Michael Ring
Question:783. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the position in relation to the extension of the primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25227/20]
View answerPrimary Care Centres
Questions (783)
Written answers
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (784)
Michael Ring
Question:784. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the status of the expansion of the primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25228/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (785)
Richard Bruton
Question:785. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the status of testing and tracing capacity here; the extent to which demand is pressing on available resources; the planned additional resources anticipated to be allocated as part of development planning; the extent to which resources are deployed for precautionary testing as opposed to testing in cases in which suspected symptoms have been identified; and the level of such precautionary capacity that will be needed as travel and other activities open with appropriate safety protocols [25233/20]
View answerWritten answers
A comprehensive, reliable and responsive testing and tracing operation is central to our public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19.
Capacity has been in place since early summer to test 15,000 people a day. While the system did come under pressure in recent weeks, overall the system is working well and is proving central to our public health response. Rigorous contact tracing, automatic testing of close contacts, serial testing in high risk environments and large-scale testing in outbreak situations means we are proactively finding more cases than we would have previously.
In recent weeks the HSE has needed to flex resources up significantly as demand has increased. It is testing more people than ever before, with over 80,000 tests completed in the week ending 20th September. Community testing has increased in line with a steady increase in the prevalence of the disease and the HSE has deployed additional resources to meet this increased demand. This included the opening of additional community testing centres and mobile pop-up testing units, significantly increased contact tracing teams and increased laboratory testing.
Our testing strategy and infrastructure compares well internationally. We are in the top third of EU countries in terms of tests completed as % of the overall population and capacity levels and turnaround times are similar to many countries. We are also going further than many other countries in pursuing a robust testing strategy, which includes testing of close contacts, and serial testing in nursing homes and food processing facilities.
That is not to say that we can’t improve further and I do acknowledge that the system has come under strain in recent weeks. The HSE is now finalising a future service model for testing and tracing. This service model will aim to deliver a patient-centred, accessible, consistent and flexible service. This plan includes the recruitment of a permanent workforce which has already commenced, and a range of other service improvements which will be rolled out quickly. Transition to the new model is underway and will continue through the Autumn.
We are working closely with the European Commission and other members states of the EU to agree a common approach to international travel. This includes consideration of the need to ensure that the establishment of any travel-related testing does not impact on the testing and tracing of symptomatic patients and serial testing of high-risk groups or workplace environments as recommended by NPHET from time to time.
Mental Health Services
Questions (786)
Mattie McGrath
Question:786. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the cost of transporting a patient with a nurse from South Tipperary General Hospital to the department of psychiatry in Kilkenny; the amount spent of the transport of mental health patients to Kilkenny since the closure of St. Michaels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25273/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Questions (787)
Mattie McGrath
Question:787. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health if provision for a special room to accommodate patients presenting with mental health difficulties can now be provided with the extra investment to help reduce the difficulties being faced by patients presenting with mental health difficulties following the announcement of a €1 million investment in the accident and emergency department at South Tipperary General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25274/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Expenditure
Questions (788)
Mattie McGrath
Question:788. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the full cost of refurbishment works carried out at St. Michael’s Hospital, Clonmel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25275/20]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Disability Support Services
Questions (789)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:789. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding day care services for adults with special needs and disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25291/20]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
The HSE has reviewed and validated business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services, which will be considered as part of its funding request for the Estimates process.
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.
Mental Health Services
Questions (790)
Mattie McGrath
Question:790. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the specialist mental health cover being provided at South Tipperary General Hospital; if a specialist nurse and doctor are available at the hospital 24/7; the mental health facilities available to those facing a crisis in south County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25294/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Data
Questions (791)
Mattie McGrath
Question:791. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with mental health difficulties presenting to South Tipperary General Hospital emergency department over the past two years; the numbers of patients transferred to the department of psychiatry in Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25295/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (792)
David Cullinane
Question:792. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average Covid-19 test turnaround by county and nationally from general practitioner referral to communication of results for community testing in each week since 1 April to 14 September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25319/20]
View answerWritten answers
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 (793, 794)
Danny Healy-Rae
Question:793. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the consultations at the breast clinic in Cork University Hospital are operating at full capacity; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25320/20]
View answerDanny Healy-Rae
Question:794. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if information (details supplied) will be provided regarding the breast clinic at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25321/20]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 793 and 794 together.
A Key Performance Indicator for Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics is that 95% of urgent cases be seen within 10 working days and that 95% of routine referrals be seen within 12 weeks. Figures for the Cork University Hospital Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic this year (July latest available) are as follows:
|
-Urgent Referral |
Metric |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
YTD |
|
Cork University Hospital |
Percent Seen on Target Total Number of attendances |
82.1% 240 |
61.4% 220 |
32.9% 146 |
80.4% 179 |
97.7% 175 |
39.5% 210 |
17.0% 241 |
58.0% 1,411 |
|
Routine Referral |
Metric |
January |
February |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
YTD |
|
Cork University Hospital |
Percent Seen on Target Total Number of Attendances |
57.8% 320 |
59.0% 295 |
80.3% 117 |
96.2% 26 |
39.7% 58 |
79.3% 116 |
76.0% 100 |
64.8% 1,032 |
Attendance numbers at urgent Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinic have returned to near pre-Covid levels. While attendances are down for routine Symptomatic Breast Disease Clinics, they are showing some recovery.
The HSE’s National Cancer Control Programme advise that, overall, cancer services are running at reduced capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic, due to physical distancing and infection prevention and control measures.
Departmental Reports
Questions (795)
Alan Kelly
Question:795. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the recommendations of the 2015 Preparedness of Hospitals in the Republic of Ireland for an Influenza Pandemic: an Infection Control Perspective Report that noted failings in PPE and ventilators were acted upon; the changes or preparations that were made following the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25322/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reply directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (796)
Alan Kelly
Question:796. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the mechanisms that are in place to ensure Covid-19 testing undertaken at private hospitals is shared with the HSE in order that contact tracing can be performed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25323/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Proposed Legislation
Questions (797)
Alan Kelly
Question:797. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on legislation to amend the Medical Practitioners Act 2007 in order to end discrimination and obstacles against non-EU trained doctors in terms of training opportunities and career paths to becoming hospital consultants and general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25324/20]
View answerWritten answers
The Medical Practitioners Act 2007 provides that medical practitioners who hold qualifications from non-EEA countries are registered in the Trainee Specialist Division of the Register if they have passed the Council’s Pre-Registration Examination System (PRES) or are exempt from the PRES in line with legislation, have an approved training post and have been granted in a third country a document which, in the opinion of the Council, is at least the equivalent of a certificate of experience (internship).
The Regulated Health Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2019 includes an amendment to the Medical Practitioners Act to remove the requirement that an applicant seeking registration in the Trainee Specialist Division must hold a certificate of equivalence of experience. Doctors wishing to access specialist training will still be required to satisfy other requirements for registration on the Division, including knowledge of English or Irish, being a fit and proper person, holding an approved training post, and meeting any other rules which registration on this division subjects registrants to. The Bill was passed by the Dáil in December 2019 and passed Seanad Report Stage on September 18th 2020. It will now return to the Dáil for consideration of the amendments agreed in the Seanad. It is expected that this will take place in the near future.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (798)
Alan Kelly
Question:798. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when construction of the Tullow primary care centre, serving Tullow, Rathvilly and Hacketstown, will commence; if it was previously approved for construction in 2014; the status of the announcement in July 2017 that this centre would be developed and that the HSE were engaging with the adjoining landowner; the status of the project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25325/20]
View answerWritten answers
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 799 answered with Question No. 712.
Covid-19 Tests
Questions (800)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:800. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health the number of persons tested here for Covid-19 since the beginning of the outbreak [25327/20]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (801)
Francis Noel Duffy
Question:801. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that general practitioner practices are facing quantity restrictions on the amount of flu vaccines they can receive; the impact this will have on the demand for vaccines in the coming months; the measures that are in place to increase the quantity of vaccines being delivered by manufacturers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25328/20]
View answerWritten answers
Given the potential for the winter flu season in 2020/2021 to coincide with a resurgence of COVID, and the importance of minimising hospital attendance, the Government is expanding the provision of vaccination without charge to all of those in the at-risk groups, including healthcare workers, and to all children aged from 2 to 12 years.
It is proposed to administer the vaccines via GPs and pharmacists, as in previous years.
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, it is anticipated that 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 in the community.
I am aware that the first deliveries of influenza vaccines to all sites (GPs, pharmacists, nursing homes etc.) started on 17th September. For the initial deliveries, the quantities of influenza vaccine delivered to sites are the same as previous years. The quantities of vaccine available to order by sites will be increased in line with the amounts received into the country. All shipments, totalling 1.35 million individual doses, are expected to be delivered before the end of October. The HSE is in daily contact with the manufacturer. Delivery of the nasal vaccine used to be used for children is not affected.
The number of doses procured by the HSE is sufficient to vaccinate all in the at-risk groups. The start date of the vaccination programme will be late September or early October, the same as in previous years. The vaccination programme for children is expected to commence from mid-October.
The vaccination campaign will be accompanied by a comprehensive communications campaign to encourage the greatest possible take-up.