF will provide all the treatment for patients in both public and private hospitals.
I published the Inpatient and Day Case Action Plan in April, a joint initiative between my Department, the NTPF and the HSE with the aim of reducing the overall number of patients waiting for treatment.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. Also, this month I approved the establishment of a Central Validation Office in the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order to centralise the validation of all waiting lists across the HSE.
58. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the detail of the ongoing wait list validation process which is being undertaken in the Children's Hospital Group; the steps that occur; the way in which a decision is made that a child should be removed from the outpatient waiting list; if it is a clinical or administrative decision; the way in which children are safeguarded during this process; if the child’s consultants are involved in the decision making process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27853/18]
View answerImproving waiting times for hospital procedures and outpatient appointments is a key commitment in the Programme for Government. In order to address the issue of growing outpatient waiting list numbers, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are in the process of finalising an Outpatient Action Plan for 2018. This plan will support the HSE’s compliance with its National Service Plan targets, reduce the growth in the number of patients waiting for outpatient services, improve the accuracy of the waiting list, and trial a number of NTPF funded interventions, including weekend and out of hours clinics.
Since the end of 2017, the HSE and individual hospitals have undertaken validation of waiting lists. The validation of waiting lists is an important part of the Outpatient Action Plan and of the successful management of waiting lists and clinics. This month I approved the establishment of a Central Validation Office in the National Treatment Purchase Fund in order to centralise the validation of all waiting lists across the HSE. The NTPF envisages being in a position to commence validation of patient files from September of this year.
In terms of the procedures that are in place within the Children's Hospital Group for the validation of waiting lists, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
59. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the action that will be taken to bolster mental health services in County Wexford and the south east following the decision of three consultant paediatric psychiatrists to resign; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28204/18]
View answerThe pending resignation of three psychiatrists in the South East is currently being examined by the HSE with a view to mininising disruption of services. Last week, I met with national and local HSE representatives who assured me that they are exploring every possible option to ensure that the vacancies in the CAMHS services in the South East are filled and to ensure continuity of service.
Notwithstanding the global lack of availability of mental health specialists, the HSE is currently conducting an extensive advertising campaign to fill these vacancies. In terms of immediate cover, they have established weekend Consultant Paediatric Psychiatry clinics in Waterford by availing of support from Galway-based Consultants. In addition, the HSE has been in contact with other CHO areas and with agencies both abroad and in the private sector to look for locum cover.
I wish to strongly re-state the Government’s commitment to mental health. This is reflected by the allocation of an additional €200 million for mental health services since 2012 resulting in around €910 million being available to the HSE for mental health this year. While this amount is significant by any standard I will continue to press for further resources annually in line with Programme for Partnership Government commitments.
The HSE Service Plan 2018 commits to further development of CAMHS. This is against a background where the demand for CAMHS has increased by 26% between 2012 and 2017. Around 18,800 referrals are expected for HSE CAMHS this year alone.
To meet this demand, we have increased the supply of services. We have approved over 2,000 new posts in Mental Health since 2012. We now have 69 CAMHS teams and three Paediatric Liaison Teams supported by around 75 CAMHS beds nationally. Further beds are planned to come on-stream as quickly as possible. In addition, we have funded an extra 140 Psychiatric Nurse Undergraduate places each year.
The recent appointment by the HSE of around 114 Assistant Psychologists and 20 Psychologists will help to develop counselling services in Primary Care. I understand that 13 Assistant Psychologists posts have been introduced in CHO 5, which includes Waterford & Wexford. It is anticipated that these posts will deal with the less complex child and adolescent cases thereby reducing the demand on CAMHS.
I will be meeting the HSE again on 03 July next where they will provide me with a progress report on addressing the issue raised by the Deputy
60. Deputy Ruth Coppinger asked the Minister for Health if he has discussed the seizure of Mifepristone and Misoprostol with the Health Products Regulatory Authority; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28324/18]
View answerMisoprostol and mifepristone are both classified as prescription-only medicines in Ireland and may only be supplied on foot of a valid prescription. A prescription-only medicine should be taken only when it has been prescribed for an individual by their medical practitioner, or other appropriate health professional, who has taken the person’s medical history into account.
Under the Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003 the mail order supply of prescription-only medicines is prohibited. Supply of prescription-only medicines by way of information society services (which includes internet sales) is also not permitted. The supply of unauthorised prescription-only medicines in any manner in or into Ireland is prohibited.
There are significant concerns associated with the purchase of prescription-only medicines over the internet. There is no guarantee as to the safety, quality or efficacy of the unauthorised products purchased online. Medicines purchased in this manner are often found to be counterfeit or have inaccurate labelling or product information.
The Health Products Regulatory Authority is the competent authority for the regulation of medicines in Ireland. The HPRA, in co-operation with Revenue’s Customs Service and An Garda Síochána, employs enforcement actions to identify the unauthorised supply of prescription-only medicines, including those containing misoprostol and mifepristone, to the public. The HPRA uses a range of enforcement powers to tackle this activity, including seizing the products.
Following the outcome of referendum on 25 May, a provisional result was published in Iris Oifigiúil on 29 May. However, three applications for permission to challenge the result of the referendum have been made to the High Court under section 42 of the Referendum Act 1994. On 26th June the High Court began to hear the applications. It is possible that the hearings may run over a number of days, after which a decision will be made by the Court.
The Constitution is not yet amended, and until the legislation to regulate termination of pregnancy is enacted, the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Act 2013 remains the law on termination of pregnancy. The 2013 Act allows for termination of pregnancy only where there is a risk to the life of the pregnant woman. The use of any medicinal products for the termination of pregnancy must be in line with the 2013 Act.
Work is ongoing on the legislation to regulate termination of pregnancy and the services necessary to support its implementation.
61. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health the amount of a supplementary budget he expects to need in 2018; his views on the reason the annual health budget is significantly underestimated in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28121/18]
View answerMy Department and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are engaging in ongoing dialogue on the Health Service Executives performance year to date with consideration of the implications for outturn for the year. These discussions are still progressing and until they are concluded my Department is not in a position to determine the final figures that may be required.
62. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a hub or centre will be provided for a person (details supplied) and others to access adult disability services in Dunboyne, County Meath. [28174/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
63. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce new grades and professions into the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27790/18]
View answerThe public health service is comprised of many grades and professions who are engaged in a broad range of activities to ensure the delivery of quality, safe health services to the population. The introduction of new grades or professions is a complex matter, requiring careful consideration and planning, prior to any decisions being taken, particularly in relation to clinical roles.
In November 2017, I launched 'Working Together for Health', a National Strategic Framework for Health and Social Care Workforce Planning. The Framework proposes a consistent approach to strategic workforce planning along with the establishment of structures and governance arrangements that support and enable the application of this approach in the health sector.
Implementing this Framework is an ambitious multi-year undertaking, involving actions and activities at various levels of the system – both sectorally and cross-sectorally. Early actions to implement the Framework are currently taking place. These include the establishment of governance and oversight arrangements, the resourcing of workforce planning operations in the health sector and the identification of priority projects to test and evaluate the approach recommended in the Framework.
64. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health his views on the continued requirement for children to travel to other European states to avail of medicinal cannabis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28326/18]
View answerPrescribing of cannabis for medical treatment by medical consultants, for their individual patients, is facilitated via Ministerial Licence.
Irish-based medical practitioners who wish to prescribe cannabis products containing THC may apply to me as Minister for Health for a licence under the Misuse of Drugs Acts.
The CMO has advised me that the granting of such a licence will be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
Valid applications received by the Department are assessed and responded to without delay.
To date, licences have been issued for the treatment of seven separate individual patients.
Consultants or GPs requiring further information or clarification in relation to the licence application process are advised to contact the Department of Health directly.
Appropriate and affordable quality-approved medical cannabis products are not yet available in Ireland. This means that licence holders must source the products from abroad. Department officials are working intensively on finding solutions to the supply of appropriate medical cannabis products for the Irish marketplace.
65. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed establishment of the parental reference group aimed at addressing complex medical needs in children; if issues related to respite needs for families in County Donegal and the in loco parentis principle will be addressed as part of this new engagement mechanism; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28259/18]
View answerAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
66. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health if there is a recruitment and training programme in place to fill vacancies in services for children such as occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech and language therapy in counties Laois and Offaly. [27894/18]
View answerThe Health Business Services (HBS) Recruit function in the HSE has established recruitment working groups with HSE Occupational Therapy Managers, Principal Psychology Managers, Physiotherapy Managers and Speech & Language Therapy Managers. The purpose of these working groups is to provide a collaborative, profession-led approach to the recruitment of these grades within the HSE. The Groups have worked jointly to tailor and improve the selection and recruitment process in accordance with the needs of each profession.
The HSE has confirmed that CHO 8, which includes both County Laois and County Offaly, benefited from the allocation of additional Speech & Language Therapy and Psychology posts under dedicated funding streams secured in 2016. In addition, Budget 2018 included dedicated funding for the recruitment of 40 additional Occupational Therapy posts from the third quarter of this year which, I understand, will also have a geographical spread.
In relation to training, the HSE’s National Health & Social Care Professions (HSCP) Office was established to strategically lead and support health and social care professionals in maximising their potential and in achieving greatest impact in the design, planning, management and delivery of person-centred, integrated care.
To provide further information on services in Counties Laois and Offaly, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
67. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health his views on comments made by the Office of the Ombudsman for Children that it is disappointed with the lack of progress in relation to young persons struggling with serious mental health issues that are trying to access the emergency supports they need. [28320/18]
View answerOne of the Government’s priorities is ensuring appropriate and accessible mental health services for children to ensure that needed services are provided as close as possible to the patient and in the most accessible manner.
It is the policy of the HSE, in its annual Service Plan, to provide an age appropriate mental health service for those under age 18. Mental Health remains a key care programme priority for this Government. This is reflected by a Budget 2018 allocation of an additional €35 million for new developments, bringing the total HSE mental health budget to over €910 million.
The HSE Service Plan 2018 commits to further development of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). This is a Strategic Priority Action in the Plan, against a background where the population of children is expected is increasing, and where the demand for CAMHS has seen a 26% increase between 2012 and 2017. Around 18,800 referrals are expected for HSE CAMHS this year, with about 14,300 being seen by this specialist service.
CAMHS has been prioritised in new funding made available by Government over recent years. Additional resources and facilities means there are now 69 CAMHS teams, and 3 Paediatric Liaison Teams, supported by around 75 CAMHS beds nationally, with further beds planned to come on-stream in the near future.
There has been widely acknowledged difficulties in recruiting and retaining specialist CAMHS staff, particularly Consultant Psychiatrists.
The HSE is working to provide the best possible service within available staffing resources. A key focus is on managing clinical risks and prioritising referrals accordingly. Mental health services, including CAMHS, will continue to deliver on a number of service improvements to increase productivity and efficiencies. A key approach to developing services for young people, and thereby reducing pressures on CAMHS, is the decision by Government to increase access to counselling services in Primary Care, with the appointment of 114 Assistant Psychologists and 20 Psychologists. These key staff are now being put in place nationally by the HSE.
Other CAMHS specific measures included in the HSE Service Plan 2018 includes:
- An initiative to increase the number of CAMHS referrals to be seen this year by 27%, compared to 2017;
- Provide for a seven day per week service for CAMHS to ensure supports for young people, in line with Connecting for Life;
- Improve Day Hospital services within CAMHS; and
- Develop Eating Disorder specialist community teams for young people.
The HSE is also focussing on enhanced access by older adolescents to specialist mental health services, along with continued appropriate placement and care in CAMHS specific settings.
My Department has set as a priority with the HSE, the development of a 24 hour helpline and digital support services. These services will provide for easier access to supports and where appropriate early and urgent interventions using innovative digital technologies.
The Minister is introducing a telepsychiatry pilot project to ascertain the merits of delivering care from a distance using technology and videoconferencing. Telepsychiatry can provide a range of services including psychiatric evaluations, individual, group and family therapy, education and patient management. There is substantial evidence regarding the effectiveness of telpsychiatry and research indicates a high level of patient satisfaction, especially among adolescents and those with autism and severe anxiety disorders.
There are many types of mental health services available in Ireland and it can be difficult to understand what service is most suitable to address an individual’s needs. Minister Daly has prioritised the establishment of a 24/7 signposting telephone mental health line service as a single point of contact to assist people locate and be referred to appropriate mental health services in their area.
Minister Daly is working closely with the HSE to develop a crisis digital texting service for those who feel that they are in need of urgent support. People will be able to text a specific number monitored by a trained counsellor responding from a secure online platform. A trained volunteer can then be assigned to the caller to assist the individual immediately. Following the call or texting conversation, appropriate referrals and follow-up work begins.
Every effort is being made to address the important issues raised in the Ombudsman's report, including prioritising cases based on professional assessment. My Department will continue to closely monitor the issues raised, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive.
68. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will release or instruct the HSE to release the details requested by numerous members of Dáil Éireann in relation to each of the laboratories that conducted the cervical screening programme, specifically a clear comparison on detection rates and false negative statistics for each laboratory in view of delays with the Scally report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28378/18]
View answerThe Scally Inquiry, which the Government established on 08 May 2018, is examining all aspects of CervicalCheck, and all relevant documents within the Department and the HSE. As part of the Terms of Reference of the Inquiry, Dr Scally will examine the tendering, contracting, operation, conflict of interest arrangements, performance information and performance management, accreditation and quality assurance of contracted cytology laboratory services by CervicalCheck from initiation of the programme.
Separately, the International Clinical Expert Review Panel led by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists will review the results of screening tests of all women who have developed cervical cancer who participated in the screening programme since it was established. This will provide independent clinical assurance to women about the timing of their diagnosis and any issues relating to their treatment and outcome.
These two strands of investigation will establish the facts with regard to the performance of contracted cytology laboratory services, as indeed is required by the very comprehensive terms of reference set for Dr Scally as agreed by a majority of the Opposition. It is important now that we allow these reviews to conclude.
70. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the way in which the number of elderly persons that can be cared for in their own homes through the provision of increased home care packages will be increased; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28305/18]
View answerThe Government is committed to promoting care in the community so that people can continue to live with confidence, security and dignity in their own homes for as long as possible. To support this, we plan to establish a new statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home care services. The Department is currently engaged in a detailed process to progress this.
The Health Service Capacity Review 2018, published in January, outlines projections of demand and capacity requirements for a range of health services to 2031. As our population, particularly our older population continues to grow, key projections from the analysis indicate, for the period 2016-2021
- 12% growth in overall population;
- 59% growth in 65+ population; and
- 95% growth in 85+ population.
The review notes that if key reforms and productivity measures are implemented, a 120% increase in home supports will be required by 2031.
While the new home care scheme is under development, the Department of Health and HSE are continuing to incrementally improve the existing services and meet the growing demand for home support services. The HSE has begun streamlining services in 2018 by bringing together the funding for home help and standard home care packages, which now operate as a single home support service. This new approach will provide significant benefits including making the services easier to understand; streamlining the application and decision-making processes; and facilitating service users to move to changed levels of service as their assessed needs change, without the need for an additional application process.
Additional funding of €112 million has been provided for home support services over the past three years. Home support services were a particular area of focus in Budget 2018, with an additional €18.25 million allocated. As a result, 2018 has seen a further increase in the provision of home support services. The HSE’s National Service Plan provides for a target of just over 17 million home support hours to be provided to 50,500 people. This represents an increase of 754,000 hours and home support for 500 more people over last year. In addition, 235 intensive home care packages will provide 360,000 home support hours for people with complex needs. Earlier this year, due to the adverse winter weather, a further initiative saw an additional 324 people being provided with home support services.
The Programme for Government committed to increasing funding for Home Care Packages and Home Help every year. The planning and management of future health expenditure will be considered as part of the annual estimates and budgetary process which seeks to balance available funding across all the various service areas to achieve the best possible outcomes for the greatest number of service users and prioritise areas of greatest need.
