Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 3 March 2021
764. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the funding resources or other resources that are available to family home carers to cover the costs of PPE while caring for their family members at home (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11170/21]
View answerThe HSE currently supplies PPE to Acute Hospitals, the National Ambulance Service, Long Term Residential Care Settings, Public Home Care, Primary Care-based clinics, Testing Centres, Community Assessment Hubs, Public Dentists, and GP/ Out of Hours Practices, in the interests of both staff and patient safety in both preventative and therapeutic usage settings through the PPE supply chain established at local level. At this time, the provision of PPE to family carers has not been indicated by Public Health or the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).
PPE is not required by family members for normal routine care if COVID-19 infection is not suspected or confirmed. Gloves and aprons are only needed for direct personal care and Public Health Nurses usually supply these for Medical Card/Long Term Illness card holders. Some charities and service providers, including Family Carers Ireland, have received donations or funding for Personal Protective Equipment to use in the home. More information on this is available by contacting the Family Carers Careline at 1800 240724.
Courses in infection control and putting on and taking off PPE are available on www.hseland.ie. Carers can access this site by registering as a volunteer.
The Covid-19 information booklet sent to all households provides guidance on caring for a person diagnosed with Covid-19. https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/.
Relevant HPSC Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for family and friends (informal carers) who support people in their own homes is also available at https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/infectionpreventionandcontrolguidance/visitorsvisiting/.
Family carers should operate in support bubbles and there is guidance in this regard on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/3516d-support-bubbles/.
The Department of Health and the HSE acknowledge the valuable role of carers and families, home support workers and providers across the services in supporting older people, people with disabilities and others with care needs throughout this challenging period.
