Written Answers Nos. 651-670
651. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if advice will be provided in relation to correspondence regarding face masks and summer camps (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16749/20]
View answer714. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the guidelines regarding the use of face shields for children participating in group activities such as music, dance and performing arts camps in which social distancing may be difficult to adhere to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17065/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 651 and 714 together.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.
NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and
- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
Cloth face coverings are not recommended for children under the age of 13. This is because young children may not follow advice about wearing a mask correctly and avoiding touching it.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off.
From 29 June 2020, as part of Phase 3 of the Roadmap to Reopening Society and Business, a wide range of businesses and services can now open or recommence including summer camps and dance schools. See https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf# for further information. Organisers of any such activities are advised to consult the latest public health advice, available on the websites below, which are updated on a regular basis:
- https://www.gov.ie/en/
- https://www2.hse.ie/coronavirus/
Public health advice regarding children is available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/protecting-your-child.html
The Department of Children and Youth Affairs has developed Guidance for Youth Organisations on Resuming Full Services after COVID-19 which is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/58393-guidance-for-youth-organisations-on-resuming-full-services-after-covid-19/
You may also wish to note that during Phase 3 indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible.
The Return to Work Safely Protocol, published by the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, may apply in circumstances involving summer camps. It provides detailed guidance which was developed to assist employers and employees in the coming period. The protocol is available at https://dbei.gov.ie/en/Publications/Return-to-Work-Safely-Protocol.html. The Protocol is mandatory and it applies to all workplaces right across the economy. Specific sectors may need to introduce additional safeguards, but this document sets the standard set of measures required in every workplace.
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face coverings. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
- https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
- https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
652. Deputy Niamh Smyth 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. [16754/20]
View answerIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most 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 World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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 2020. 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. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
653. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when a service (details supplied) will be introduced to County Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16772/20]
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.
654. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health when radiology services will be opened in hospitals for non-Covid-19 patients especially those who may have cancer-related health issues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16773/20]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy
655. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health when funding will be made available to provide staff to operate the state-of-the art x-ray equipment in a Saolta health campus (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16774/20]
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.
656. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the criteria used to determine whether a patient is to receive B12 injections for a B12 deficiency; and if the guidance given to general practitioners is in accordance with the Nice guidelines [16775/20]
View answerAs this question relates to a services matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
657. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the outcome of a fair deal means test application by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed to determine if further financial assistance can be provided [16797/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
658. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the value of contracts awarded to a company (details supplied) and its subsidiaries by his Department and each body and local authority under his remit from 1 January 2016 to 14 July 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16844/20]
View answerMy Department did not award any contracts to the specified company or its subsidiaries between 1 January 2016 and 14 July 2020.
In relation to contracts awarded by the HSE, as this is an operational matter, I have forwarded your query to the HSE and asked that they respond directly to you on this.
Details for other bodies under the aegis of my Department are operational matters for the bodies concerned and the Deputy should contact the relevant Director/CEO/Registrar directly.
659. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of extra hospital consultants who will be employed in 2020 [16855/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.
660. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the 60-bed interim unit at University Hospital Limerick; when works will commence; the expected cost of the project; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16877/20]
View answerThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
At present the draft Capital Plan 2020 is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19 and includes a number of developments at Limerick University Hospital. The HSE has advised that the 60-Bed Ward Block (additional capacity) is expected to be completed for Q4 2020.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
661. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the 24-bed interim unit at University Hospital Limerick; when works will commence; the expected cost of the project; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16878/20]
View answer664. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the 24-bed interim unit at University Hospital Limerick; when these units will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16881/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 661 and 664 together.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
The HSE has advised that the 24-Bed Rapid Build Ward was issued with a substantial completion certificate on the 3rd July, it is currently being equipped and will be ready to become operational by the end of July. The cost of the project is expected to be €12.5m
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
662. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the construction of the 96-bed inpatient facility at University Hospital Limerick; when works will commence; the expected cost of the project; the expected completion date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16879/20]
View answer665. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the 96-bed inpatient facility at University Hospital Limerick; when these units will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16882/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 662 and 665 together.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
At present the draft Capital Plan 2020 is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19 and includes a number of developments at Limerick University Hospital. The HSE has advised that the 96-Bed Replacement Ward Block is currently at Design Stage.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The final decision to proceed with the construction of a project cannot be made until the tender process has been completed and the costings reviewed to ensure that the proposal delivers value for money and remains affordable, and that sufficient funding is available to fund the project to completion, including equipping and commissioning costs.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
663. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the status of the 60-bed interim unit at University Hospital Limerick; when these units will be operational; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16880/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, commits to continuing investment in our health care services in line with the recommendations of the Health Service Capacity Review and the commitments in Project Ireland 2040.
The Capacity Review found that the net requirement, in a reform scenario, is for an additional 2,590 hospital beds by 2031 (inpatient, day case, critical care) with an immediate requirement for 1,290 beds to address overcrowding and to ensure hospitals operated at 85% occupancy in line with other OECD countries. Approximately 770 additional beds have been provided to date. The National Development Plan provides for the addition of the full 2,590 beds by the earlier date of 2027.
Since December 2017, an additional 25 beds have opened in University Hospital Limerick. A capital budget of €19.5 million has been approved for the provision of a modular 60-bed inpatient ward block at University Hospital Limerick, with funding of €10 million allocated in 2019. The HSE have advised that the enabling works are complete, and the main contractor is now on site. The 60 bed modular unit is on course to be completed as planned in Q4 2020. This important project will go some way towards addressing the acknowledged lack of bed capacity in the region.
666. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has been waiting for a hip replacement with a consultant at Croom Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16891/20]
View answerIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most 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 World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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 24th June 2020. 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. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
667. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health when a planning application will be lodged for the new emergency department at University Hospital Galway; the reason this urgently needed project is being delayed; the queries National HSE Estates have now in relation to the new emergency department and the proposed maternity and paediatrics department; when a planning application will be lodged for a new outpatients facility at Merlin Park to cater for lost facilities on the footprint of the planned emergency department; and when a planning application will be lodged to allow the decanting of emergency department facilities to the front of the existing facility in order for the new emergency department to be built. [16893/20]
View answerThe Estates unit in the Health Service Executive has been tasked with the delivery of additional capacity (infrastructure and equipment) nationwide in the effort for the containment and prevention of the spread of the coronavirus - Covid-19. This has resulted in delays to some works and schedules. As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
668. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the budget allocated by hospital in each of the years 2016 to 2020, in tabular form. [16898/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
669. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of inpatients cared for by hospital in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [16899/20]
View answerIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most 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 World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. NPHET has since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the 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 24th 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.
As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid 19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid 19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non Covid-19 care.
In regard to the specific query raised by the Deputy regarding the number of inpatients cared for by hospital in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
670. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses employed by hospital in each of the years 2016 to 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [16900/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
