Written Answers Nos. 1424-1448
1424. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of flu vaccines which have been secured for the upcoming flu season; the way in which this compares to the number in 2019; the estimated uptake figures for each target group; his views on the advisability of a full population uptake programme in view of the pressure on hospitals as a result of Covid-19; and if he is satisfied that the current proposals are adequate. [20865/20]
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 expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to vaccination without charges. By providing vaccination to those most at-risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, the programme will see a reduction in the number of influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as a reduction in the overall spread of influenza infections.
The HSE has placed orders for 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 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. Both orders have been confirmed by the manufacturers and deliveries will commence from September.
The total quantity of vaccine ordered for the upcoming winter season is a substantial increase on the 1.15 million doses of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine which was contracted for purchase for the 2019/2020 winter season. It is difficult to accurately estimate the rate of vaccine uptake for the upcoming winter season, although a higher demand for the influenza vaccine than in previous years is anticipated due to the emergence of COVID-19. The quantities of vaccine ordered are expected to be sufficient to meet even this increased level of demand.
The approach taken to expanding the influenza vaccination programme for winter 2020/2021 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.
1425. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Clare; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20875/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1426. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Clare; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20876/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1427. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the CAMHS waiting list in County Clare; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20877/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1428. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting homecare support in County Clare; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Clare; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20878/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1429. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in the University Hospital Limerick hospital group; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20879/20]
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 Organisation 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.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1430. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in the University Hospital Limerick hospital group; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20880/20]
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 Organisation 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.
In relation to endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.
The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.
The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy for UHL Hospital Group (Ennis General Hospital; Nenagh Hospital; St. John's Limerick; University Hospital Limerick) is outlined in the attached document.
|
UHL Hospital Group GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020 |
|
|
0-1 Mth |
411 |
|
1-2 Mths |
265 |
|
2-3Mths |
260 |
|
+3 Mths |
3673 |
|
Total |
4609 |
1431. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at the University Hospital Limerick hospital group; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of each vacancy in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20881/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1432. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in CHO3 by county; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20882/20]
View answer1434. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in CHO3 by county; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20884/20]
View answer1439. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Clare awaiting an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number waiting less than 6, 6 to 12, and more than 12 months, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20890/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1432, 1434 and 1439 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1433. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in CHO3 by county; the number waiting less than 3, 3 to 6, 6 to 12 and more than 12 months in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20883/20]
View answerThe Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1435. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Clare over each of the past 12 months; the number provided in each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20886/20]
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.
1436. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Clare that have now reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; the number that will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20887/20]
View answerAs part of the overall effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.
Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 8 July 2020.
In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.
Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of Covid-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections. The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and Covid-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.
An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After 4 August service users and families will be able to access this information on 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.
1437. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Clare that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date by his Department; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20888/20]
View answerAs part of the overall effort to contain the spread of Covid-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.
Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 8 July 2020.
In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.
Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections . The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.
An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 04 service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections
It has been recognised that additional costs may arise for service providers in providing safe services. To date, Government has approved COVID 19 Pandemic Health service funding of €2bn. The aim of this funding is to support investment necessary to address COVID 19, to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID 19 and to facilitate the provision of health and social care services against the backdrop of COVID 19. The HSE is in the process of reviewing and validating business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services
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.
1438. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Clare; the average waiting time for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20889/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1440. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in rolling out Spinraza treatment to both children and adults; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20891/20]
View answerThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
On 11 June 2019, the HSE Leadership Team approved access to the drug Nusinersen (Spinraza) for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, II or III on an exceptional and individualised basis.
The HSE decision process in relation to Spinraza involved a full Health Technology Assessment followed by detailed consideration by the HSE expert groups on new drug therapies, including the Technology Review Group for Rare Diseases and the Drugs Committee. Evidence of the clinical and cost effectiveness of this new drug therapy was also reviewed.
The actual delivery of this medicine to approved patients in a safe and sustainable way requires very specific and quite complex service arrangements to be put in place by Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) across all sites.
It is estimated that 1-3 new children will be diagnosed with SMA Type 2 in Ireland each year. CHI has confirmed that there are currently 35 patients with SMA aged 18 years or under who are deemed clinically eligible for treatment with Spinraza by the Paediatric Neurologist in CHI. CHI has further confirmed that 19 patients are currently receiving Spinraza.
However, other patients who are waiting to start treatment have been put on hold due to COVID-19. CHI is currently working through the remaining patients and how they can be accommodated in the midst of COVID-19 restrictions around social distancing.
CHI has confirmed that they have identified a small number of SMA patients whose cases are extremely complex as they have poor lung function. The delivery of the drug to these patients will be potentially more complex and technically difficult and will require complex coordination by CHI.
Children’s Health Ireland is in a continuous engagement process with families regarding their child’s individual treatment plan for the administration of Spinraza as well as representatives of the SMA Executive and Advocacy Group.
I wish to advise the Deputy that funding was provided in 2020 to develop the Spinraza service, including the recruitment of additional staff. A nursing coordinator, who will coordinate the services including communication with families, has been appointed and is commencing the end of July.
1441. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the position regarding radiologists and laboratory departments regionally; the status of conducting and delivering the results of MRI and CT scans regionally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20962/20]
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
1442. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he address the issue of reviewing medical cards for terminally ill patients (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20963/20]
View answerEligibility for a medical card is assessed primarily on the basis of a financial assessment. The HSE's Expert Group on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility examined the issue of awarding medical cards on the basis of illness and concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. The Expert Group also concluded that a person’s means should remain the main qualifier for a medical card.
However every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness.
It should also be noted that the HSE has a system in place for the provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e. in circumstances where persons are in need of urgent or on-going medical care that they cannot afford and also for persons who are terminally ill and are receiving end of life treatment. These medical cards are issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required medical report and a completed application form from a healthcare professional. With the exception of terminally ill patients, all medical cards, granted on an emergency basis are valid for 6 months and will be followed up with a full means assessment application within a number of weeks.
As part of Budget 2020, the Government committed to undertake a review and extend arrangements regarding the provision of emergency medical cards in cases of terminal illness. A review was subsequently commenced by the HSE Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) in December 2019. The work of the HSE Clinical Advisory Group has recently concluded and a Report is being finalised.
1443. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if ionafornid treatment in the rare disease progeria will be licensed here; if the State will be providing the financial burden of hospitals providing such treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20964/20]
View answerIn Ireland, a medicine must receive a marketing authorisation before being placed on the market. Marketing authorisations may be granted nationally by the national competent authority (in Ireland this is the Health Products Regulatory Authority) or by the European Commission, following a positive recommendation by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).
Lonafarnib is an investigational drug currently being studied for safety and efficacy for a number of conditions, including progeria syndrome. As such, Lonafarnib has yet to be approved for any condition.
In December 2018, following an application by the sponsoring company and a recommendation by the EMA, Lonafarnib was granted ‘orphan status’ by the European Commission, as a medicine which could potentially treat a rare disease such as progeria. Sponsors who obtain orphan designation benefit from protocol assistance, a type of scientific advice specific for designated orphan medicines, and market exclusivity once the medicine is on the market.
In the EU, medicines for rare diseases such as progeria must be authorised by the European Commission under the ‘centralised procedure’. It is therefore not open to Irish authorities to grant a marketing authorisation for Lonafarnib.
In May 2020 a marketing authorisation application for Lonafarnib was submitted to the EMA on behalf of the Commission under an accelerated assessment procedure. Evaluating a marketing-authorisation application under the centralised procedure can take up to 210 days, not counting clock stops when applicants have to provide additional information. Accelerated assessment reduces the timeframe for the EMA to review the marketing-authorisation application and can reduce the timeframe to 150 days, not including any clock stops. The EMA will follow the accelerated review timeline of the application and it will be up to the sponsoring company to respond promptly to requests for additional information or data to support its application.
As the second part of the question is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1444. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will provide medical grade face masks for citizens of 60 years of age and over in addition to persons with significant health conditions that are medical card holders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20965/20]
View answerThe 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.
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 hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off. I do not have plans to provide face coverings at this time. They 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.
On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19)(Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.
Reasonable excuse includes where a person:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar “reasonable excuse“ provisions will apply .
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 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
1445. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if details of the meetings and correspondence he has had with a body (details supplied) will be published; if advice he received from the officials in his Department and HIQA in relation to same will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20966/20]
View answerThe Department has had continuous and ongoing engagement with the stakeholder referenced and the Health Information and Quality Authority during 2020.
As a key stakeholder, I intend to maintain positive engagements with this representative body as we continue the ongoing response to COVID-19.
The extensive engagements to date have related to issues such as visiting guidance, staffing, PPE, testing and related matters to the COVID-19 pandemic and nursing homes.
In May the Department published records provided to the Oireachtas Special Committee on the COVID-19 Response relating to engagements with this body and these records are available on the Department’s website.
1446. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the flu vaccine free of charge to all persons that request it; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20984/20]
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 expanded programme will ensure that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza will have access to vaccination without charges. By providing vaccination to those most at-risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, the programme will see a reduction in the number of influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as a reduction in the overall spread of influenza infections.
This approach 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.
1447. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health his plans to bring the patient safety Bill to Cabinet with a view to passing it as soon as possible; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20986/20]
View answerThe Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019 provides the legislative framework for a number of important patient safety issues, including the mandatory open disclosure of a list of notifiable patient safety incidents and the notification of same externally to the Health Information and Quality Authority, Chief Inspector of Social Services and the Mental Health Commission, as appropriate, to contribute to national learning and system-wide improvements. This mandatory requirement for open disclosure will ensure that patients and their families receive appropriate timely information in relation to an incident that may have occurred in relation to their care.
The Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019 will also bring the private hospitals within the remit of the Health Act 2007. The relevant provisions extend the remit of the Health Information and Quality Authority, allowing it to set standards for the operation of private hospitals, to monitor compliance with them and to undertake inspections and investigations as required. The Bill also contains provisions to support clinical audit within the health service.
The Bill was introduced into Dáil Éireann on the 12 December 2019 and passed Second Stage in the Dáil and is due to go to Dáil Committee Stage. The Bill is a Programme for Government commitment and it is my intention is to restore the Bill to the order paper. Following Dáil Committee stage, the Bill will be progressed to Dáil Report Stage and will then go through all Stages in the Seanad.
The Patient Safety (Notifiable Patient Safety Incidents) Bill 2019 is also part of the broader programme of legislative and policy initiatives to improve the ability of the health service to anticipate, identify, respond to patient safety issues and improve the quality and safety of health services for patients. Creating a culture of open disclosure and learning from the things that go wrong is the bedrock of making services safer.
1448. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the progress being made in implementing the recommendations of the Scally report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20987/20]
View answerThe implementation plan for the recommendations of the Scoping Inquiry into the CervicalCheck Screening Programme (Scally Report) was approved by Government on 11 December 2018. The implementation plan contains 170 actions. At the end of Q1 2020, 137 of the 170 identified actions were completed.
I fully support the full implementation of the recommendations of Dr Scally and am committed to publishing a quarterly progress report against the recommendations on the Department of Health website. There has been significant progress by all parties to date and my Department engages on an ongoing basis with the HSE and the National Cancer Registry to oversee implementation of the recommendations.
The Department will soon publish the Q2 2020 report.
