Written Answers Nos. 176-198
176. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the status of the upcoming review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; when and the way in which this review will take place; if there will be a special Oireachtas committee for the review; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41107/20]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware, section 7 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 states that
“The Minister shall, not later than 3 years after the commencement of this section, carry out a review of the operation of this Act.”
The review clause was included in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 in order to facilitate monitoring of the operation of the legislation in practice, as well as of the delivery of services in the area.
Details of the process for the Review, which will be conducted in 2021 as set out in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future, are currently being worked on by my officials
177. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on general practitioners issuing direct refunds for blood tests in which they have already charged medical card holders. [41666/20]
View answerPersons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly. This has been advised to GPs by the HSE.
The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in from this year will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients’ condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
178. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the steps taken to establish a State-funded contraception scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42341/20]
View answerA Working Group was established in April 2019 to consider the range of policy, regulatory and legislative issues arising in relation to improving access to contraception in Ireland. The Group’s report, which was published in October 2019, identified the barriers that exist to accessing contraception and the mechanisms available to overcome those barriers.
Following the report, it was clear that a sizable body of work would need to be addressed in order to develop and finalise the policy approach, bring forward the necessary legislative proposals and ensure the implementation of service delivery arrangements. Unfortunately, the need to focus on and prioritise the response to the current pandemic has delayed progress on this issue during 2020.
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to expand access to free contraception for women aged 17-25. The Minister is committed to promoting Women’s Health and Wellbeing, and significant funding to promote women’s health was announced as part of Budget 2021.
179. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of older persons waiting for home support hours at the end of November 2020 in the west Cork LHO area; the way in which this compares to the same date in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42314/20]
View answerAs these are operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if the Sláintecare estimate of 2,600 for new acute beds is provided for in the capital plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41787/20]
View answerThe Sláintecare Implementation Strategy refers to the findings of the Health Service Capacity Review, which highlighted the need for some 2,600 additional hospital beds over the next 15 years. The National Development Plan investment of €10.9bn in overall health infrastructure, includes various projects for increased capacity.
The Health Service Executive is currently engaging with my department to finalise its Capital Plan for 2021. The HSE Capital Plan will determine the projects, including those for additional capacity, that can progress in 2021 and beyond having regard to the available funding.
Projects and programmes outlined in this plan are contributing to delivering the goals and aims included in the ‘Sláintecare Implementation Strategy’ and the ‘National Development Plan 2018-2027’.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement, before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
181. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the estimated new completion date and total cost of the new children’s hospital in view of recent delays and legal challenges; and the estimated total cost overrun in percentage terms. [42347/20]
View answerUnder the contract, the new children's hospital is due to be completed by the end of 2022 and handed over to Children's Health Ireland to open in 2023 after a period of commissioning. There will be delays associated with the requirement to cease works on the site of the new Children’s Hospital due to Covid-19 restrictions and the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) was of the view that the Main Contractor was behind schedule on the construction works prior to Covid closures.
The current overall capital build cost of the project is €1,433bn. This includes all of the capital cost for the main hospital at St James's Hospital campus, the two Outpatient Department and urgent care centres at Connolly and Tallaght Hospital campuses, equipment for the three sites, and the construction of the carpark and retail spaces. Additional costs in relation to the integration and transfer of the services of the three children’s hospitals to the new sites brings the total cost to €1.73 billion.
The NPHDB is continuing to engage with the main contractor to obtain an updated programme of works that is in line with its contractual commitments and is undertaking as assessment of the position in order to assess a revised likely timeframe, bearing in mind the delays that have occurred to date.
It is not possible at this stage to forecast the cost implications as the position continues to unfold.
As the NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital, I have referred the remaining part of your question regarding the details of the spending to date in 2020 on legal fees to the NPHDB for direct reply.
182. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on general practitioners issuing direct refunds for Covid-19 tests for which they have already charged patients. [41665/20]
View answerAn agreement was reached with GP representatives in March 2020 to ensure people who were experiencing coronavirus symptoms have access to free GP Covid-19 assessments and test referrals. The agreement was reviewed in June and expanded to ensure that arrangements are in place also for free GP Covid-19 assessments and test referrals outside of GP practice hours.
In September, the Government again approved the maintenance of support payments to GPs for the provision of remote and in-person Covid-19 consultations. In return, the public have continued access to Covid-19 related GP assessment, treatment, and testing referrals without charge.
If any patient believes he or she has been incorrectly charged by their GP for a Covid-19 assessment or test referral, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office who will investigate the issue.
183. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will consider making the HPV vaccine available to girls who did not avail of it in first year given the recent upswing in uptake of the vaccine due to relevant campaigns, the ability to offset the cost against savings made in the years these girls did not avail of the vaccine and the substantial cost of availing of the vaccine privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42356/20]
View answerThe immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage. All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.
My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.
Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration. Those who have a medical card are eligible to have the vaccine administered free of charge by their GP. However, the cost of purchasing the vaccine privately is not covered by the medical card.
184. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a summary of the annual mental health budget in each of the years 2018 to 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41788/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
187. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if persons will receive an allowance from the HSE to cover the additional costs of waste disposal incurred due to a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41267/20]
View answerI am aware that some private waste disposal companies consider a lower tariff for disposal of waste for persons who may have a larger amount of waste disposal due to a medical condition or disability and require medical certification to verify this. However, in the first instance waste disposal is a matter for my colleague the Minister for the Environment.
188. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the funding that has been supplied to a residential care centre (details supplied); the assistance that can be offered to this centre in applying for State funding; the way in which the centre can avail of supports that are offered by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42326/20]
View answerUnder the Health Act 2004 , as amended, the Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of health and personal social services, including addiction services. The Health Service Executive can either provide these services directly or fund organisations to provide them on its behalf.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
189. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the practice of general practitioners charging significant administration fees to e-mail prescriptions to pharmacies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41278/20]
View answerThe Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) (Amendment) Regulations 2020 provides for, amongst other things, the electronic transmission of a patient's prescription from their GP to a pharmacy. This measure was put in place in response to Covid-19, to reduce the need for patients to visit their GP to collect their prescription.
GPs are reimbursed by the HSE for medical services provided to medical card or GP visit card holders. As private practitioners the fees charged by GPs for services to private patients, including fees regarding prescriptions, are a matter of private contract between the GP and their patients.
190. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the position in respect of identifying a suitable site for the elective hospital in County Cork; if the process for identifying the site has been delayed; if so, the reason; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41271/20]
View answer380. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the HSE have entered into discussions with the voluntary hospitals in County Cork, the Mercy University Hospital and the South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital in respect of the building of the new elective hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41272/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 190 and 380 together.
The National Development Plan stated that, “New dedicated ambulatory elective only hospital facilities will be introduced in Dublin Galway and Cork. These facilities will provide high volume, low complexity procedures on a day and outpatient basis, together with a range of ambulatory diagnostic services. The high volume of demand for such services in these major urban centres is sufficient to justify the construction of dedicated ambulatory centres.”
The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group, chaired by Professor Frank Keane, has completed a Catchment Area Analysis within Dublin, Cork and Galway, within a national capacity context, but also within the catchments defined by the proposed Regional Health Areas, aimed at selected scopes of service. The work is progressing on time and in accordance with the agreed schedule.
The Oversight Group is completing the development of a high-level facilities spatial brief and order of magnitude costs which details the elective clustering of appropriate activities for each of the three facilities in Dublin, Cork and Galway. This will also include an output and facility specification, based on efficient and effective service delivery.
This work will consider a long list of options, and the funding model for developing these facilities. Using a common appraisal methodology, this long list will be reduced to a shorter list of preferred options. As per the Public Spending Code guidelines, these options will then be required to undergo costing and appraisal before being issued in a Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for consideration by Government. The preliminary business plan is expected to be submitted in the near future.
The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group has engaged with a wide range of stakeholders in the course of its work to date and will continue to do so after approval of the Preliminary Business Case.
191. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the counties which still do not have access to abortion care via their general practitioners; the counties with no general practitioners providing early medical abortions in tabular form; the steps his Department is taking alongside the HSE to address these gaps in services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41108/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
192. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the status of his engagements with the Office of the First Minister and deputy First Minster in relation to an all-island response on vaccination. [42534/20]
View answerThere has been significant engagement between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers, and the Departments of Health in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic. A Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of the Department of Health and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland on Tuesday 7 April to strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The engagement to date has been very pragmatic and constructive.
Weekly calls between the CMO’s North and South continue. In recent months, both sides have exchanged views on vaccination programmes and planning for roll out in each jurisdiction.
193. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the psychological supports available for those diagnosed with lung cancer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41558/20]
View answerPsycho-oncology supports for cancer patients continue to be developed in designated cancer centres and community cancer support centres in line with the National Cancer Strategy. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) emphasises psycho-oncology services as a core part of complete cancer care. While individual programmes are not in place for different tumour types, supports for lung cancer patients would be regarded as particularly important given the seriousness of the disease.
The NCCP has appointed a Clinical Lead for Psycho-Oncology who is working on the development of services, including through following up on the outcomes of the National Survivorship Needs Assessment.
Also, a Together 4 Cancer Concern initiative was launched in April as a collaboration between the National Cancer Control Programme, the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Care West. This initiative provides a range of support to cancer patients and their families during the Covid-19 period, ranging from a dedicated support phone line to psychological assessment and intervention.
194. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have received inpatient or day case treatment in Mallow General Hospital to date in 2020; the equivalent figures for 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42303/20]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
195. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the status of the Healthy Weight for Ireland Obesity Policy and Action Plan given the impact of Covid-19 public health measures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [41918/20]
View answer‘A Healthy Weight for Ireland’, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan (OPAP), was launched in September 2016 under the auspices of the Healthy Ireland agenda. The OPAP covers a 10-year period up to 2025 and aims to reverse obesity trends, prevent health complications and reduce the overall burden for individuals, families, the health system, and the wider society and economy. The Plan recognises that obesity is a complex, multi-faceted problem and needs a multi-pronged solution, with every sector of society playing its part. Childhood obesity is a key priority under the Policy, as is reducing the inequalities seen in obesity rates, where children (and adults) from lower socioeconomic groups have higher levels of obesity. The OPAP is based on the best available evidence in the Irish and international literature, and is informed by established international models and frameworks. Implementation of the Plan is overseen by a cross-sectoral and cross-Departmental Obesity Policy Implementation and Oversight Group chaired by the Department of Health.
Achievements under the OPAP to date include the introduction of a Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax in May 2018, the publication of new Healthy Eating Guidelines, Food Pyramid and supporting resources in 2017, and the development of new Nutrition Standards for Schools, with an initial focus on school meal programmes funded by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection.
An Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group (OPIOG) was established in October 2017. On establishment the Obesity Policy Implementation Oversight Group identified key early areas for action and established two sub-groups, one on Healthy Eating and one on Reformulation.
The sub-group on Healthy Eating has as a priority output the development of Healthy Eating Guidelines for 1-4 year-olds. The Guidelines and associated resources, including a new Children’s Food Pyramid, were approved by the OPIOG at its meeting and were launched by Minister Donnelly, Minister O’Gorman and myself on 1st. October 2020. This work is now being followed by the development of nutrition standards for Early Learning and Care settings.
The sub-group on Reformulation has as its priority the setting of targets for food and drink reformulation and a “roadmap” for reformulation action to achieve those targets. The draft roadmap is at an advanced stage, and the submission of a report with the targets and roadmap is expected in the near future.
Obesity is a priority area for the new Government, and this is clearly reflected in the Programme for Government, "Our Shared Future". It is also a high priority of mine in my capacity as Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy. The Obesity Policy and Action Plan is scheduled to run until 2025, and while the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted upon the work of the OPIOG in 2020, the increased funding for Healthy Ireland in Budget 2021 demonstrates redoubled commitment to Healthy Ireland initiatives, including under the Obesity Policy and Action Plan. Detailed discussions are currently being progressed with partners, particularly in relation to the development of an area-based approach to health and wellbeing in areas of deprivation. In addition, the HSE Service Plan includes a particular focus on obesity with a coordinated approach being implemented in the Community Healthcare Networks in line with the Integrated Care Programme for Chronic Disease.
196. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the engagement he has had with the HSE with regard to the planned orthopaedic theatre in Merlin Park University Hospital; the status of the new orthopaedic theatre; if building work has commenced to date; if his Department has carried out an analysis into the effect of the delay in delivery of the new theatre on waiting lists in Merlin Park University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42335/20]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
198. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting and average wait times for orthopaedic treatment in County Mayo by type of treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [42441/20]
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 routine 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 urgent time-critical 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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
In addition the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The NTPF have advised my Department that there are 643 patients on the IPDC orthopaedics waiting list with an area of residence in County Mayo. The average wait time for an orthopaedic procedure for those is 316 days. Further information as requested by the Deputy concerning orthopaedic treatment in Co. Mayo is outlined in the attached document.
Total IPDC Waiters for an Orthopaedic Procedure with an Area of Resisdence in Co.Mayo by Specialty by Procedure as at 29/10/2020
|
Orthopaedics |
613 |
|
Administration of agent into joint or other synovial cavity, not elsewhere classified |
238 |
|
Administration of agent into zygo-apophyseal (facet) joint |
6 |
|
Administration of anaesthetic agent around paravertebral sacral nerve |
6 |
|
Arthrodesis of ankle |
6 |
|
Arthroscopy of knee |
9 |
|
Arthroscopy of shoulder |
6 |
|
Aspiration of joint or other synovial cavity, not elsewhere classified |
5 |
|
Decompression of subacromial space |
6 |
|
Discectomy for recurrent disc lesion, 1 level |
7 |
|
Epidural injection of other or combined therapeutic substance(s) |
61 |
|
Noninvasive diagnostic tests, measures or investigations, not elsewhere classified |
9 |
|
Open reduction of fracture of ankle with internal fixation of diastasis, fibula or malleolus |
6 |
|
Osteotomy of metatarsal bone |
11 |
|
Osteotomy, not elsewhere classified |
9 |
|
Other repair of shoulder |
7 |
|
Palmar fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture |
5 |
|
Reconstruction of knee |
8 |
|
Release of carpal tunnel |
7 |
|
Removal of pin, screw or wire, not elsewhere classified |
7 |
|
Removal of plate, rod or nail, not elsewhere classified |
14 |
|
Revision of total arthroplasty of hip |
11 |
|
Small Volume Procedures |
52 |
|
Total arthroplasty of hip, unilateral |
70 |
|
Total arthroplasty of knee, unilateral |
47 |
|
Paed Orthopaedic |
30 |
|
Osteotomy, not elsewhere classified |
5 |
|
Small Volume Procedures |
25 |
|
Grand Total |
643 |
Average Wait Time for an Orthopaedic Procedure for those with an Area of Residence in Co.Mayo
|
Date |
Area of Residence |
Specialty |
Average Wait Time (Days) |
|
29/10/2020 |
Mayo |
Orthopaedics |
316 |
