Written Answers Nos. 722-741
722. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health if the primary care centre in Haymarket Centre, Drogheda, County Louth is still available to the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24848/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
723. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the number of Parkinson’s disease specialist nurses that will be employed under the enhanced community care fund (details supplied); if there will be an increase in the number of neurologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24851/20]
View answerThe enhancement of community care, the further integration of care and the establishment of multidisciplinary teams for those with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease is a key vision of Sláintecare. As part of Budget 2020, Sláintecare was allocated €10 million for a Sláintecare Enhanced Community Care Fund as initial funding to deliver on a commitment to employ up to 1,000 additional staff in the community.
Specifically, this fund will support initiatives such as the hiring of additional dementia advisors and therapists in the community. This includes the recruitment of Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dieticians etc., who will provide much needed treatment to those suffering with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease.
Prioritisation of initiatives that will have a positive impact on waiting lists, and in the first instance on community waiting lists will be carried out. The reduction of waiting times for access to community therapists will be targeted to deliver more timely care for patients with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease.
The National Clinical Programme for Neurology launched its Model of Care for the Republic of Ireland in 2016 and within it is outlined a Parkinson’s disease pathway. It is widely acknowledged that there is a need to develop services for those with Parkinson’s disease in line with international standards recommended within the model of care. The programme continues to support the ongoing realisation of the model of care.
As the HSE has responsibility for the operation and provision of services including the appropriate allocation of staffing resources, I have requested that the Executive reply directly to you on this matter, specifically regarding the numbers and grades of staff requested.
724. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the higher income threshold for eligibility to a medical card for over 70s introduced in Budget 2020 has been applied; if not, when it will be applied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24854/20]
View answerThe Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020, enacted on 2nd August 2020, provided for an increase to the gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person and to €1,050 per week for a couple.
Although it had been originally intended that this measure would be implemented from July this year, it was not possible to legislate for the necessary amendments to the 1970 Health Act to provide for this measure until there was a fully constituted Dáil and Seanad.
While the relevant section providing for the increased limits has not yet been commenced, I can assure the Deputy that the associated funding requirements and potential implementation date are being actively considered.
725. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure persons and their carers receive full-time help and facilities without delay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24861/20]
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 8th 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 gradually resumed during August and early September. Service providers are working reopen day services safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers have been in touch with all families and service users to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
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, and the latest update, a video message from the Head of Strategy and Planning HSE Disability Services, is available at the above link.
An information portal that contains the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is now available. Service users and families can access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections
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.
As services resume, capacity in day service locations will be reduced. However, the HSE and service providers will keep this measure under review and as public health guidance evolves, capacity to provide supports will adapt accordingly. Both the HSE and service providers are committed to maximising the support that can be provided within these restrictions.
726. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the reason for the reduced number of hours for a person (details supplied) at a service; if the reduction is due to staff shortages; if so, his plans to replace staff that may have left or been redeployed during Covid-19 restriction measures; if the original number of hours they spent at the service will be restored; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24864/20]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
727. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the Carmora service in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin is short-staffed; if so, the reason; if the HSE is responding to the need for additional staffing for the service for persons with additional needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24865/20]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
728. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the respite hours available to users of the Carmora services in Dún Laoghaire, County Dublin have been reduced; if so, the reason for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24866/20]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
729. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to ensure the day care centres for the elderly will be reopened safely without further delay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24867/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
731. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the reason qualified PHECC registered advanced paramedics are not being recruited into the National Ambulance Service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24872/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
732. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the measures in place to ensure instant communication is made with the HSE when a student is tested positive for Covid-19 in Northern Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24874/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
733. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24878/20]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.
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.
734. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1007 of 14 July 2020, the criteria the National Women and Infants Health Programme is using to justify the continuation of the restrictions regarding birthing partners; the level of consultation taking place with NPHET on the restrictions; the criteria needed for the restrictions to be revised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24882/20]
View answer735. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1007 of 14 July 2020, the reason for differences in the way in which each hospital is applying restrictions if they are being implemented by the National Women and Infants Programme, in view of the fact Dublin hospitals allow postnatal visits and other hospitals do not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24883/20]
View answer744. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health his views on maternity services at present due to Covid-19 restrictions [24949/20]
View answer776. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health if matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to birthing partners will be examined and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25183/20]
View answer782. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when he plans to lift restrictions on spouses attending pregnancy scans and labour; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25224/20]
View answer827. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health when maternity restrictions preventing the presence of partners at births will be lifted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25443/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 734, 735, 744, 776, 782 and 827 together.
I acknowledge that the current restrictions in maternity hospitals are presenting difficulties and this is hugely regrettable. However, it is necessary to reduce footfall in order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole.
Maternity hospitals have performed well during the pandemic and have continued to keep women, babies and staff safe. The fact that there have been no Covid maternal deaths in this country,and that we have a had a low incidence in pregnant women, suggests that the current approach is working.
However, we must remain vigilant as services resume and higher numbers of people attend hospitals. Maternity hospitals rely on very specialised personnel; should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur in a maternity hospital, the ability to provide safe, quality care would be severely impacted. It should be remembered that maternity hospitals care for fragile infants at the extremes of prematurity.
All maternity hospitals are challenged by the pandemic, but those challenges vary considerably. Decisions on any restrictions are therefore made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level.
Decisions to restrict visitors in our maternity hospitals have not been taken lightly. Management and staff are acutely aware of the very important support provided by partners at the time of birth. I have been assured that maternity hospitals wish to facilitate this support as far as possible. In that context, I can assure the Deputy that any restrictions currently in place have been minimised as much as possible and will be subject to ongoing review.
I note that restrictions have eased somewhat in certain hospitals in recent weeks and I hope this will continue. However, the recent rise in the numbers of people infected with the virus, including healthcare workers, is very worrying and may impact on the pace of the easing of restrictions.
The National Women & Infants Health Programme is working on a document which will issue to all maternity services, seeking to ensure a consistent national approach to visitor restrictions in maternity hospitals, as far as is practicable and having due regard to local circumstances. I am advised that the paper will issue over the coming week.
736. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some general practitioners are not facilitating the two week and six week post-natal check for women and newborns; his plans to address the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24884/20]
View answerGeneral practice has continued to operate during the public health emergency and GPs are still seeing patients where necessary, albeit with infection-control measures in place. However, the exceptional circumstances faced by medical practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in a change in how GP services are delivered.
At this time, walk-in clinics are not generally being provided and patients are asked to phone their GP initially to discuss their medical problem. GPs are performing assessments over the phone to determine if a patient needs to attend the surgery. Where clinically indicated, the GP will arrange an appointment to see the patient in the surgery. As with other GP services, GPs must determine whether the two week or six week postnatal in-person check is medically warranted under the circumstances. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of patients, GPs, and practice staff.
Each GP practice must have regard to its own circumstances and facilities. It is necessary to balance the safety of patients and staff and the needs of individual patients. The decision on what services can be provided and what can be done face to face will depend on each practice’s location, availability of personal protective equipment, resources available to conduct virtual visits and the patient and staff profile of the practice.
738. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if funding will be provided for the recruitment of an additional Vascular Physiologist for South Tipperary General Hospital [24922/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
739. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to support the mental health of residents in nursing homes [24930/20]
View answer740. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health his plans to support nursing homes in resuming activities such as art classes [24931/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 739 and 740 together.
People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of Covid-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.
Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction. During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.
In line with the level of disease in the community, the National Public Health Emergency Team advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This is reflected in the latest advice on protecting the over 70s and the medically vulnerable and also in visiting guidance, both of which are issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre which is available at www.hpsc.ie. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases in Dublin recently, NPHET recommended new public health guidance, including in relation to nursing home visits. In order to reduce resident contacts, visiting in long-term residential care facilities (LTRCs) in Dublin should be suspended but there are exceptions in critical and compassionate circumstances. The measures are in place in Dublin for three weeks from midnight, 18th September. The situation will be kept under review. These measures are aimed at protecting those that are most vulnerable in the context of COVID-19.
I encourage all nursing home providers to maintain familiarity with the latest public health advice and support, to make every effort to continue to facilitate and ensure that nursing home residents receive visitors in critical and compassionate circumstances, in line with public health advice, and to communicate with family and friends on an ongoing basis in order to support positive mental health and wellbeing.
It remains of critical importance that every nursing home provider takes steps and innovates to support ongoing communication between residents and their families and friends, even during periods of enhanced protective measures, while following public health advice.
741. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of persons that died by suicide by age, gender and CHO area in 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24934/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
