Denis Naughten
Question:521. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when day centres will be permitted to reopen for older persons who are fully vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44468/21]
View answerCommunity Care
Questions (521)
Written answers
It is a key priority for the Government to allow more people to engage in services that allow them to remain independent and live in their own homes with dignity and independence for as long as possible.
Day centres are fundamental to the health and well-being of our older population and play a key role in enabling older people to live independently in their own communities and the reopening of these centres are a priority for me. The HSE continues to actively work on reopening day care centres for older people as a priority in line with current public health guidance. At the end of August approximately 120 centres had reopened and more are expected to reopen during September and October.
I am aware that some centres that are co-located with residential care facilities are facing challenges with reopening due to compliance with public health guidance as a result of the additional complexity involved in managing across both types of provision.
It remains my priority to ensure that day centres reopen as quickly and as safely as possible, following the necessary closure of centres last year in response to COVID-19.
Disability Services
Questions (522)
Denis Naughten
Question:522. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when disability day services will fully reopen for those who are fully vaccinated; if he is satisfied that some service users are only receiving a 20% service and that this has only happened in recent weeks; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44469/21]
View answerWritten answers
Day services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels.
I was very pleased last week to announce that adult day services for people with disabilities will return to full capacity by October 22nd, in line with our COVID 19 response ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.
Day service providers have been requested to develop their individual day service location roadmaps to increase the level of day service provision to 100% restoration for each day service user by October 22nd.
Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability day services since the onset of COVID 19 will remain in place after October 22nd. These arrangements include risk assessments, enhanced environmental hygiene, and pod like arrangements in day service locations. Mask wearing will remain in place in day services, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering.
I also note that on 2nd September, also in line with the government statement on ‘Reframing the Challenge’, the HSE issued guidance to all providers that day service transport can now return to 100% capacity, with all relevant infection prevention and control measures still to be observed, including the wearing of face coverings where possible and appropriate for service users.
Health Services
Questions (523)
Denis Naughten
Question:523. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be called for a non-urgent paediatric dietician appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44470/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 (524)
Denis Naughten
Question:524. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current number on each waiting list in counties Galway, Mayo and Roscommon for an urgent and non-urgent paediatric dietician appointment; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44471/21]
View answerWritten answers
I note that the issue raised has been resubmitted by the Deputy, as, at the time the question was first submitted, I was unable to refer the matter to the Health Service Executive due to the cyber-attack in May.
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last eighteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times. However, the HSE advise that acute services are now almost all fully restored to pre cyber-attack levels, and are operating in line with relevant Covid protocols.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to reduce waiting times for patients. These plans 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, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
An additional €240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the NTPF. This is to be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of infection control measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as addressing backlogs in waiting lists.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working on a Multiannual Waiting List Plan to address waiting lists and bring them in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this relates to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (525)
Denis Naughten
Question:525. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will be called for a paediatric video fluoroscopy procedure at Galway University Hospital; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44472/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (526)
Denis Naughten
Question:526. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the current numbers and waiting times in each acute hospital for paediatric video fluoroscopy procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44473/21]
View answerWritten answers
I note that the issue raised has been resubmitted by the Deputy, as, at the time the question was first submitted, I was unable to refer the matter to the Health Service Executive due to the cyber-attack in May.
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last eighteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times. However, the HSE advise that acute services are now almost all fully restored to pre cyber-attack levels, and are operating in line with relevant Covid protocols.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to reduce waiting times for patients. These plans 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, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
An additional €240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the NTPF. This is to be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of infection control measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as addressing backlogs in waiting lists.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working on a Multiannual Waiting List Plan to address waiting lists and bring them in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years.
In relation to the specific issue raised by the Deputy, as this relates to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Questions (527)
Denis Naughten
Question:527. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he expects a decision on the approval of a drug (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44474/21]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, if a company would like a medicine to be reimbursed by the HSE, the company must submit an application to the HSE to have the new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria, including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
I am advised by the HSE that, in April 2020, the NCPE received a reimbursement application dossier for Onasemnogene abeparvovec (Zolgensma) for the treatment of patients with 5q spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and a clinical diagnosis of SMA type 1, or patients with 5q SMA with a bi-allelic mutation in the SMN1 gene and up to 3 copies of the SMN2 gene.
On 13 May 2020, the NCPE completed a rapid review with respect to this application and recommended a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) to assess the clinical effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of Zolgensma compared with the current standard of care.
The HTA was undertaken as a part of the Beneluxa collaboration between Ireland, the Netherlands and Belgium, with Austria acting as a reviewer in the Belgian procedure.
The HTA was completed in May 2021. The NCPE recommended that Zolgensma not be considered for reimbursement unless cost-effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments.
Pricing/reimbursement negotiations are currently underway, having commenced in July 2021.
A final decision on the pricing/reimbursement application for Zolgensma will be made in accordance with the 2013 Health Act.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (528)
Denis Naughten
Question:528. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for their surgical procedure; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44475/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 (529, 530)
Denis Naughten
Question:529. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if a service will be reinstated (details supplied); the reason funding was withdrawn; if there are plans for an alternative service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44476/21]
View answerDenis Naughten
Question:530. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will have their service restored; the reason for the withdrawal of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44477/21]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 529 and 530 together.
Day services re-opened at 39% capacity at service locations throughout August and early September of 2020, and by end of January 2021 this had increased to 51%. The combination of supports in the location, outreach supports, and remote supports provides an overall quantum of support to service users of over 60% at the end of January. The increase in day service capacity was supported by additional funding of €30 million provided in Budget 2021 to increase capacity in buildings and provide extra staff. This funding provided an increase in day services by an average of one day a week for 14,940 people against September 2020 service levels.
I was very pleased last week to announce that adult day services for people with disabilities will return to full capacity by October 22nd, in line with our COVID 19 response ‘Reframing the Challenge’ roadmap for the lifting of restrictions.
Day service providers have been requested to develop their individual day service location roadmaps to increase the level of day service provision to 100% restoration for each day service user by October 22nd.
Infection prevention and control measures that have been introduced to support the safe delivery of adult disability day services since the onset of COVID 19 will remain in place after October 22nd. These arrangements include risk assessments, enhanced environmental hygiene, and pod like arrangements in day service locations. Mask wearing will remain in place in day services, except for those who are exempt from wearing a face covering.
I also note that on 2nd September, also in line with the government statement on ‘Reframing the Challenge’, the HSE issued guidance to all providers that day service transport can now return to 100% capacity, with all relevant infection prevention and control measures still to be observed, including the wearing of face coverings where possible and appropriate for service users.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 530 answered with Question No. 529.
Health Strategies
Questions (531)
Denis Naughten
Question:531. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the additional capital and capacity measures provided for in the HSE winter plan 2020-2021 to address the additional demands placed on the acute hospital system as a result of Covid-19; the planned completion date as set out in the plan for each project; the current estimated delivery time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44478/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (532)
Denis Naughten
Question:532. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44479/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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.
Medicinal Products
Questions (533)
Denis Naughten
Question:533. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 840 and 847 of 3 February 2021; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44480/21]
View answerWritten answers
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Health Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE).
The final decision-making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT). The HSE EMT decides on the basis of all the demands with which it is faced (across all services) whether it can fund a new medicine, or new uses of an existing medicine, from the resources that have been provided to it in line with the 2013 Health Act.
The HSE has advised that, following two full pharmacoeconomic assessments by the NCPE and commercial engagements with the applicant company, Dupilumab (Dupixent) is available for reimbursement under the High Tech arrangements from 1 of April 2021 for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in refractory adults and adolescents 12 years and older for whom immunosuppressant treatment has failed, or is not tolerated or is contraindicated.
In accordance with the conditions outlined in the approval decision of the HSE EMT, a Managed Access Protocol is in place for Dupilumab. The protocol outlines the criteria that must be satisfied in order for a patient to be recommended for reimbursement of Dupilumab under High Tech Arrangements. Further information on how this managed access protocol is implemented is available online: www.hse.ie/eng/about/who/cspd/ncps/medicines-management/managed-access-protocols/dupilumab/
The HSE further advises that on 27 August 2021 it received a license extension application for pricing / reimbursement of Dupilumab for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis in children 6 to 11 years old who are candidates for systemic therapy.
The first step in the process is the submission of a rapid review dossier. The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on 30 August 2021.
This application remains under assessment and a final decision will be made in accordance with the 2013 Act.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (534)
Denis Naughten
Question:534. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting hip replacement surgery at University Hospital Galway; the length of time that they have been waiting; the average waiting time for such surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44481/21]
View answerWritten answers
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last eighteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021 and the associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times. However, the HSE advise that acute services are now almost all fully restored to pre cyber-attack levels, and are operating in line with relevant Covid protocols.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to reduce waiting times for patients. These plans 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, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
An additional €240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the NTPF. This is to be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of infection control measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as addressing backlogs in waiting lists.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working on a Multiannual Waiting List Plan to address waiting lists and bring them in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years.
The NTPF has advised that the health system does not collect the data necessary to calculate average wait times. In particular, the time to treatment of patients who have already received their care is not collected. The NTPF collects data on patients currently on the waiting list and the average time that these patients have been waiting is provided here.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (535)
Denis Naughten
Question:535. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child will receive a date for surgery (details supplied); if they have been deemed as urgent; the waiting time for this surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44482/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 (536)
Denis Naughten
Question:536. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if behavioural optometry assessments are available publicly for children with special educational needs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44483/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (537)
Denis Naughten
Question:537. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for a procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44484/21]
View answerWritten answers
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.
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 Staff
Questions (538)
Denis Naughten
Question:538. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on the appointment of locum staff at a location (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44486/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Questions (539)
Catherine Murphy
Question:539. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of front-line vacancies currently at Naas General Hospital; the type of vacancies that are available; the measures that are in place to fill those vacancies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44487/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (540)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:540. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the length of time it takes for schools with a Covid-19 case to be sent the relevant excel spreadsheet forms by the central admissions team to collect contact details and other required data; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44495/21]
View answerWritten answers
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 (541)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:541. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the Keltoi HSE drug rehab unit will return to operating as a drug rehab unit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44497/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (542)
Brendan Griffin
Question:542. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of person (details supplied) will be carried out following the failure by child and youth mental health services to respond to the family’s pleas for assistance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44523/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (543)
Noel Grealish
Question:543. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if a second chance can be provided to avail of the HPV vaccine for children who did not have parental consent when it was initially offered but the child wishes to avail of the vaccine when they reach 16 years of age and no longer require parental consent; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44531/21]
View answerWritten answers
The 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.
In June 2017, on foot of the NIAC’s recommendation that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school.
The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
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.
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.
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. This applies to everyone whether or not they have a medical card/GP visit card, as it is outside of the HPV immunisation programme.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (544)
Noel Grealish
Question:544. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if there is a scheme under which a patient who has been prescribed a device (details supplied) can be reimbursed for the cost of the rental of the machine; if the machine is available under the non-medical card item and hardship scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44532/21]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
National Maternity Hospital
Questions (545)
David Cullinane
Question:545. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the plans to relocate the National Maternity Hospital from Holles Street; if alternative sites are being considered; the reason the board of the HSE rejected its proposed governance structure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44541/21]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to the development of the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH) planned for the St Vincent’s University Hospital Campus at Elm Park, as set out in the Programme for Government. Significant progress has been made on the capital project, with planning permission for the hospital secured in 2017 and, in 2018, the awarding of the contract for substantial enabling works.
I am committed to ensure that there is no religious ethos brought to bear in the provision of public maternity and gynaecology services which would restrict the provision of all legally permissible services in the new hospital. I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it achieves this, and in addition, safeguards the State’s investment in the new hospital.
As the Deputy will be aware, the proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new National Maternity Hospital were set out in the Mulvey Agreement, which was finalised in 2016 following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group (SVHG). A draft legal framework has been developed to copperfasten the clinical and operational independence of the new hospital, and to ensure the protection of the State’s investment. The draft legal arrangements have of course been, and continue to be, the subject of very detailed consideration by the HSE Board, as would be expected. Work is ongoing to finalise the legal arrangements, as part of which I have engaged further with stakeholders. However, as I have clarified previously, I will not be making any further comment on the nature of this engagement until the process has concluded.
Health Services Staff
Questions (546)
Thomas Pringle
Question:546. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the location where a copy of the rules and regulations applicable to higher specialist training in public health medicine in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland can be obtained; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44546/21]
View answerWritten answers
The rules and regulations relating to higher specialist training programmes are displayed on the relevant website of the relevant accredited postgraduate training body. The rules and regulations applicable to higher specialist training in public health medicine in the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland can be found at:
www.rcpi.ie/training/higher-specialist-training/public-health-medicine/