Tuesday, 6 Oct 2020

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (753)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

753. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding a health appointment for person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28787/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

It 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.

Health Services

Questions (754)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

754. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if plans are being considered to make eye tests outside of school testing at high street opticians free for children under 12 years of age who are on medical cards; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many children experience sight deterioration outside of school tests and the cost of the test can be an impediment to low income families accessing such diagnostics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28788/20]

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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 (755)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Question:

755. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if carers employed by the HSE who are required to travel on official business will be paid the travel and subsistence rates approved by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28789/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (756)

Róisín Shortall

Question:

756. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the details of the type of contracts that will be offered to the additional 700 swabbers and 500 contact tracers provided for in the winter plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28791/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Question No. 757 answered with Question No. 725.

Covid-19 Tests

Questions (758)

Joe McHugh

Question:

758. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the level of Covid-19 testing carried out in the past two weeks, by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28831/20]

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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.

Care of the Elderly

Questions (759)

Joe McHugh

Question:

759. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for Health when the HSE plans to reintroduce day care services for the elderly; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28834/20]

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Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

We all know that community services such as day care and respite services play an important role in enabling older people to continue living in their communities and maintain their social connections. These services contribute to positive ageing and better overall health. However, the introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.

The HSE continues to work closely with providers and community staff to identify where service is most required and has been undertaking risk assessments of local services. This is to ensure, insofar as possible, that Day Care services and respite services can resume in the context of COVID-19 and having regard for Public Health advice.

Services will resume when it is safe to do so; when all infection prevention and control measures and the requirements of physical distancing can be maintained, so as to protect service users and staff and prevent any further spread of the virus. Some Day Centres may not be suitable for reopening due to the constraints of their physical environment and it will be necessary to continue or expand alternative service delivery models developed during recent months. Some of the issues identified by the HSE include;

- Day Care Centres operated in shared public facilities where other groups are also accessing the building and the risk of infection spread.

- A number of HSE Day Care Centres are attached to HSE Residential Care Units and the clients of both the Day Care Centres and the residents from the Residential Care Unit are in the same location and use shared facilities.

- Transport of clients to the Day Care Centres where family cannot assist.

- Availability of isolation areas, should a client or a member of staff become unwell.

I understand the impact that the continued delay in the re-opening of day centres and the restoration of respite services is having on older people and the important role this service can play in their lives. I have asked the HSE to ensure that it continues to assess the risks and benefits of re-opening, as well as continuing to expand and explore alternative ways of delivering services to this vulnerable group. I am also continuing to meet with groups that work with and on behalf of older people to see how they can best be supported during this challenging time.

Health Services Staff

Primary Care Centres

Questions (765, 766)

Denis Naughten

Question:

765. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of primary care centres here; the breakdown by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28843/20]

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Denis Naughten

Question:

766. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans for the coming five years to increase the number of primary care centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28844/20]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 765 and 766 together.

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.

General Practitioner Services

Questions (767)

Denis Naughten

Question:

767. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the ratio of population to general practitioners for each county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28845/20]

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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.