Written Answers Nos. 712-731
712. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made in relation to opening day-care centres for older persons which play an important role in their well-being; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17053/20]
View answerCommunity services such as day care play an important role in enabling older people 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 will gradually be restored to older people as it becomes safe to do so and may be delivered in new ways to ensure this.
713. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health when recommendations on the expansion of the newborn screening programme will be published; his plans to implement the recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17061/20]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for raising this issue. It is something that he and I have discussed before.
The National Screening Advisory Committee (NSAC) was established in 2019 and has held two meetings to date. The Committee’s role is to undertake an independent assessment of the evidence for screening for a particular condition against internationally accepted criteria and make recommendations accordingly.
Professor Niall O’Higgins was appointed as Chair of the NSAC in 2019 and was asked that the Committee prioritise an examination of the approaches for the expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme ('heelprick test') and work in that regard has been progressed by the Committee.
A meeting of the NSAC took place on 17 July 2020 where the Committee considered (1) the addition of ADA-SCID to the blood spot screening programme and (2) a change in the screening pathway of the Diabetic RetinaScreen programme. I await the outcome of the discussions of the Committee.
Any future potential changes to the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening Programme will be incorporated as part of the Committee's work programme.
Updates in relation to the work of the Committee will be posted on the NSAC website available at https://www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/nsac/
I am strongly committed to identifying any opportunities that exist in this area and to their implementation.
715. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons diagnosed with cancer by HSE region each month since January 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17083/20]
View answerThe National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) is responsible for collecting data on the incidence of cancers. While the NCRI produces reports on the incidence of cancer by HSE region, this operates a number of years in arrears as diagnoses need to be validated to assure completeness and accuracy. The most recent complete figures show a total of 21,459 cancer cases diagnosed in 2015.
The NCRI Annual Report (2019) estimates that, on average, 23,890 cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) are diagnosed in Ireland each year. This number is expected to increase in the coming years due to our increasing and ageing population.
716. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of persons receiving chemotherapy each month between January 2019 and June 2020, in tabular form. [17084/20]
View answerThe HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) collects data on the number of patients receiving new Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (Chemotherapy) in the day ward setting in public hospitals. Data is currently available up to April 2020 as follows:
|
- |
Jan-19 |
Feb-19 |
Mar-19 |
Apr-19 |
May-19 |
Jun-19 |
Jul-19 |
Aug-19 |
Sep-19 |
Oct-19 |
Nov-19 |
Dec-19 |
|
All New SACT Patients |
711 |
678 |
651 |
694 |
794 |
635 |
800 |
657 |
660 |
653 |
716 |
560 |
|
- |
Jan-20 |
Feb-20 |
Mar-20 |
Apr-20 |
|
All New SACT Patients |
672 |
575 |
464 |
434 |
717. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health the number of cancer patients finishing active treatment each month since January 2019, in tabular form. [17085/20]
View answerThe National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises the needs of cancer patients across their cancer journey. Under the Strategy, cancer survivorship begins at the time of diagnosis and continues until end of life. The National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) estimated that there were 173,000 cancer survivors in Ireland in 2016. The total survivors is expected to continue to grow due to our increasing and ageing population, and to improvements in patient outcomes. Net five-year survivorship for all cancers (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) increased from 42% (1994-1999) to 62% (2011-2015), with five-year survivorship for many cancers now above 80%. It is expected that this trend will continue.
Neither the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme nor the NCRI collect information on the number of cancer patients who finish active treatment. This is as many cancer survivors require life-long, evidenced-based health care, whether preventive, general medical, psychosocial or care specific to their cancer diagnosis, meaning that their care can continue long after their primary treatment.
718. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas visitors who have been found to be in breach of the 14-day self-isolation guidelines as set out by SI 181 of 2020. [17086/20]
View answer719. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of overseas visitors who have refused to give all the necessary information upon entry here as set out by SI 181 of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17087/20]
View answer720. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans to amend SI 181 of 2020 to make it a legal requirement to observe the 14-day period of self-isolation [17088/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 718, 719 and 720 together.
SI 181 of 2020 introduced a mandatory requirement for passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.
Since the introduction of the mandatory requirement to complete the locator form in late May, compliance has been close to 100%. The Department of Justice, which collects the forms at points of entry on behalf of the health service, has informed my Department that that three people at Dublin Airport have refused to fill out the form and that they have been referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health, but not legally required, to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements. The introduction of any mandatory restriction of movements would require new legislation.
721. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans to recommend a temporary ban on non-essential travel from the United States of America on the grounds of safeguarding public health [17089/20]
View answerAt present, the government advises against non-essential travel overseas.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.
Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements.
722. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when the HSE guidelines to pharmacists discouraging the sale of multiple months' worth of medication to patients to prevent stockpiling will be rescinded; if his attention has been drawn to the lack of ability to buy 3 or 6 months means that patients are liable to more handling charges by pharmacists which creates a financial burden; and his views on whether this unfairly impacts those patients that are not holders of medical cards. [17094/20]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
723. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to restore leave to frontline workers who had to use it to provide childcare, particularly for couples who both worked on the frontline and used their leave to ensure one parent was always available to provide childcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17095/20]
View answerGuidance and FAQs for Public Service Employers during COVID-19 in relation to working arrangements across the Public Service were prepared by DPER and circulated to all public health sector employers. This guidance set out arrangements in relation to those employees who have caring responsibilities.
HSE managers were advised to facilitate staff with caring responsibilities to attend work and/or work from home in a flexible manner to greatest extent possible, and a range of additional flexible work patterns, changes to rosters, remote working, changes to parental leave arrangements and other adjustment measures are available to staff.
The HSE further clarified on 29 April by way of circular to their managers setting out that if employees cannot work outside the home and cannot perform their current role remotely, the employee is still to be considered as actively on duty and available to work from home, and may be assigned work outside the employee’s usual core duties.
Childcare needs were and are facilitated for essential workers without the requirement to take annual leave.
I have also asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
724. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive the drug spinraza; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17096/20]
View answer751. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when spinraza which has been approved since June 2019 for a person (details supplied) in County Clare will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17319/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 724 and 751 together.
As this refers to an individual case, I have referred this matter to the HSE for their attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
725. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect an appointment with a consultant. [17120/20]
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.
726. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect an admission date to the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin. [17121/20]
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 for direct reply.
727. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a person (details supplied); and when they can expect an appointment with a consultant. [17122/20]
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.
728. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will seek to reverse the upcoming wage decrease in September 2020 for student nurses on four year internships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17134/20]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
729. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the distinct protections, advice and oversight of tourist and non-tourist arrivals from countries deemed to have a safe level of Covid-19 infections to those with an unsafe level; if the effectiveness of the proposed approaches are evaluated either by way of international experience or domestic trials; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17135/20]
View answerPassengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry. Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen our existing arrangements. Officials from my Department and from the HSE are working closely with counterparts in other Government departments in this regard.
For people living in Ireland, the advice is to avoid all non-essential travel overseas until further notice.
730. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken for persons who have suffered as a result of pelvic mesh implants; the measures being put in place to ensure such harm is avoided in the future; if his attention has been drawn to the recent publication by the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK in relation to the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17158/20]
View answerI note the recent publication in England of the report of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety (IMMDS) review, “First Do No Harm” which was chaired by Baroness Cumberlege.
International evidence and learning play an important role in health policy considerations to promote safe, high quality care for patients. This report may add to that evidence and learning.
Over the past two decades, Uro-Gynaecological (Transvaginal) Mesh has been widely used in the surgical treatment of Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) and Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) in women. Mesh devices are certified as compliant with relevant EU legislation, and as such, European regulatory competent authorities consider that the benefits outweigh the risks for these devices.
In Ireland, considerable work has been done to date and continues to progress on patient safety in relation to mesh implants; and the patient voice is central to our understanding of these, and similar, issues. As part of the ongoing policy response, my department officials are examining options to establish a process for an independent, compassionate engagement for women affected by mesh to have their voices heard; and will make proposals to me in this regard. Any engagement process will need to take account of the wider context relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Concerns were raised in Ireland regarding complications associated with the use of mesh devices in late 2017, including a number of Ministerial representations from the women affected or on their behalf. At that time, the Minister for Health requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report on the clinical and technical issues involved in ensuring both:
1. the safe and effective provision of mesh procedures in urogynaecology and
2. an appropriate response to women who suffer complications as a result of undergoing such procedures.
This CMO Report was published in November 2018.
Importantly, the CMO report was informed by the available national and international evidence and the personal experiences of women who have suffered complications following mesh surgery.
Since July 2018, the HSE has paused all mesh procedures where clinically safe to do so. This was at the request of the CMO and undertaken in advance of completion of the final CMO report. The pause was instigated pending confirmation by the HSE of the implementation of initial recommendations relating to (i) professional training requirements, (ii) patient information and consent and (iii) the development and maintenance of a national data set for all mesh procedures carried out in HSE funded hospitals.
The CMO report identifies that for many women, surgical procedures using synthetic mesh devices have provided a more effective and less invasive form of treatment than traditional procedures. However, mesh devices are associated with significant and severe complications in a minority of women, which are of concern given the difficulties of mesh implant removal.
The CMO report made a number of recommendations, the implementation of which will provide significant assurance that both women presenting for treatment and who develop mesh-related complications, receive high quality, multi-disciplinary patient centred care in accordance with the evidence and supported by robust clinical governance mechanisms.
The HSE published a detailed Implementation Plan for the recommendations in the report in April 2019. The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) is progressing treatment pathways and referral services for women suffering from mesh-related complications.
A multidisciplinary National Specialist Centre is being developed over 2 sites at Cork University Maternity Hospital (CUMH) and the National Maternity Hospital (NMH) Dublin. In addition, two translabial scanners, were procured by the HSE in late 2019, and are now onsite in both hospitals. However, the first scanning clinic, which was due to take place last March had to be postponed, due to the pandemic.
The HSE has published a dedicated webpage about vaginal mesh implants, including contact information for women suffering complications, which I hope is a useful resource. This can be found on the HSE website.
I would strongly encourage all women affected by mesh to engage with the relevant HSE contact points provided, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and provided for.
731. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the circumstances under which a patient leaving hospital is offered convalescence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17162/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
