Written Answers Nos. 680-699
680. Deputy Frankie Feighan asked the Minister for Health the reason a HSE post (details supplied) was withdrawn after it had been advertised and assigned; if the post will be reinstated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13805/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
681. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the date on which construction will commence at the national children’s hospital; the reason for the delay in the recommencement of construction activity on site; the cost of the closure of the site due to Covid-19; if there are penalties in the context of costs accruing as a result of closure of the site; the reason for the continued closure of the site; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13816/20]
View answerI am aware that construction work on the new children’s hospital site beside St. James’s Hospital stopped on 31 March 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
I understand that since the commencement of the easing of restrictions on 18 of May, the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has been engaging with the main contractor in relation to the earliest possible reopening of the site. I have been informed that some matters remain unresolved at this time and that construction has not recommenced.
I am anxious that the hospital be completed as quickly as possible on behalf of children, young people and their families. The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital and I have referred your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
682. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if urgent care will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13822/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
683. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the steps taken and steps planned in respect of each Roscommon mental health services report recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13826/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
684. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 160 of 26 June 2019, if a person (details supplied) was in receipt of a yearly increment; if the HSE refused to accept their resignation in November 2010; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13842/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
685. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for surgery for a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [13856/20]
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.
686. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE and private home support staff who were tested for Covid-19 by county; the number that remain to be tested by county in tabular form in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13866/20]
View answerAs this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
687. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13872/20]
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.
688. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a matter (details supplied); and the measures he will take to address same. [13874/20]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
689. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to allow medical students to undertake one month summer placements in hospitals in 2020. [13876/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
690. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13877/20]
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.
691. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 516 of 16 June 2020, if he will address the concerns raised in correspondence by the parent of a service user (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13886/20]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
692. Deputy Johnny Mythen asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the waiting lists for home support hours in County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13892/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
693. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when services (details supplied) will be reopening after its closure due to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13894/20]
View answerAs part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.
The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.
The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-COVID supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the disability sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. A national group for the resumption of day services representative of service users and families, service providers and the HSE is working together to prepare for the resumption of day service supports in line with COVID-19 guidance. The Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and Action Plan for resumption of services have been completed. The national group are currently developing guidance to support the day service sector to reopen within the parameters of public health advice.
Community Healthcare Organisations are working with service providers to ascertain the current level of service provision and innovative practises that have developed over the last number of months. The collation and analysis of this data will provide a current national picture which will enable the resumption group to address the challenges of reopening day service locations.
The resumption group plan to have completed the above strands of work by the end of June following which a timeframe for the phased reopening of adult day services will be planned in cooperation with HSE disability services and service providers. In the meantime, service providers continue to contact day service users regarding their support needs and are providing those supports in different ways. Some supports continue to be provided in a number of ways, for example by telephone, online communication and responses to address emergency needs.
The HSE and disability service providers, where identified, will continue to communicate with school leavers and their families to plan and organise for a transition to day services in line with public health guidance.
The safety of service users and staff is of critical importance therefore the attendance at locations will be determined by public health guidance, which may result in some reduction of capacity.
An information leaflet for service users and their families was developed by the national group and distributed widely to all stakeholders on June 9th.
It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge before end of June as to when day services are likely to be reinstated and how the service will be delivered taking account of Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and the information leaflet “What’s Happening” is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections
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.
694. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a detailed roadmap for services for persons with disabilities will be published to give service users and their families clarity on the resumption of normal services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13895/20]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
695. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health the timeframe for a review to be completed for funding for a care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13902/20]
View answerThe NHSS, commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
In 2020, the NHSS saw a further investment in its budget, to bring it to €1.07bn for the year. This significant investment will provide ongoing long-term residential care over the course of 2020 ensuring that the Scheme continues to deliver affordable and accessible nursing home care for our citizens with long-term care needs.
Separately, as part of package of support measures for nursing homes, my Department established a COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS), which opened for applications on 17th April 2020. The core concept of the scheme is that the State will provide additional funding to those nursing homes that require it, to contribute towards costs associated with COVID-19 preparedness, mitigation and outbreak management. The scheme was originally devised to operate for a 3-month period to the end of June, however I recently approved a 3-month extension to the scheme.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been designated by the Minister for Health pursuant to Section 40 of the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 as a body authorised to negotiate with proprietors of non-HSE registered nursing homes to reach agreement in relation to the maximum price(s) that can be charged for the provision of long-term residential care services to NHSS residents.
As part of this function, the NTPF will enter into "Approved Nursing Home Agreements" with registered private and voluntary nursing homes to record the maximum price(s) that have been negotiated. Where, notwithstanding the best efforts of both parties, agreement is not reached through negotiation, the nursing home may elect by agreement, to enter a review process. The details of this process are set out on NTPF’s website www.ntpf.ie
It will be appreciated that particulars of all such negotiations and reviews are a matter between the nursing home and the NTPF. Accordingly the NTPF does not discuss publicly the details of negotiations with individual nursing homes.
The NTPF has statutory independence in the performance of its function and negotiates with a nursing home on an individual basis. As Minister for Health I do not have any role in this regard, I understand however, that engagement through the established mechanisms is ongoing.
696. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health his plans for an old HSE building (details supplied) now that the new primary care centre in Bray, County Wicklow, is fully constructed and occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13903/20]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
697. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the budget 2020 over-70s medical card income thresholds will be introduced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13905/20]
View answerOn 25th June, the Government gave approval for the publication of the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over. The Bill was published on July 1st, 2020 and arrangements are now being made for its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
698. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if a long-term placement will be provided urgently through a service to a person (details supplied); if home supports will be provided immediately in view of the fact they cannot be cared for at home and they are a danger to themselves and others; and if the required intervention will be expedited. [13908/20]
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. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for 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.
699. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the urgent need for biannual access to neurologists for persons with Parkinson’s disease, more nurse specialists and referrals of all patients with the disease to services such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and dietetics; and if he will address the current situation regarding access to these services. [13912/20]
View answerAs the issue raised are service delivery matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
