Tuesday, 8 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 990-1009

Patient Deaths

Questions (990)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

990. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will institute an inquiry into the recent deaths at a nursing home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21089/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

Since 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.

HIQA, in discharging its duties determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.

During the response to COVID-19, Nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit. As you may be aware, HIQA conducted an inspection of the nursing home in question. The main objectives of this inspection are to determine the standards of care and support being provided to residents and to assess the registered provider’s statutory compliance with the regulations, as well as the governance, management and risk systems in place. The inspection report will be published in due course on the HIQA website.

The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Homes Expert Panel Report was published on 19 of August. The report includes 86 recommendations in total, over 15 thematic areas, with associated timelines for implementation over the short, medium and long term. An oversight structure has been established to ensure the implementation of the important recommendations contained in this Report. This encompasses the establishment of both an Implementation Oversight Team and a Reference Group. The Implementation Oversight Team will determine an approach to, and oversee the implementation of, the relevant COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel recommendations.

Dental Services

Questions (991)

Robert Troy

Question:

991. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a dental surgery appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [21107/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (992)

Joe O'Brien

Question:

992. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if consideration has been given to providing a monetary bonus to healthcare workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21108/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Both I and my Department recognise that our dedicated health care workers have played a key role in our national effort against Covid-19. Their determination and commitment to assisting our sick and vulnerable to get the medical treatment they needed, has, and continues to be, very much appreciated. Others across the public and private sectors also deserve to be commended for their efforts in combatting this pandemic. The issue of a bonus or additional pay for health care workers has not been considered.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (993)

Pearse Doherty

Question:

993. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will have a medical procedure expedited in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 Organisation 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. 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.

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 Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Prescriptions Charges

Questions (994)

Robert Troy

Question:

994. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the reduction of prescription charges; and when charges will be reduced to €1. [21114/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As part of Budget 2020, the previous Government announced two measures intended to reduce the cost of medicines:

- GMS prescription charges would be reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. The charge would be reduced by €0.50c to €1 per item for the over 70s and by €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 and €15 respectively.

- The monthly threshold of €124 for the Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) would be reduced by €10 to €114 per household.

The funding of these measures was predicated on the achievement of corresponding savings in the health budget in 2020. It has not been possible to achieve these savings to date and therefore I am not in a position at present to progress the changes to prescription charges. I will keep this matter under review in the light of the funding available to the health service in 2020 and 2021.

Health Services Reports

Questions (995)

David Cullinane

Question:

995. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of residential care beds added since the capacity review to date by year; the number of additional beds needed to reach the targets set by the review; the cost of each additional bed in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Questions (996)

Neale Richmond

Question:

996. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the planning and development of a community hospital in Ennis, County Clare to replace the existing St. Joseph’s facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21119/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Hospital Services

Questions (997)

Neale Richmond

Question:

997. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the future capital plans for a community hospital in Ennistymon, County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21120/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Medicinal Products

Questions (998)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

998. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the concerns detailed in correspondence by a union (details supplied) on medicine shortages will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21123/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Medicine shortages have become increasingly prevalent worldwide over the past decade and are a feature of modern health systems around the world. There are many reasons for such shortages including shortages of raw materials, manufacturing difficulties, logistical/transport issues or product recalls due to potential quality defects.

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) lead in the coordination of efforts by national agencies to manage medicine shortages. The Authority has developed a now well-established, multi-stakeholder Medicine Shortages Framework and coordinates all stakeholders to share information in order to prevent or mitigate the impact of medicine shortages when they occur.

Over the last two years, the HPRA received, on average, 66 notifications per month of potential or actual medicines shortages. In many of these cases, an impact on patients was avoided or if the shortage could not be avoided its impact or duration was reduced. This Framework was successful in ultimately preventing potential shortages in 20% of cases. Of the remaining shortages notified to the HPRA, 78% of the shortages were resolved, with 60% of those resolved earlier than initially anticipated or as expected due to the coordinated strategies of the stakeholders.

The HPRA also hosts a list of medicines currently in short supply on its website (http://www.hpra.ie/homepage/medicines/medicines-information/medicines-shortages ) with expected dates for return of supply. The information is made available to assist healthcare professionals in managing medicine shortages when they do arise and lessening the impact that they have on their patients.

In the case of medicines used most often in Ireland, there are typically multiple forms, brands, and generic medicines available from a range of sources. In the event that there are some supply issues for individual medicines, it is expected that alternative options such as alternative brands and generic medicines will be available to ensure continuity of treatment.

As a result of the increasing prevalence of medicines shortages globally, there has been significant interest at European level in this area, including a task force on medicines availability to identify and address issues linked to the disruption of supplies of medicines. Ireland, through the Department of Health and the HPRA, continues to contribute to these efforts at a European level to consider initiatives to minimise the risk and disruption to patient safety and care, and the impact on healthcare professionals, caused by medicine shortages.

In addition, the European Commission is currently developing a new Pharmaceutical Strategy, and the recently published roadmap for this strategy places a significant emphasis on actions to address medicines shortages and ensure access to medicines across the EU.

Any patient who is affected by a shortage of a medicine is encouraged to speak with their pharmacist or doctor.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (999)

Neale Richmond

Question:

999. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the number of times the Covid-19 tracker app has been used to alert persons that they are a close contact of a confirmed case of Covid-19; the number of additional cases detected as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21124/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Since the launch of the COVID Tracker App, over 300 people who have tested positive for COVID-19 have uploaded the random IDs that have been generated by their phone, in order to anonymously alert other app users they were in close contact with. The HSE has recorded nearly 900 close contact alerts.

In terms of additional cases detected as a result of the app, the figures for the number of people who receive close contact alerts through the app only that go on to test positive for COVID-19 will be available once sufficient data has been gathered.

Currently the app is installed and active on 1.28 million devices and we are seeing a daily net growth of about 1500 people per day choosing to download the app.

Home Care Packages

Questions (1000)

David Cullinane

Question:

1000. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of home help hours offered in 2019 and to date in 2020; the estimated full-year number in 2020; the estimated cost of the measure; the number of persons waiting for home care supports; the estimated cost of clearing the backlog; the ongoing cost of maintaining the service at this level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21127/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1001)

David Cullinane

Question:

1001. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of introducing 24/7 mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21128/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1002)

David Cullinane

Question:

1002. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of establishing and maintaining an implementation group for Sharing the Vision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21129/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A National Mental Health Policy for Everyone proposes that a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) be established to oversee implementation of the policy. The Committee will be mandated to drive reconfiguration, monitor progress against outcomes and deliver on the commitments made in this policy.

Planning for the establishment of the NIMC and associated implementation structures is underway and will be subject to ministerial approval in due course.

Budget 2020 saw the Government continue its commitment to mental health by increasing funding by €39 million to €1.026 billion. This represents an increase of over €315 m since 2012, or 45%.

€13 million of the 2020 funding increase is for the continued roll-out of new developments in 2020, including the new National Forensic Hospital in Portrane and progression of the refreshed national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.

Beyond 2020, proposed new developments will be assessed as part of the annual estimates process.

This will include any costs accrued in establishing and maintaining the NIMC.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1003)

David Cullinane

Question:

1003. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of reappointing a national director of mental health services in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21130/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Disability Support Services

Questions (1004)

David Cullinane

Question:

1004. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of implementing the Plan for Effective Participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21131/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Respite Care Services

Questions (1005)

David Cullinane

Question:

1005. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of addressing inconsistencies of service in respite care provision of clearing waiting list backlogs and of delivering a consistent service nationwide; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21132/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1006, 1148)

David Cullinane

Question:

1006. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of eliminating the deficits in section 39 organisations. [21133/20]

David Cullinane

Question:

1148. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of clearing the deficit for all section 38 and 39 organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21462/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1006 and 1148 together.

As the Deputy will be aware, the Health Service Executive (HSE) and all of the providers it funds under Sections 38 and 39 of the Health Act 2004 are expected to continually review their cost structures to ensure the best use of resources and a focus on the use of these resources for client care to the greatest extent possible. The very significant additional financial resources provided to disability services over the last year, together with the achievement of relatively modest efficiency savings, form part of the financing of the increased service levels set out in the National Service Plan 2020.

It was intended that these efficiencies would be achieved in 2020 through the application of a 1% efficiency target to existing budgets across all service areas. However, it has been acknowledged that the achievement of the savings will be challenging in the context of the COVID-19 global pandemic and the need for the HSE to focus resources on implementing the health actions in the National Action Plan for COVID-19. Accordingly, the Minister of State with responsibility for Disability and I are of the view that the 1% efficiency target should not be applied to the budgets of disability service providers this year and I have written to the HSE to ask it to relieve Section 38 and Section 39 Disability Service Providers of the obligation to achieve this target.

I am aware that a number of Section 38 and Section 39 Disability organisations have reported they are facing financial challenges and have incurred deficits. I understand that the reported deficits are cumulative and historical, having arisen over a number of years, and generally resulted from organisations incurring expenditure in excess of agreed levels set out in their annual Service Level Arrangements. Organisations funded by the HSE are expected to operate within budget and any deficits accruing through such activities are the responsibility of these organisations themselves, as both Section 38 and Section 39 bodies have independent Boards, who govern the organisations concerned.

As the financial and performance oversight of Section 38 and Section 39 organisations is a service matter for the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on the matters raised, as soon as possible.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1007)

David Cullinane

Question:

1007. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of recruiting and retaining one speech and language therapist; the number needed to adequately staff health services and to identify the areas of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21134/20]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The 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.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1008)

David Cullinane

Question:

1008. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of recruiting and retaining one occupational therapist; the number needed to adequately staff health services and to identify the areas of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21135/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Provision

Questions (1009)

David Cullinane

Question:

1009. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of recruiting and retaining one physiotherapist; the number needed to adequately staff health services and to identify the areas of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21136/20]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.