Written Answers Nos. 275-285
275. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the Garda surveillance project that will collate the real time suicide data; and the details of the project with particular reference to CHO7. [44257/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
276. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if a national director for mental health has been appointed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44258/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
277. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the national clinical care programme for dual diagnosis; and the location in which and when it will be rolled out. [44259/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
278. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number and type of referrals, the number of assessments by gender and the breakdown of diagnosis in 2019 and 2020, for patients with eating disorders managed outside of the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44260/21]
View answer279. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the access times for both assessment and treatment in 2019 and 2020 for persons with eating disorders treated outside of the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44261/21]
View answer280. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of patients treated outside the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders in 2019 and 2020 that were admitted as an inpatient in the HSE mental health unit, acute hospitals, private hospitals and via the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44262/21]
View answer281. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons being treated for an eating disorder in 2019 and 2020 outside the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders who were discharged to reliable or partial recovery, to general practitioner and primary care, or who died due to the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44263/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 278, 279, 280 and 281 together.
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
282. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if there is a standardised operational transition process in place across CHOs for young persons transitioning from CAMHS to adult services who are receiving treatment with eating disorders outside of the National Clinic Programme for Eating Disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44264/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
283. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will reconsider the requirement on those with lived experience of mental health challenges to work at least 15 hours a week when they wish to co-facilitate HSE recovery workshops; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44283/21]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
284. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the plans that are being put in place to assist those patients who are affected by the many long-term effects of Covid-19; if he will ensure access to health services for all those suffering with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44285/21]
View answer285. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for the establishment of multidisciplinary post-Covid-19 clinics around the country; if so, if they will be accessible to all, including occupational therapists, physiotherapists, nutritionists and counsellors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44286/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 284 and 285 together.
COVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and its course are still emerging. Scientific and clinical evidence is evolving on the long-term effects of COVID-19. An increasing number of reports and studies are now being published on the topic, however, at present there is no agreement on the definition or the terminology.
It is recognised that persistent and prolonged symptoms can occur after acute COVID-19 infection in a proportion of patients, including in some patients who did not develop symptoms severe enough to require hospitalisation. My Department, through the Health Research Board, continues to fund research into the clinical impacts of COVID-19.
Patients with persistent symptoms following COVID-19 infection may be followed up by their GP or in hospital settings as clinically appropriate. People in the community who are concerned about persistent symptoms following Covid-19 should contact their GP in the first instance. Treatment is currently focused on management of specific symptoms.
Specific guidance on the treatment of 'Long COVID' is presently under development both here and internationally. You may wish to note that the HSE is currently recruiting for the position of an Implementation Lead to oversee the implementation of a national model of care.
The HSE is currently assessing need and the best way to care for those impacted by Long COVID to ensure the appropriate supports are in place. As part of this work on post-COVID care, the HSE is examining how it can model the possible numbers that will be affected, noting that this will take time as more evidence emerges. I understand that the HSE has also been in touch with a group of people who are suffering post-COVID symptoms to inform understanding.
The Department of Health will continue to develop an understanding of the implications of Long COVID to inform policy as appropriate.
As this question relates to a service matter, it has also been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
