Written Answers Nos. 1174-1199
1174. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of retaining the additional 324 acute beds and 42 ICU beds to the end of 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19970/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1175. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated full cost of redeploying all existing beds that cannot be deployed due to social distancing and IPC guidelines in modular units; the breakdown of associated additional costs and additional operational costs; and the additional staffing requirements and associated costs to ensure as many beds as possible can be deployed taking account of necessary closures due to IPC guidelines. [19971/20]
View answerI understand that the Deputy has spoken to the Parliamentary Affairs Unit within my Department and will forward specific details to them of the information which he requires.
1176. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of repatriating screening services, in tabular form. [19972/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1177. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing free counselling services upon general practitioner referral; and the estimated cost of extending available sessions to 20. [19976/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1178. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing funding for CAMHS by 10%. [19977/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1179. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing funding for jigsaw by 10% [19978/20]
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.
1180. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing funding for respite care by 10%. [19979/20]
View answer1181. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the position regarding waiting lists for respite care; the estimated cost to clear the backlog; the estimated cost of delivering required in the home hours; the number of hours required; the estimated cost of delivering required overnight care; the number of hours required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19980/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1180 and 1181 together.
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have arranged for the questions to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
1182. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the persons covered by free vaccination for swine flu; and the associated administrative and other costs. [19981/20]
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.
1183. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of providing the winter flu vaccine to the total appropriate population that are not currently eligible by administration cost, vaccine cost and other applicable costs; the number of persons that are eligible for free vaccination and those that are not, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19982/20]
View answerThe planned expansion in the provision of seasonal flu vaccine will allow all of those in the HSE-identified at-risk groups aged from 6 months up, including healthcare workers, to access the vaccination without charges. All children aged from 2 to 12 years will also have access to vaccination without charge.
This expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access without charges. This is in line with the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee and represents a significant step forward in providing vaccination without charges. The expansion will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up.
The HSE National Immunisation Office estimate that approximately 1.35 million people are in the at-risk groups. Of those, approximately 703,000 were already eligible for vaccination without charges. The expanded vaccination programme for winter 2020/21 will involve the administration without charges to an additional 647,000 people in the at-risk groups. In addition, approximately 800,000 children aged between 2 and 12 years will be eligible to receive the flu vaccine without charge this coming winter.
The cost of the additional vaccine required amounts to approximately €18 million. The cost for administration of the vaccine will depend on the rates set by the Minister following consultations in line with the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017.
1184. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on home support services waiting lists; the estimated full-year cost of clearing these waiting lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19983/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1185. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the programme for decongregation; the number that remain in institutional settings; the timeline or estimated time frame for completion; the estimated cost of completing the programme by capital and current costs; the annual breakdown of same in each of the years 2017 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and the amount required in 2021 and going forward [19984/20]
View answerThe Report “Time to Move on from Congregated Settings – A Strategy for Community Inclusion” proposes a new model of support in the community moving people from Congregated settings to the community in line with Government policy. The Report identified around 4000 people (based on 2008 census) with disabilities in Ireland living in congregated settings, defined as a residential setting where people live with ten or more people.
The Programme for Partnership Government contains a commitment to continue to move people with disabilities out of congregated settings, to enable them to live independently and to be included in the community. The objective is to reduce this figure by one-third by 2021 and ultimately, to eliminate all congregated settings.
Time to Move On from Congregated Settings is progressing and continues to demonstrate very positive results for service users who have transitioned to living in homes in community settings. Overall, the population in congregated settings at the year end will be 50% lower than those identified in the original report with less than 2,000 people remaining in congregated settings.
I want to emphasise that the appropriate supports and resources are being put in place to ensure that people are supported as they move out of residential centres. The model of care for individuals will be based on a person centred plan (PCP). The PCP may change over time in line with an individual’s needs and circumstances and the model of service delivery applicable at a particular time.
Any opportunity for residents to live in smaller settings in the community will come after considerable planning and discussion with those residents and their families. It will be on the basis that it will enhance their life, and anyone who moves will continue to access the services they require.
The HSE has prioritised the transition of a further 132 people from congregated settings in 2020 under its Service Plan.
As the HSE is responsible for leading out on the recommendations of "Time to Move on from Congregated Settings - A Strategy for Community Inclusion", I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy in relation to the questions posed.
1186. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on personal assistant hours waiting lists; the estimated full year cost of clearing the backlog; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19985/20]
View answerAs 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.
1187. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a schedule of meetings to include date, location and attendees online and in person between an organisation (details supplied) and the HSE from 1 July 2019 to date in 2020; the amount of funding provided to the organisation in the past three years to date in 2020; if a service level agreement exists between the HSE and the organisation; if concerns have been brought to his attention of the HSE in relation to governance and oversight at the organisation; and if he will provide for the shortfall of hours in relation to therapy hours delivered [19991/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1188. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the requirements for adult patients undergoing an assessment in the National Gender Service to have parents present, despite this being a concern for patient confidentiality [20035/20]
View answerAs the Deputy’s question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for answer and direct reply to the Deputy.
1189. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the years long waiting lists for assessment and treatment at the National Gender Service in Loughlinstown, County Dublin [20036/20]
View answerI am conscious that waiting times are often unacceptably long and of the burden that this places on patients and their families. In 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 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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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.
Please see attached document outlining the endocrinology outpatient waiting list at St Columcille’s Hospital. You may wish to note that this data is extracted from the overall waiting list figures which does not differentiate transgender patients from other patients on the waiting list.
In relation to the specific query regarding patients waiting for assessment and treatment at the National Gender Service in Loughlinstown.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
St Columcille's Endocrinology Outpatient Waiting List June 2020
|
0-3Months |
3-6Months |
6-9Months |
9-12Months |
12-15Months |
15-18Months |
18-21Months |
21-24Months |
24-36Months |
36-48Months |
48+Months |
Grand Total |
|
223 |
304 |
311 |
287 |
175 |
146 |
108 |
113 |
421 |
247 |
5 |
2340 |
1190. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if the National Gender Service will be instructed to follow best practice international guidelines on transgender healthcare (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20037/20]
View answerAs the Deputy’s question relates to a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for answer and direct reply to the Deputy.
1191. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of flu vaccines that the HSE plans to procure for the forthcoming flu season; his plans to make the vaccine mandatory subject to medical advice for any cohort of the population; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20049/20]
View answerTo mitigate as much as possible the pressure on the health services that would result from a coincidence of the winter flu season and a resurgence of COVID-19, there will be an expanded provision of seasonal influenza vaccine this year. All of those in the at-risk groups aged from 6 months up, including healthcare workers, will be able to access the vaccination without charges. All children aged from 2 to 12 years inclusive will also have access to vaccination without charges.
The HSE has placed orders for approximately 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine for the forthcoming winter. This vaccine will be made available to all persons in an at-risk group aged from 6 months up, other than children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive. The HSE has also ordered 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which is delivered via nasal drops rather than by injection and will be made available to all children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive. The quantities of vaccine ordered are expected to be sufficient to meet even an increased level of demand as a result of COVID.
Increasing vaccination rates in general across the country is a health priority, and several options in this area are being explored. The influenza vaccine expansion will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up. There are no plans at present to make influenza vaccinations mandatory for any cohort of the population.
1192. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his plans for patient advocates across various State health committees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/20]
View answerThe Department of Health is committed to ensuring and supporting the central role that patients play in working with the public health service to develop health policy and in designing and reforming health services. It is vital that government hears and includes the voice of the patient and service user. Patient representatives participate on a number of committees and working groups across the Department of Health, the HSE and health agencies and make a significant contribution to the strategic decision-making work of those committees and groups.
With this in mind, the Department is currently developing a policy for the selection and payment of patient representatives who participate on committees and working groups that are involved in strategic decision-making in relation to the development of health policy and the design of health services. In developing a draft policy, the Department has conducted a review of international practice and has referred particularly to the NHS 2017 Policy on ‘Patient and Public Voice Partners Policy’ as the most mature international policy in this area. The draft policy, when adopted, will be applicable to the Department, HSE and other health agencies.
The development of this policy had been slowed down by the impact of COVID. However, this policy remains a priority for the Government. My officials continue to work on a consultation process and work with colleagues in the HSE, other Government departments and the Office of the Revenue Commissioner to put a robust and transparent system in place to facilitate such payments.
1193. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the two tier contract for hospital consultants will cease in 2020. [20092/20]
View answerAt present 'new entrant' consultants recruited since 1 October 2012 are on lower pay scales than those recruited prior to that date.
The Programme for Government provides for the finalisation of the new Sláintecare Consultant Contract and the introduction of related legislation to support 'public-only work' in public hospitals. The FEMPI Acts currently prohibit pay increases for serving public servants and will require amendment to enable pay increases for serving consultants who move to the Slaintecare 'public only' Consultant Contract.
It is my intention to commence engagement with the representative bodies as a matter of priority. I had initial meetings with both on Tuesday. It is through this engagement that all matters relating to consultants terms, conditions and additional supports will be considered.
1194. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when the National Maternity Strategy will be fully implemented [20101/20]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy - Creating a Better Future Together 2016 - 2026 was published in January 2016 and represents the blueprint for the development of a new maternity service.
Within the HSE, the National Women & Infants Health Programme leads the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services, and drives implementation of the Strategy. The Programme published a Strategy Implementation Plan in 2017 and work is progressing on the individual elements of that plan. I am advised however, that there has been some slippage in terms of the timelines and consequently the Programme is currently revisiting the original Plan, with a view to providing up-to-date timelines for the implementation of the Strategy's recommendations.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1195. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if the lands of a former nursing home (details supplied) will remain in public ownership; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20102/20]
View answer1196. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health if he will withdraw the planned sale by the HSE of a former nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20103/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1195 and 1196 together.
The Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of healthcare property estate including St. Brigid’s Hospital, Crooksling. They have advised that the possibility of St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling being utilised as a health facility has been reviewed and there are a number of key issues which deem it not feasible to develop the building and site. These issues include the site location, the condition of the building fabric/ envelope and the lack of adequate mains services in the area
The HSE are obliged to apply the Protocol for the Intra State Transfer of State Property Assets and the Protocol for the Intra State Sharing of Property Assets. Under these protocols expressions of interest have been invited from relevant State Bodies/Stakeholders and Local Authorities. The Land Development Agency (LDA) has also been advised. Pending the outcome from this process, the intent would be to dispose of the asset in line with the HSE Property Protocol.
1197. Deputy John Brady asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop the lands at Newcastle Hospital, Newtown County Wicklow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20104/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1198. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if the regulations in relation to wedding venues will be further reviewed to explore if increased guest numbers can be accommodated safely in larger venues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20110/20]
View answerI refer the Deputy to the response given to PQ 15285 of 14th July 2020 (Dáil Question Number 978). I can confirm that the position as outlined remains unchanged.
1199. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 756 of 21 July 2020, his views on the substance of the question submitted regarding his awareness of the distribution of free face masks in Luxembourg; and his plans to introduce a similar scheme to provide access to free face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic [20111/20]
View answerAs I indicated in my response to Parliamentary Question No. 756 of 21 July 2020, 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. This includes examining the situation that exists in other countries and, when relevant and appropriate, providing advice to me as Minister as to how to respond to the issues arising here in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic.
As I indicated previously, I do not have plans to establish a distribution scheme for face coverings such as is referred to in the question. Face coverings are readily available in retail outlets and online. Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
It is important to re-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 hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off.
