Wednesday, 27 May 2020

Written Answers Nos. 549-569

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (549)

Mary Butler

Question:

549. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the number of patients transferred from acute hospitals to a step down facility, nursing home, community nursing unit or other residential care facility during March 2020, in tabular form; the number of these patients that were tested for Covid-19 prior to transfer; the number of these patients that contracted Covid-19 after their transfer; the number of such patients that have now recovered; the number that died; and the equivalent data for April 2020. [7488/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The HSE through the Health Protective Surveillance Centre has developed an extensive body of guidance and support tools to assist in the management of COVID-19 cases, including in relation to decisions on transfer of patients/residents between care facilities where appropriate.

The current relevant guidelines are the: “Interim Public Health and Infection Prevention Control Guidelines on the Prevention and Management of COVID-19 Cases and Outbreaks in Residential Care Facilities and Similar Units”, version 4.1, 04/05/2020.

The decision to discharge patients from hospital to nursing home settings is subject to clinical assessment. Discharges to nursing homes and other settings are a regular, daily feature of a functioning health system. The period from early March to mid-April saw an increase in the number of such discharged patients as the health system prepared itself for the expected ‘surge’ in COVID-19 cases. From an older person’s perspective, being admitted for longer than necessary increases the risk of a patient contracting a healthcare associated infection and/or deconditioning. The vast majority of these discharges took place from the 10th March onwards, when clear public health guidance was in place.

On the 10th March 2020, the HSE issued Interim Guidance on Transfer between Care Facilities, which included preliminary guidance on the transfer of hospitalised patients from an acute hospital to a residential care facility in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic. The guidance based on the best available information at the time set out the various procedures to be followed, including:

- Patients with COVID-19 should not be transferred to a LTRC until they had two consecutive tests indicating virus not detected.

- Patients who were symptomatic and were contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case should only transfer if the persons had a test indicating virus not detected and it was possible for that person to be isolated for the relevant incubation period;

- Patients who were asymptomatic and were contacts of a confirmed COVID-19 case should only transfer if it was possible for that person to be isolated for the relevant incubation period;

- Transfers from hospitals with no evidence of spread of COVID-19 should proceed as normal, except patients with respiratory tract infection meeting the then criteria for COVID-19 testing – in those cases testing should be carried out and the result should be virus not-detected before transfer.

With regard to the query raised in respect of numbers of patients, this data is not readily available to my Department but I will follow up with the HSE to seek further information.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (550)

Mary Butler

Question:

550. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health his plans to recommence BreastCheck which ceased during the Covid-19 pandemic; the procedures that will be put in place to protect both staff and patients; his further plans to deal with the backlog that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7495/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (551)

Barry Cowen

Question:

551. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment with the audiology department at the Midland Regional Hospital, Tullamore, County Offaly. [7496/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.

My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to estimate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.

In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Nursing Homes Support Scheme

Questions (552)

Michael Fitzmaurice

Question:

552. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health when funding will be made available for the fair deal application by a person (details supplied) whose application has been approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7509/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (553)

Noel Grealish

Question:

553. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the phase under which speech and language and occupational therapists can reopen under the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7518/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

As the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (554)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

554. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which his attention and the attention of the HSE was drawn to the movement of the 70 international protection applicants that were previously residing at a hotel (details supplied) to two other dedicated centres on 18 and 19 March 2020; the steps taken by him and the HSE on foot of their attention being drawn to same; and if he will provide a detailed report on the issue as a matter of urgency. [7520/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Responsibility for international protection applicants and the operation of the direct provision services referred to in the question are the responsibility of the Department of Justice and Equality. As part of the whole-of-government direct provision support system the Department of Justice and Equality provides accommodation, food and utilities to those seeking international protection in Ireland. The Department of Health and the HSE provide for the health care of applicants.

With the emergence of the COVID-19 crisis , the HSE prepared guidance for Homeless and other vulnerable group settings including Direct Provision settings, which can be found on www.hpsc.ie. This guidance is kept under review and updated as required. The guidance exists precisely because it is recognised that congregated settings such as Direct Provision centres present specific challenges in this pandemic.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE have worked closely together to ensure that the health and welfare of asylum seekers and refugees availing of the State’s accommodation services are protected. In all matters related to the COVID-19 pandemic, public health advice from the HSE and the National Public Health Emergency Team is followed.

The HSE has put in place a range of measures to support Accommodation Centres operated by the Department of Justice and Equality to prevent and control Covid-19 issues in centres and to address any cases of COVID-19 if or when they arise. This includes provision for offsite self-isolation centres around the State.

I understand that the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE continue to work closely together to support the health and welfare of international protection applicants availing of the State’s accommodation services, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Both the Department of Justice and Equality and the HSE are committed to protecting the identity and medical confidentiality of residents, as required by law. For this reason, neither the Department nor the HSE will give specific information about individuals or locations. The health authorities will only comment on cases or outbreaks of any illness (Covid-19 or otherwise) if there is a Public Health reason to do so. The operational matters referred to are a matter for the HSE and I have referred the question to the HSE for response and direct reply.

Nursing Staff

Questions (555, 575, 605)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

555. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if additional recruitment for critical care staff has been planned; and the consideration given to the retention of existing staff to ensure the long-term sustainability of intensive care units in the context of the ongoing threat of Covid-19. [7550/20]

Joan Collins

Question:

575. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement the proposals of a society (details supplied) in relation to the expansion of recruitment and retention of critical care nurses. [7703/20]

Brendan Smith

Question:

605. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase critical care capacity with particular reference to the recruitment and retention of critical care nurses; if he will give further consideration to a submission by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7981/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 555, 575 and 605 together.

The Health Service Capacity Review 2018 projected that demand for adult critical care beds will increase by 43% by 2031, and recommended that additional 190 critical care beds be put in place by 2031. My Department and the HSE continue to work together to address critical care capacity requirements, including intensive engagement in the context of responding to Covid-19. An updated workforce plan for critical care nursing is in development, under the auspices of the National Clinical Programme for Critical Care and my Department will continue to engage with the HSE in this regard.

Hospital Procedures

Questions (556)

Anne Rabbitte

Question:

556. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health if partners can attend the birth of their child in Portiuncula Hospital; the restrictions in place for the birthing process in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7557/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Mental Health Services

Questions (557)

Pat Buckley

Question:

557. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to publish the review of A Vision for Change carried out during the term of the 32nd Dáil; his further plans for the implementation of recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7560/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

The work of the revised mental health policy is complete. The final draft was agreed by cabinet Social Policy Committee in December 2019. The government must next review and approve the policy at which point the policy can then be published. This policy was developed following a process of research into international innovation and best practice in the field of mental health and an extensive national consultation of over 1,000 service users, family members, friends and carers, and other stakeholders. The revised policy contains an implementation roadmap that organises recommendations into short (0-6 months); medium (6-18 months) and long term (beyond 18 months) actions that will be costed within the various time frames allocated. The recommendations in the revised policy will be assessed as part of the annual estimates process, where the need for any additional funding will considered.

Mental Health Services

Questions (558)

Pat Buckley

Question:

558. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans to retain all additional staff hired in the mental health services during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7561/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (559)

Pat Buckley

Question:

559. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of all Covid-19 deaths recorded in the mental health services among prisoners waiting for transfer to the Central Mental Hospital and deaths of patients that contracted Covid-19 or were diagnosed while resident in a mental health setting,respectively in tabular form. [7562/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Questions (560)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

560. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the date the medical card weekly income limit for persons over 70 years of age will be increased by €50 for a single person from €500 to €550 and by €150 for a couple from €900 to €1,050; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7593/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On the 16th December 2019, the Government approved the drafting of legislation which, inter alia, would give effect to the Budget 2020 commitment to increase the medical card income thresholds for persons aged over 70. Substantial work has been undertaken by officials in this regard.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (561)

Danny Healy-Rae

Question:

561. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will consider conducting trials or contribute to the cost of trials to detect Covid-19 in a scenario (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7598/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have no plans in this regard.

Disability Services Provision

Questions (562)

Joan Collins

Question:

562. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene with the relevant services in relation to the case of a person (details supplied). [7625/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Finian McGrath)

The 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 an individual case, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Emergency Departments

Questions (563)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

563. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that visited the accident and emergency department at Wexford General Hospital in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [7631/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

According to HSE, there was a 21.1% reduction in Emergency Department (ED) attendances nationally this year up to the end of April 2020 compared to the same period last year. The number of attendances for patients in the over 75 age group also decreased by 15.8% nationally.

In relation to ED attendances at Wexford General Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (564)

Johnny Mythen

Question:

564. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health the number of tests for Covid-19 carried out in County Wexford; and the number that were positive. [7632/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.

Abortion Services Provision

Questions (565)

Carol Nolan

Question:

565. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the basis for the 2018 estimate that three women per day use abortion pills which have been illegally imported; the information sources which were used to reach this estimate; the estimates compiled by his Department for the number of women using such pills in each of the years 2010 to 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7641/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Deputy will be aware, both the Citizens’ Assembly on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution and the Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution heard evidence about the unsafe importation and use of abortifacient medications in this country during their deliberations in 2017. I was very clear at that time, and during the debates in the House of the Oireachtas, that it was essential that we did not continue to allow women to put their lives at risk through the use of unregulated, unsafe medications without medical supervision.

The Joint Committee on the Eighth Amendment of the Constitution noted in its report that there was evidence of abortifacient medications being bought on the internet and used by women in this country without medical supervision. During its meetings, as the Deputy will be aware, the Joint Committee heard evidence from on the issue. Dr Abigail Aiken of the University of Texas gave evidence on research she conducted which indicated that between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015, 5650 women in Ireland requested medical termination of pregnancy through the online telemedicine service Women on Web. Dr Aiken also presented evidence on research she conducted on 1023 women from Ireland who completed terminations after they received medication from Women on Web between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2012. Dr Aiken noted that her research included women from both this jurisdiction and from Northern Ireland.

In addition, there was evidence of abortifacient medications being bought online and imported into Ireland from the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA). The HPRA is the competent authority responsible for the regulation of human medicines in Ireland; it employs enforcement actions, in cooperation with the Revenue Commissioners and An Garda Síochána, to identify the unauthorised supply of prescription-only medicines, including those containing abortifacients, to the public. The HPRA publishes figures each year on seizures of illegally imported medicines; in 2017, HPRA figures indicated that it detained 740 tablets containing misoprostal or mifepristone, while in 2016, 536 such tablets were detained.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (566)

Robert Troy

Question:

566. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when day care centres for the elderly or persons with disabilities will reopen in accordance with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. [7664/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health (Jim Daly)

The Department of Health and HSE are undertaking work to determine the current level of service delivery in the community and to set out plans, including associated required capacity, to resume services, including day services, in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business. This process will take on board the learning of the current period, including the possibility of delivering services in a new way, and the requirement to adhere to public health guidance.

This work will include an examination of how other countries have reintroduced, or plan to reintroduce, day services internationally.

Health Services

Questions (567)

Michael McGrath

Question:

567. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Health if matters raised in correspondence will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5973/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Maternity Services

Questions (568, 569)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

568. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the locations of antenatal and maternity clinics in County Donegal in each of the years 2000 to 2020, in tabular form. [7696/20]

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

569. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will reinstate antenatal and maternity services and clinics to Inishowen, County Donegal. [7697/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 568 and 569 together.

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.