Written Answers Nos. 1749-1774
1750. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the checks that are in place to ensure public hospitals are adhering to the provisions of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if all public hospitals are in compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35458/21]
View answer1751. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that a public hospital group (details supplied) is adhering to the provisions of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; if all public hospitals in the group are in compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35459/21]
View answer1752. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the services available and or not available at a public hospital (details supplied) under the provisions of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35460/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1750 to 1752, inclusive, together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018. It permits termination to be carried out in cases where there is a risk to the life, or of serious harm to the health, of the pregnant woman; where there is a condition present which is likely to lead to the death of the foetus either before or within 28 days of birth; and without restriction up to 12 weeks of pregnancy. Expanded services for termination of pregnancy under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 were introduced from 1 January 2019.
There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to facilitate the smooth-running of the service and to resolve any issues that may arise. Nonetheless, as a number of Deputy’s queries relate to service matters, the HSE would be better placed to provide the relevant information. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Question No. 1751 answered with Question No. 1750.
1753. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if official names will be used on EU digital Covid certificates in order that they corroborate with the names of persons on passports or drivers licences to avoid any difficulties in cases in which a person needs to identify themselves as vaccinated if they travel abroad when they may habitually use another name such as in Irish. [35461/21]
View answerThe Digital COVID Certificate Regulation is intended to facilitate people’s fundamental right to move and reside freely and help to support the lifting of restrictions currently in place in a coordinated manner within the EU.
As the Minister for Health, I am supporting the work of my Department in collaborating with relevant Departments under the leadership of the Department of Taoiseach to assist in the on-going implementation of the EU Digital COVID Certificates.
Every effort has been made to ensure the data on EU Digital COVID Certificates is correct and complete. For citizens who have a concern about the detail on their Digital COVID Certificate, they can call the helpline on 1800 807 008 to have the details corrected.
1754. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Cancer Strategy; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35462/21]
View answerThe implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment, and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past three years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2020 was published on 5 May. This sets out the progress achieved on the implementation of the 52 recommendations of the Strategy, and the degree to which the key performance indicators are being met, to the end of 2020. It is available on the Department of Health website at: www.gov.ie/en/publication/bd03f-national-cancer-strategy-implementation-report-2020/
As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. This funding is being used to facilitate developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports. Additional funding of €12m has also been allocated this year for the restoration of cancer services to 95% of 2019 (pre-Covid) levels. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support.
Decisions on the funding of cancer services next year will be made in the context of the Estimates process for 2022.
1755. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Maternity Strategy; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35463/21]
View answerThe National Maternity Strategy, published in 2016, aims to ensure that appropriate care pathways are in place in order that mothers, babies and families get the right care, at the right time, from the right team and in the right place. Similarly, the Strategy aims to increase choice for women whilst ensuring that services are safe, standardised and of the highest quality. The phased implementation of the Strategy is ongoing and is being led by the National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP). €9.65m in new development funding was allocated during the period 2016-2020, while very significant investment of €7.317m was provided in Budget 2020 to ensure a renewed impetus to the implementation of the Strategy.
The 2020 HIQA report “Overview report of HIQA’s monitoring programme against the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services” recommended that the HSE develop a comprehensive, time-bound and fully costed National Maternity Strategy implementation plan. In line with HIQA's recommendation, the Strategy's implementation plan is currently being reviewed by the NWIHP with a view to assessing the overall status of implementation and to provide up-to-date timelines for the individual recommendations. The ongoing and outstanding actions will form the basis of the revised implementation plan and will have specific timelines set out in the document. NWIHP have advised that the revised plan is due to be completed in the coming weeks. As part of the development of the revised implementation plan, the HSE is currently assessing the additional funding that will be required over the remaining five years of the Strategy's lifetime.
In relation to capital funding, the 2020 HIQA report also recommended that the HSE conduct a review of the infrastructural deficits of each maternity services to bring them into line with HIQA’s Infection Prevention and Control Standards and HIQA’s Better Safer Maternity Care Standards. While this process has not yet commenced, the NWIHP have advised that it is envisaged that significant capital funding will be required to bring maternity hospitals and units up to the required standard.
1757. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Ambulance Service Strategic Plan; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35465/21]
View answer1853. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the additional funding allocated in Budget 2021 to the National Ambulance Service; and the areas in which and items it was spent on. [35653/21]
View answer1859. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the additional funding allocated in Budget 2021 to community paramedicine; and the way in which it was spent. [35659/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1757, 1853 and 1859 together.
In Budget 2021 an unprecedented €187.5m is being invested in the National Ambulance Service, including €10m additional funding to progress priority reforms in line with NAS strategic planning. This additional funding has been allocated to:
- Target capacity deficits identified in the NAS emergency service baseline and capacity review;
- Continue the development of alternative patient care pathways, including expansion of the NEOC clinical hub, pathfinder “see and treat” project, and community paramedicine. These pathways manage low acuity calls in an integrated manner in partnership with other healthcare providers, and in the patient’s own home if appropriate;
- Increase capacity within the NAS critical care and retrieval services;
- Progress the implementation of the Trauma System for Ireland, through the continued introduction of standardised protocols for triage and bypass for trauma and orthopaedic patients;
In regard to capital expenditure, based on previous year outturns it is anticipated that approx. €14.5m will be allocated towards the renewal of the NAS fleet in 2021. A further €5.98m investment in NAS building infrastructure works is contractually committed to in 2021.
The HSE is currently developing a new strategic plan to follow Vision 2020, and it is anticipated that funding for this strategy will be sought by the HSE through the estimates process as normal.
Further detail in regard to the funding of specific measures are operational matters for the HSE in the first instance. Members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1758. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Dementia Strategy; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35466/21]
View answerA key commitment in the Programme for Government is the implementation of the Irish National Dementia Strategy, which aims to improve how we provide care for people living with dementia. The National Dementia Office, established within the HSE, oversees implementation of the Strategy.
As the Deputy will be aware in Budget 2021, the Government allocated €12.9 million for a number of dementia specific measures. This allocation comprised of €7m for an additional 250,000 hours of home support for people living with dementia, €0.9m to expand the dementia advisor service operated by the Alzheimer Society of Ireland and €5m for implementation of the National Dementia Strategy.
As some detail in this Parliamentary Question relates to operational issues, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1759. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding measures in the National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services; the estimated additional funding this requires for full implementation; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35467/21]
View answer1779. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated all-in annualised revenue cost of an additional 50-neuro-rehabilitation beds; the estimated number of staff that would be needed to open 50 new beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35487/21]
View answer1780. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated all-in capital cost of an additional 50-neuro-rehabilitation beds; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35488/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1759, 1779 and 1780 together.
As this Parliamentary Questions relate to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1761. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of providing universal palliative care; the measures required to achieve same; the basis on which this funding must be made available that is, one-off or recurring; the revenue and capital split of this funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35469/21]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, over €76m was allocated for Palliative Care services when the Sláintecare Report was published in 2017. The report estimated that universal palliative care could be delivered with an additional €50m over the first five years of the plan. This included funding for LauraLynn Hospice, child respite and palliative care as well as specialist palliative care services for adults. There has been significant progress in the past five years towards achieving universal palliative care, with 268 hospice beds expected to be in place by the end of the year and funding provided for LauraLynn Hospice in the palliative care budget for the first time in 2021. Furthermore, the HSE has committed in the National Service Plan 2021 to working alongside the voluntary hospice groups and philanthropic bodies to progress the plans for new inpatient units in Louth, Offaly and Cavan.
A key commitment in the Programme for Government is to update the Palliative Care policy for adults to reflect the main developments in end-of-life care and international best practice since 2001 and with a view to addressing the interface with children's palliative care.
It is envisaged that the new policy will take account of increased demand for adult palliative care and the shift towards care in the community in line with the vision of Sláintecare. It is also envisaged that the updated policy will endeavour to address the emphasis in Sláintecare on addressing geographic variations in the provision of both community and hospital palliative care services to achieve access to universal healthcare in Ireland. This work will assist my Department in updating the cost of achieving universal palliative care.
1762. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the all-in revenue cost of an acute inpatient bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35470/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1764. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the total cost of delivering the new 60-bed modular unit ward in University Hospital Limerick; the cost per stage and across cost types; the length of time the project will take to fully complete, for each stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35472/21]
View answerConstruction of the 60 Bed Ward Block at UHL was completed in 2020 and the block became operational over the period November 2020 (20 beds), December (a further 20 beds) and January 2021 (the final 20 beds).
This development provided 3 wards comprising of 20 single room occupancy, with en-suite facilities, two of which are full isolation facilities on the campus. The additional 60 beds directly increased bed capacity at the hospital improving patient comfort, safety, privacy and dignity, and assist with the management of infection control in the hospital. The total capital costs of the build were €21 million.
1766. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average all in capital cost of a critical care bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35474/21]
View answerSeveral factors determine the capital cost of a bed. These include the nature of the bed (day case, long-term stay, etc.), and the bed’s location (within an existing facility, within a new extension to an existing facility, etc.) As such, there is no one capital cost for providing an additional bed.
A recent review of bed costings determined an average capital cost per bed to be in the region of:
Non Acute Bed - €0.35m to €0.45m
Acute Bed - €0.50m - €0.8m
Critical Care Bed - €1.40m to €1.80m
The estimates exclude any significant enabling works e.g. decant costs as well as other accommodation that may be required to support this additional capacity e.g. diagnostics, theatre space etc. Capital costs are naturally subject to variations with some sites requiring more investment depending on location, project scale, complexity of the site, existing infrastructure, site conditions, design etc. Costs per bed will vary depending on the size of the proposed development. Economies of scale would impact on the per bed cost.
1767. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the total cost of delivering the new 26 critical care beds in the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Tallaght University Hospital and University Hospital Limerick; the cost per stage and across cost types for each project; the length of time each project will take to fully complete for each stage; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35475/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1768. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be arranged for a Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35476/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1769. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number and types of staff required to safely staff an adult critical care bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35477/21]
View answerAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1770. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number and types of staff typically required to safely staff an inpatient ward; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35478/21]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware the National Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix for medical, surgical and speciality inpatient wards, published in 2018, provides for an evidence-based methodology to assess appropriate staffing levels across certain areas.
This framework is used to determine the staffing and skill mix required in a unit/ward based on the patients' acuity and dependency. Therefore, in applying the methodology, no single number can be identified as being typically required as each unit/ward must be assessed based on its patients' care needs.
1771. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost to restore pay equality for consultants on type B contracts; the additional cost of any back pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35479/21]
View answerThis Parliamentary Question requires information held by the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1772. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost to restore pay equality for consultants on type C contracts; the additional cost of any back pay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35480/21]
View answerThis Parliamentary Question requires information held by the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
1773. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of 100 new consultant posts on new Sláintecare public-only contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35481/21]
View answerThe Government has confirmed that consultants taking up the Sláintecare public-only contract will be appointed to the pre-1 October 2012 Type A salary scales, as recommended by the Independent Review Group. The estimated cost of 100 new consultant posts is €26 million, including employers PRSI, 'on-call' payments, etc.
