Written Answers Nos. 660-679
660. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the advice received in 2016 regarding the missing samples from persons (details supplied) which led to the decision not to hold an enquiry; and the person or body that gave the advice. [14247/20]
View answerIn 2016 the Minister for Health was provided with background information on the subject matter of correspondence received from the family concerned. Based on this information, which was compiled by Department officials, a response was conveyed to the family in letters subsequently issued in September and October of 2016.
661. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and so on for children with intellectual and physical disabilities will be returned to a facility (details supplied) which is being used for Covid-19 related uses. [14447/20]
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
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.
662. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the status of an investigation (details supplied); the cost to the State for the commission of investigation to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14462/20]
View answerThe Commission of Investigation (certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) ("the Farrelly Commission") is an independent statutory Commission of Investigation. The Commission commenced its Phase 1 investigation in May 2017. The first phase of the Commission's work is to investigate the role of public authorities in the care and protection of 'Grace' (pseudonym), who resided with a former foster family in the South East of Ireland between 1989 and 2009.
The Farrelly Commission wrote to my predecessor as Minister for Health (Simon Harris, T.D.) to request a ten-week preliminary extension until Friday, 24th July 2020, to allow it to identify the time needed to complete its Phase 1 Final Report. Minister Harris granted the extension. He made this decision following discussion with his colleague, the Minister of State with Special Responsibility for Disabilities, Finian McGrath and his Cabinet colleagues.
The Commission’s costs to date are €5,077,654.82.
663. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a copy of the Departmental briefings received by him and each Minister of State in his Department upon taking up each individual role; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14805/20]
View answer871. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the Departmental briefing paper on his role, remits and powers afforded to him upon appointment to the Cabinet. [14527/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 663 and 871 together.
I intend to publish the briefing document I received on my Department's website shortly.
664. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the reopening of maternity classes, including breastfeeding and antenatal classes, in Cork University Maternity Hospital; his views on the effects postponements and cancellations of such classes is having on pregnant women in preparing for the birth of their child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13720/20]
View answerAs the queries raised by the Deputy relate to service issues, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
665. Deputy Mary Butler asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the reopening of services and support for persons suffering with dementia; when guidelines will be issued regarding the reintroduction of such services and supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13723/20]
View answerMy Department and the HSE have ensured that there has been a continued focus on meeting the needs of people living with dementia throughout the period of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through the Dementia Understand Together Campaign, led by the HSE and working with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), a range of initiatives and resources have been developed, to ensure that people living with dementia stay safe, well and connected, during this time of crisis. This includes a collection of online resources, at-home activities and a weekly activity planner, which can be found at https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/
In addition, as part of the Government response to the Covid-19 crisis, local authorities have established a Covid-19 Community Call Forum. Each local forum works with State agencies and community and voluntary groups to provide supports or services to any vulnerable person or person at a higher risk of getting Covid-19 who needs such supports. The forum brings together different organisations to provide important services such as collection and delivery of essential items such as food, “Meals on Wheels”, household items, fuel or medicine (in line with guidance) and support for those experiencing social isolation. More details on the Forum can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/5fd9fe-view-the-covid-19-community-call-forum-dashboard
As the Deputy will be aware, community services such as day care play an important role in enabling people with dementia to continue living in their communities. My Department and the 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 and the ‘Return to work safely’ protocol. 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 means that services, whilst being delivered in new ways, will gradually be restored to older people, including people with dementia.
666. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been denied an appointment with the locum pain consultant at Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin. [13734/20]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
667. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number and age category of persons waiting for orthopaedic surgeries in UHK; the length of time they have been waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13746/20]
View answer669. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for cataract removal in University Hospital Kerry by age category and the length of time they have been waiting for their procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13755/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 669 together.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan. The decision to delay appointments and admissions is not undertaken lightly and when such a decision is made, it is based on the safe delivery of care to all patients.
NPHET has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, in relation to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput.
Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html).
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.
The data requested regarding orthopaedic surgeries in UHK is outlined in the following table. In relation to the requested information concerning the number of persons waiting for cataract removal in University Hospital Kerry by age category and the length of time they have been waiting for their procedure, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) have advised my Department that there are currently no IPDC waiters for Cataract surgery in UHK.
*Due to the small volume of patients waiting in certain time-bands and age profiles, to preserve patient confidentiality, when the number of patients is <5, these have been included within the broader 'Small Volume timebands’ & ‘Small Volume Age Profile’ cohorts.
|
Small Volume Time Bands |
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
Grand Total |
|
|
University Hospital Kerry |
||||||
|
Orthopaedics |
||||||
|
16-35 |
8 |
8 |
||||
|
36-65 |
36 |
48 |
29 |
11 |
124 |
|
|
66+ |
22 |
57 |
24 |
8 |
111 |
|
|
Small Volume Age Profile |
13 |
13 |
||||
|
Grand Total |
13 |
58 |
113 |
53 |
19 |
256 |
668. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when funding and approval for the immunotherapy drug Osimertinib will become available for persons with lung cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13747/20]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness, potential or actual budget impact and efficacy.
I can confirm that the HSE has approved the application for reimbursement of Osimertinib (Tagrisso) for non small cell lung cancer, the specific recommendation is for second-line use for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic EGFR T790M mutation-positive non small cell lung cancer.
Reimbursement will commence from the 1st July 2020.
670. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding dental care (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13757/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
671. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for X-rays and MRIs in hospitals (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13761/20]
View answerThe HSE advise that a pilot project commenced in 2016 by the HSE Acute Hospitals Division to progress the collection of national radiology waiting list data. The project has been supported by the Radiology Clinical Care Programme and has involved key stakeholders across the system including the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) Team, Hospital Groups, and the support of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for data collection and data management expertise
The NTPF has advised my Department that they do not currently record the personal data of any of the patients on the Diagnostics waiting list as the purpose of this aggregate data is to provide a National Level overview of the number of patients waiting for modalities of CT, MR and US. This report is not intended to be used for the active management of hospital diagnostics waiting lists- local reports and mechanisms should continue to be used for the management of diagnostics waiting lists at hospital level. For this reason, the NTPF are not able to identify the age category of patients on the Diagnostics waiting list.
The information requested by the Deputy is outlined in the document attached, which sets out waiting list data for Quarter 1 2020 for CT, MRI and Ultrasound. The HSE advises that, at present, the X-ray scans requested by the Deputy are not yet captured as part of this project. In relation to the requested x-ray information, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
The information that is currently being collected is presently being tested and validated at hospital, hospital group and national level and as such should not be used/reported without the context of the caveats set out below:
- Data is subject to inclusions and exclusions which are documented in the Data Profile Document. This document is available from Acute Operations and has been circulated to all Hospital Groups.
- Data contains urgent, routine and surveillance/planned activity which is currently not broken down in detail, as such this includes surveillance/planned activity which may not be exceeding planned date.
- Data is still undergoing validation at Hospital and Hospital Group level.
- Data does not take into account local nuances at site level (Site profile developed to support understanding of same).
- The purpose of this aggregate data is to provide a National Level overview of the number of patients waiting for modalities of CT, MRI and Ultrasound.
- This report is not intended to be used for the active management of hospital diagnostics waiting list, local reports and mechanisms should continue to be used for the management of diagnostics waiting lists at hospital level.
In Q1 2020, there were a total of 190,373 patients reported on the waiting list from all sites for CT, MRI and Ultrasound, representing all outpatients waiting, urgent, semi urgent, routine and planned/surveillance (where diagnostic access is planned at particular time intervals).
672. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the number of children suffering with scoliosis awaiting a procedure (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13762/20]
View answerImproving access to scheduled care is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.
CHI had advised my Department that they continue to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending their orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. In addition, CHI has also advised my Department that a General Orthopaedic Surgeon, based at CHI Crumlin and Tallaght sites, is due to commence in Q3, 2020. This post is for general orthopaedic and trauma surgery, to support waiting list activity, and will further support waiting times for children for general orthopaedic outpatient appointments, including scoliosis.
My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.
In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
673. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the deaths that have occurred due to Covid-19 by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13769/20]
View answerThe COVID-19 data hub features national statistics, information and data about COVID-19 in Ireland. It is available at https://covid19ireland-geohive.hub.arcgis.com/. The data available on the site is based on official figures provided by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the Health Service Executive (HSE). Datasets, charts and maps are updated on an on-going basis and in line with newly published data. This site is built using the GeoHive platform, Ireland's Geospatial Data Hub.
I would also direct the Deputy to the CSO website for access to a range of data relating to Covid-19 including the numbers of diagnosed cases and mortality data. This is available on the CSO Covid-19 Information Hub at
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-covid19/covid-19informationhub/
and, in particular, at
https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/br/b-cdc/covid-19deathsandcasesseries6/.
It should be noted that, in Ireland, data are collected on COVID-19 related mortality for both lab confirmed and probable cases, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very serious threat posed by COVID-19. It should also be noted that the collection of mortality data in Ireland exceeds that of many other countries in the world.
The NPHET and my Department will continue to consider all available evidence and the experience and learning from other countries as we try to keep the level of transmission of the virus as low as possible while also balancing the need for continuing restrictions with the social and economic benefits arising from the easing of restrictions in the coming period.
674. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount made available by his Department to organisations through national lottery funding in 2010; the amount that will be made available to organisations through national lottery funding in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13775/20]
View answerMy Department administered a National Lottery Discretionary Fund up to and including 2016 from which once-off grants were paid to community and voluntary organisations providing a range of health related services. My Department no longer operates a National Lottery Fund.
Details for National Lottery funding from my Department from 2008 - 2016 can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/collection/af1133-department-of-health-lottery-funding-2008-2016/
The HSE operates a similar scheme and continues to provide grants to health agencies and other organisations from National Lottery Funds. Details of the scheme are available at:
https://www2.hse.ie/services/national-lottery-grants/national-lottery-grants.html
675. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the amount made available by the HSE to organisations through national lottery funding in 2010; the amount that will be made available by the HSE to organisations through national lottery funding in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13776/20]
View answerAs this is a matter for the Health Service Executive I have asked them to respond to you directly on this matter.
676. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if a directive can be issued to private nursing homes to allow visiting outside normal working hours and also to allow another visitor, for example, a daughter-in-law or granddaughter when the nominated visitor is unable to visit due to their work commitments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13778/20]
View answerNursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents.
In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time. The advice is that a co-ordinated and standard national approach to the recommencement of visiting is taken.
In light of the above , and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition , the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The guidance which is published and available on the HSPC's website advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak will be permissible from 15th of June in circumstances where certain criteria are followed. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff.
I am aware of how difficult the restrictions on visiting have been for both nursing home residents and their families. Therefore this phased approach is much welcomed as it will both facilitate visits to loved ones across the country , whilst also keeping some of our most vulnerable members of society protected during this challenging time.
677. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be issued with an appointment with the chiropractor in Merlin Park Hospital, Galway; the reason for the delay in issuing them with an appointment in view of the urgency of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13780/20]
View answerUnder 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.
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.
678. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he will consider relaxing the 50 persons restriction for churches that are able to accommodate more persons while maintaining the 2 m social distance in view of the fact many churches are quite large and can comfortably accommodate more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13781/20]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, on 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place in Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business. On Thursday 25th June the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of the Roadmap from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/
The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.
As the Deputy will be aware, religious buildings and places of worship may now be reopened, in line with public health guidelines. The Government previously decided to exempt places of worship from the regulations restricting numbers on mass gatherings. The exemption applies to places of worship only and not to any gatherings that may take place after the religious ceremony such as wedding receptions.
Covid-19 Guidance has also been developed for religious services. The new Government’s Cabinet Committee on Ireland’s Covid-19 response has reviewed the guidance, which states that an assessment should be carried out for each premises to determine how many can attend within the requirements of social distancing.
The Cabinet Committee decided that where the size of the premises allows for a capacity of greater than 50 this may be permitted only where:
- Social distancing guidelines are adhered to
- The premises can be subdivided into distinct sections (cordoned or marked appropriately) of not more than 50 persons in each section
- There is a minimum of 4m between sections
- Each section having its own entrance/exit route
- There are separate arrangements for elements of the service involving close contact, e.g. the distribution of Holy Communion
- Strictly no movement of people between sections before, during or after the service
- The premises is well-ventilated.
Account must also be taken regarding the risk of congregation by people outside before and after any services, having regard to outdoor overall limits on mass gatherings and arrangements for staggered exiting after ceremonies
The use of face coverings is strongly recommended for such indoor settings.
679. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the schools vaccine programme; if students who would ordinarily have received vaccinations but did not due to Covid-19 will receive their vaccines in the autumn roll-out of vaccinations nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13793/20]
View answerThe HSE National Immunisation Office is responsible for managing vaccine procurement and distribution, and developing training and communication materials for the public and health professionals.
As the question raised by the Deputy is a matter for the National Immunisation Office, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
