Matt Carthy
Question:125. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the progress made in addressing the backlog of audiology appointments in counties Cavan and Monaghan. [7835/22]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (125)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (126)
Emer Higgins
Question:126. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the issues in accessing general practitioner care in Lucan, County Dublin; the actions that are being taken to improve access to general practitioner care nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7973/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is aware of the workforce issues currently facing general practice, including the limited access to GP services in certain areas. We are working to ensure patients across the country continue to have access to GP services and that general practice is sustainable in all areas into the future.
GPs are self-employed practitioners and therefore may establish practices at a place of their own choosing. There is no prescribed ratio of GPs to patients and the State does not regulate the number of GPs that can set up in a town or community. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE contracts GPs to provide medical services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the selection process to find a replacement GP.
Currently there are 14 GMS GP contracts listed in Lucan, none of which are vacant. One contract holder is retiring imminently, and this list has been advertised by the Primary Care GP Unit.
Several efforts to increase the number of practising GPs have been undertaken in recent years. The number of entrants to GP training has increased from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021, with large increases made in recent years. Further increases are expected as responsibility for training has transferred from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners. Changes have been made to the entry provisions to the GMS scheme to facilitate more flexible/shared GMS contracts, and to the retirement provisions for GPs under the GMS scheme. An enhanced supports package for rural GP practices was also introduced.
Recent developments in relation to general practice, in particular the 2019 Agreement on Contractual Reform and Service Development, have helped to re-establish general practice in Ireland as an attractive career choice. The additional investment, which will amount to €210 million annually once the Agreement is fully implemented, provides for an increase in capitation fees, improved maternity and paternity arrangements as well as enhanced supports for rural practices. In addition, targeted funding of €2 million will also be set aside to provide additional support to practices in deprived urban areas. The wider reforms in the health service will also help to provide an atmosphere in which the practice of medicine in Ireland will remain attractive. The additional investment in general practice provides a sound basis for ensuring that GPs have access to a credible and rewarding career path in Ireland.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (127)
Paul Kehoe
Question:127. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 vaccines that have been administered in pharmacies in each county in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7989/22]
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 (128)
Pa Daly
Question:128. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health his views on urgently commencing a review of north Kerry CAMHS cases. [7717/22]
View answerWritten answers
To ask the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the pathways of mental health care for children and adolescents in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Emergency Departments
Questions (129, 623, 624, 787)
Catherine Connolly
Question:129. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 2 December 2021, the engagement he or his Department had with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform in 2021 and to date in 2022 with regard to the approval process for the construction of the new emergency department and women and children’s unit in University Hospital Galway; when this matter is expected to come before Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7963/22]
View answer
Mairéad Farrell
Question:623. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health the stage the approval process is at for the new emergency department for Galway University Hospital; and the delays that have arisen to date. [7986/22]
View answerCatherine Connolly
Question:624. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the engagement he or his Department had with the relevant stakeholders in 2021 and to date in 2022 with regard to the approval process for the construction of the new emergency department and women and children’s unit in University Hospital Galway; the status of the business case review report; when this report is expected to come before Government; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8059/22]
View answerCatherine Connolly
Question:787. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 182 of 2 December 2021, if the final preliminary business case report has been issued to his Department to date for technical review; the expected timeline for the development of the new emergency department and women and children’s project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8055/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 129, 623, 624 and 787 together.
The new emergency department and women and children’s unit at University Hospital Galway, is a project part of a larger development incorporating maternity and paediatric services, is included in the HSE Capital Programme.
The main Emergency Department, Women’s and Children’s development at University Hospital Galway is a complex project and is in the early stages of design progression. In order to provide additional capacity, including new infection prevention and control measures, approval was granted to complete a temporary extension to the Emergency Department (ED). This includes segregated waiting areas, segregated treatment areas, isolation rooms, additional resuscitation spaces and additional support accommodation to take account of requirements to treat Covid-19 patients and improved Infection Control and Prevention requirements for the ED.
This Temporary ED extension building will be a single storey, with a rooftop plant room and will be connected to the main hospital block at the existing ED entrance. This project is expected to be completed in early 2022. The Temporary ED project and associate works will also serve as an enabling works project for the proposed new permanent ED and free up the site required for the proposed new unit.
The main ED, Women’s and Children’s development at University Hospital Galway is a project is of significant scale and must progress through the stages outlined in the public spending code (PSC). The full accommodation scope for the entire development has been agreed following an internal HSE review and the HSE propose to progress the full block as one single project.
There is no date set yet for the planning application for the main building as the project is still proceeding through the stages of the PSC. There are several enabling works projects to be completed on site before the main building can go ahead. The Design Team has had pre-planning meetings with the Local Authority on two of these enabling works projects. The preliminary business case is currently under review with the HSE and pending Board approval. The HSE expect to be able to submit the preliminary business case to my Department in Q1 2022 for technical review in line with PSC requirements.
The PSC is designed to ensure that investment decisions are underpinned by a clear policy rationale, and that costs are well understood. In 2019, the PSC was updated and introduced a new project lifecycle, tightening the arrangements for project decision-making, and clarifying the roles of the parties involved including the responsibilities for Sponsoring Agencies and Approving Authorities.
All capital development proposals must progress through several approval stages, in line with the new lifecycle approach of the updated PSC, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
National Children's Hospital
Questions (130)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Question:130. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health when a decision will be made on the purpose and future use of the construction supply depot for the new national children’s hospital on Davitt Road, Dublin 12 when work on the hospital concludes; the future plans for the site of Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Drimnagh Road, Dublin 12, when the hospital facilities and staff move to the new national children’s hospital in St. James’s Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6696/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Children’s Health Act 2018 provided for the creation of Children’s Health Ireland (CHI). Under that legislation, the board of Crumlin voluntarily transferred their assets and liabilities to the new entity. As such, the Crumlin hospital campus has transferred to Children's Health Ireland.
The HSE entered into Memoranda of Understanding with Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital Crumlin to ensure that the State’s investment to date in the hospital is protected when the paediatric services are transferred to the new children’s hospital. Future uses for the Crumlin site have not yet been determined.
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the site at Davitt Road, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Medical Cards
Questions (131)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Question:131. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health if he is considering suspending all reviews of the eligibility of existing medical card holders for the remainder of 2022 in view of the rapid rise in the cost of living; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7955/22]
View answerWritten answers
In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure. The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility.
It is important to note that where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, he/she will continue to retain their eligibility for the duration of the review process (typically three months). Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to provide an eligibility assessment process that is responsive and sensitive to people’s needs, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services and to that end, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card where an applicant exceeds his or her income threshold.
Health Strategies
Questions (132)
David Cullinane
Question:132. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when he will publish a new cardiovascular health strategy; if he will deliver 24/7 cardiac cover for the southeast area of the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7844/22]
View answerWritten answers
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services was established by the Minister for Health in 2018 to review the delivery of cardiac services nationally. Its aim is to develop recommendations regarding the optimal configuration of national adult cardiac services in order to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level, with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services.
The Review also aims to ensure that as many patients as possible have access, on a 24/7 basis, to safe, quality assured and sustainable emergency interventions following an acute myocardial infarction. The Review considers the delivery of cardiac services nationally, including in the South East region.
Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. While progress was impacted during 2020 and into 2021 due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the Cardiac Services Review is now making significant progress again, and the Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report, with a view to finalising the Report at an early date.
Health Services
Questions (133)
Aindrias Moynihan
Question:133. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the current wait times experienced by women for gynaecological services in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7877/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to improve access for patients, including for patients on gynaecology waiting lists. The NTPF has advised my Department that to date this year they have approved 3 gynaecology initiatives for funding at Cork University Maternity Hospital, which will facilitate treatment for more than 1,540 patients on gynaecology waiting lists.
The 2022 waiting list action plan, which I will be bringing to Government shortly, builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and the CEO of the HSE and met fortnightly. This rigorous level of governance and scrutiny of waiting lists has continued into this year with the oversight group evolving into the Waiting List Task Force. It has produced a comprehensive 2022 waiting list action plan which will set out high-level targets for waiting list improvement including dedicated funding for service reform, patient pathway improvement, and important significant additionality to substantially reduce the backlog of patients waiting. The Task Force will meet regularly to drive progress of the 2022 plan.
This is the first stage of an ambitious multi-annual waiting list plan, which is currently under development in my Department. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
Health Services
Questions (134)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:134. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the future use of Sruthán House, Dundalk, County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7965/22]
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 Waiting Lists
Questions (135)
Brendan Smith
Question:135. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the measures that will be implemented to reduce the long delays in orthopaedic assessments and follow-up procedures for patients from counties Cavan and Monaghan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7901/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The 2022 waiting list action plan, which I will bring to Government shortly, builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and the CEO of the HSE and met fortnightly. This rigorous level of governance and scrutiny of waiting lists has continued into this year with the oversight group evolving into the Waiting List Task Force. It has produced a comprehensive 2022 waiting list action plan which will set out high-level targets for waiting list improvement including dedicated funding for service reform, patient pathway improvement, and important significant additionality to substantially reduce the backlog of patients waiting. The Task Force will meet regularly to drive progress of the 2022 plan.
This is the first stage of an ambitious multi-annual waiting list plan, which is currently under development in my Department. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
The NTPF have advised my Department that they have approved 1 orthopaedic outpatient initiative for funding so far in 2022 for Cavan General Hospital, which will facilitate treatment for 491 patients on orthopaedic OPD waiting lists.
Health Strategies
Questions (136)
Richard Bruton
Question:136. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health the plans for e-health and remote delivery. [6835/22]
View answerWritten answers
By 'remote delivery', I am assuming that the Deputy is referring to situations where those using health services do not have to present in person but can instead use a technology-assisted alternative, such as virtual consultations.
In response to COVID-19 and the need to implement social distancing measures, various healthcare professionals and facilities looked to telehealth as a way of providing continuity of care to patients. Teleconsultations, as a means of engaging with patients where a physical examination is not required, were widely used across the health system during the pandemic. For instance, GPs used both phone and video channels specifically developed for the clinical environment, as options to offer their patients access to triage and referral for testing. Specific rates for reimbursement of GPs who chose to offer these services were agreed. Leveraging long standing and close working relationships with colleagues in NHS Scotland, the HSE deployed a solution called 'Attend Anywhere' and set up a programme to make it available to hospitals, outpatient departments and other care services and settings across the country where there was value in offering such a solution. In many instances, the challenging health environment accelerated use of digital solutions that might otherwise have taken longer to adopt.
The Department of Health will continue to support the practical implementation and adoption of eHealth, digital health and ICT developments in 2022 and beyond.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Questions (137)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:137. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the options his Department is examining in order to meet the needs and concerns of the families who lost a family member in a nursing home (details supplied) during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7948/22]
View answerWritten answers
There has been a very clear national commitment to continue to learn from the pandemic as the national and international understanding of the virus evolves, and where necessary to ensure that the public health-led approach evolves, as evidence and learning materialises.
The independent COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort in nursing homes. This Expert Panel report has added further to our knowledge and learning. This report clearly outlines the key protective measures that we must ensure are in place across our nursing homes. These actions are based on learning from our own and the international experience of COVID-19 to date. The report also recommends additional analysis and examination of the relevant public health and other data sets in order that further causal and protective factors for COVID-19 clusters are identified. HIQA and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) jointly published an “Analysis of factors associated with outbreaks of SARS-CoV-2 in nursing homes in Ireland”, delivering on recommendation 6.7 of the Expert Panel report, to further the learning from the pandemic. Further data analysis work and learning will also continue, in line with other recommendations of the Expert Panel and HIQA and the HPSC are developing a further update to this analysis.
Work to progress the recommendations of the Expert Panel report, particularly those recommendations requiring a priority focus in the response to COVID-19, is ongoing across all of the health agencies and stakeholders. Continued learning and understanding of progression of the disease in Ireland is an integral part of those recommendations. €17.6m has been allocated in Budget 2022 to continue implementation of the Expert Panel recommendations.
The Department requested, as a once off measure and for the purposes of providing additional supports, that the Patient Advocacy Service extend its service to Dealgan House Nursing Home in order to support families during this time. I understand that the CEO of the HSE met with family members of residents in the nursing home. Minister Donnelly and I also met with the families of residents to hear their perspectives.
The establishment and parameters of any broader review or evaluation, following the pandemic, of the State’s response to the COVID-19 would be a matter for Government to decide on at the appropriate time. However, as noted, ongoing learning from the pandemic has been a key component of the management of COVID-19 and to add further to this, the Minister has recently established a Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group which, amongst other things, will initially focus on identifying learnings from the public health components of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland with a view towards strengthening health protection generally and future public health pandemic preparedness specifically.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (138)
John Lahart
Question:138. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when he expects hospital waiting lists and waiting times to reduce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7970/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The 2022 waiting list action plan, which I will be bringing to Government shortly, builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and the CEO of the HSE and met fortnightly. This rigorous level of governance and scrutiny of waiting lists has continued into this year with the oversight group evolving into the Waiting List Task Force. It has produced a comprehensive 2022 waiting list action plan which will set out high-level targets for waiting list improvement including dedicated funding for service reform, patient pathway improvement, and important significant additionality to substantially reduce the backlog of patients waiting. The taskforce will meet regularly to drive progress of the 2022 plan.
This is the first stage of an ambitious Multi-Annual Waiting List Plan, which is currently under development in my Department. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
Health Strategies
Questions (139)
Michael Moynihan
Question:139. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the Neurorehabilitation Strategy. [7771/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Programme for Government – 'Our Shared Future’ - includes a commitment for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. The Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015.The Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy Implementation Framework (IF) was launched in February 2019.
The overarching aim of the Strategy is the development of neuro-rehabilitation services to improve patient outcomes by providing safe, high quality, person-centred neuro-rehabilitation at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway, and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres where necessary. These services should be configured into population based managed clinical rehabilitation networks (MCRNs). The MCRN, while an effective model in a number of European countries, is a new concept in Ireland. MCRNs are recognised as having the potential to bring together an appropriate range of primary, secondary and tertiary services to ensure equitable provision of high quality and clinically effective services.
Funding has been sought and approved to support the introduction of a managed clinical rehabilitation network demonstrator project. The focus of the demonstrator project is the development of post-acute and community neuro-rehabilitation services across CHO 6 & 7. In terms of service provision, this is where the gap is most evident in terms of demonstrating a Network model.
Disability Services Community Healthcare area 6 are currently working on the recruitment process, capital funding for the service has already been received and the location for the Community Neurorehabilitation Team (CNRT) has been identified. Disability Services Community Healthcare area 7 are working with Primary Care to identify the location & governance for the Community Neurorehabilitation Team in this area.
Of the 37 posts funded under Sláintecare, 26 were allocated to Peamount for the opening of the 10 bedded unit, the Rehabilitation Coordinator posts is in place and the other community posts as advised above are in the process of recruitment.
There has been tangible progress with the focus and trajectory of the MCRN in the development of the post-acute and community neurorehabilitation teams and services. The implementation of a 10 bedded neurorehabilitation unit in Peamount has improved timely and early access to post-acute specialist rehabilitation services for patients with complex disability including those neurological complications associated with severe COVID infection from the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
Health Services
Questions (140)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:140. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the shortage of community step-down beds in County Cork. [7930/22]
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.
Hospital Services
Questions (141)
Matt Carthy
Question:141. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the additional services that will be delivered to Monaghan Hospital in 2022. [7836/22]
View answerWritten answers
The services provided in Monaghan General Hospital include Out-patient Services, Theatre, Day Services, Diagnostic Services and a Local Injury Unit.
In the past year and moving forward into 2022, a number of new initiatives have been seen at Monaghan General Hospital, including:
- 18 new stepdown beds;
- a second endoscopy room;
- centralisation of Haemochromatosis Services for patients in the Cavan Monaghan Hospital Catchment area; and
- provision of a 3rd Ultrasound.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (142)
Seán Haughey
Question:142. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the action he is taking to reduce acute hospital and community waiting lists. [7905/22]
View answerWritten answers
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The 2022 waiting list action plan, which I will bring to Government shortly, builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by my Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and the CEO of the HSE and met fortnightly. This rigorous level of governance and scrutiny of waiting lists has continued into this year with the oversight group evolving into the Waiting List Task Force. It has produced a comprehensive 2022 waiting list action plan which will set out high-level targets for waiting list improvement including dedicated funding for service reform, patient pathway improvement, and important significant additionality to substantially reduce the backlog of patients waiting. The taskforce will meet regularly to drive progress of the 2022 plan.
This is the first stage of an ambitious Multi-Annual Waiting List Plan, which is currently under development in my Department. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
Disability Services
Questions (143)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:143. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if he will report on his efforts to reduce the waiting list for early intervention in speech and language therapy in north western areas of Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7929/22]
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (144)
Cathal Crowe
Question:144. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the provision of an elective hospital in the mid-west area. [7773/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Cross Party Sláintecare Report in 2017 articulated a new vision for healthcare in Ireland, including the provision of elective only hospitals, providing protected capacity for elective care. The “Elective Hospitals Oversight Group”, under the joint governance of the Health Service Executive, Department of Health and Sláintecare, has been guiding the development of the elective hospital proposals, following the process outlined in the updated Public Spending Code, setting out the value for money requirements for the evaluation, planning, and management of large public investment projects.
In December 2021 the Government agreed, subject to the necessary approvals and requirements under the Public Spending Code being met, a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. This new strategy aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged to ensure greater capacity in the future and help to address waiting lists. The development of additional capacity will be provided through dedicated, standalone Elective Hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin. No other locations are under active consideration. It is important to note that the locations chosen will allow for new facilities of a size and scale to implement an elective care programme that will tackle waiting lists on a national basis. This means that the new facilities will be designed to maximise their capacity and in doing so will operate to cover as a wide catchment area as possible, extending beyond existing and future health areas including Limerick and neighbouring mid-west counties.
The elective care scope of service will be developed in two phases commencing with day cases, diagnostics, and outpatients and then by in-patient treatment. On this basis, the Elective Care Centres (ECCs) will be designed to provide sufficient capacity to facilitate future phases, including some elective in patient capacity, thereby providing a sustainable and strategic response to cater for the highly dynamic landscape of healthcare policy and practice.
A Programme Preliminary Business Case and a Project Preliminary Business Case (PBC) for Cork have now been completed, while project PBCs for Galway and Dublin are at an advanced stage of development. The Business Cases will be subject to technical review by the Department of Health and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, including through the recently introduced External Assurance Process. Pending favourable review(s) under the Spending Code, further memoranda for Government would then be brought forward to progress the programme for Cork, Galway and Dublin.