Written Answers Nos. 318-337
318. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to rectify the situation in north County Kerry in which the KIDS team is down to one occupational therapist; if the matter will be rectified given the large case load; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12174/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
319. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) who was working in a then State funded nursing home until March 2021 will qualify for the Covid recognition payment for healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12223/22]
View answerFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites. The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices (eg: nursing homes and hospices that are private, public, section 39, voluntary etc.) that were affected by Covid-19.
The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
Finally I would like to thank the Deputy for raising this matter however you will understand that the Department of Health cannot comment on individual cases.
320. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of the administration of the €1,000 bonus payment for frontline healthcare workers; when frontline healthcare workers will receive the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12235/22]
View answerThe Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
The Department of Health appreciates the levels of interest this announcement has generated. We are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure including full eligibility criteria, particulars and terms and conditions that apply. This will be published as soon as possible.
Though noting the above work is still ongoing, it is envisaged that the process for paying eligible public sector healthcare workers will commence this month. For eligible healthcare workers in private sector nursing homes and hospices, noting the additional complexities involved, it is envisaged the process will commence in the second quarter of this year.
321. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a child (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12254/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
322. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when face-to-face meetings will resume for parents of children who have difficulties, for example, through organisations such as an organisation (details supplied);; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12258/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
323. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 225 of 17 February 2022, the steps that he is taking to ensure the HSE principals’ helpline is providing adequate help for schools given that schools have had many issues accessing sufficient help from this line, resulting in large outbreaks of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12309/22]
View answerI have referred this to the HSE for direct response.
324. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his Department will recognise a diagnosis of Lyme's disease after a person has been tested in another country such as Germany or the United States of America (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12167/22]
View answerLyme Disease is a tick-borne infection that occurs when recreational or occupation activities result in tick bites from an infected tick. It is relatively rare with estimations that a small proportion of ticks in Ireland are infected.
The infection is known to be endemic in certain locations and in these areas GPs are very familiar with the most typical presentation which is a rash, often with a bull’s eye appearance. In this setting early treatment can be initiated by the GP and further testing is not required or recommended. More complicated cases require referral to Infectious Diseases clinics, which are currently present in all but one level 4 and all but two level 3 hospitals in Ireland. There is no need for Irish residents to travel to other countries for diagnosis or treatment.
The Infectious Diseases clinical program, which has been in place for one year, has a workforce strategy to establish a network of Infectious Diseases clinics that will address any current geographic inequity. The publicly funded Infectious Diseases clinics all support the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines regarding the diagnoses and treatment of Lyme disease. These clinics do not currently have waiting lists and patients are seen in a timely manner. Many hospital laboratories have the capacity to do Lyme serology (ELISA) locally and where not, referral of samples to the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL) occurs. Confirmatory testing (western Blot) is referred to Porton Down which is the referral laboratory for the UK.
325. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health when a centre (details supplied) in Carrigaline, County Cork was identified as a placement option for nine residents in another centre; the way this was decided; the HSE managers that made the decision; the number of residents in another centre that will be accommodated in the centre in Carrigaline; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12168/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
326. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if speech and language therapy appointments (details supplied) will be resumed in Dingle, County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12173/22]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
327. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase specialist training places for primary care; if this will include endometriosis screening for general practitioners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12187/22]
View answerThe HSE takes several factors into consideration when making its annual assessment of the number and type of specialist training places required within each specialty including but not limited to, future medical workforce planning projections, the number currently in training and the training capacity within the health system. Targeted increases across a number of specialist training programmes are planned for July 2022 and the HSE is currently working with all relevant stakeholders to agree the July 2022/23 specialist training intakes, including Surgery, Medicine, Psychiatry and General Practice.
The number of GPs entering training has increased steadily over the past number of years, rising from 120 in 2009 to 233 in 2021. The transfer of GP training from the HSE to the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) which was concluded in 2021 will allow for the introduction of a new service model for GP training in Ireland and the further expansion GP training capacity in the years ahead.
Endometriosis is a common condition with one in ten women of reproductive age affected. The variable and broad symptoms of endometriosis mean that healthcare workers do not easily diagnose it and many individuals suffering from it have limited awareness of the condition. Given that enhanced awareness, followed by early diagnosis and management may slow or halt the natural progression of the disease and reduce the long-term burden of its symptoms, it is critical that GPs are well informed regarding the typical symptoms which should raise a suspicion of endometriosis. GPs should be competent in the basic management of endometriosis and its possible complications in the community. Therefore, the ICGP has been delivering education around endometriosis to its members including a webinar on endometriosis in June 2021 which was attend by 1,567 GPs and a course in community gynaecology, which included the topic of endometriosis, in January of this year. Over 200 GPs attended this education module. In addition, endometriosis is included in the curriculum for all GP trainees in ICGP.
As part of its plans for 2022, the ICGP is engaging with the HSE's National Women and Infants Programme (NWHIP) to develop a Quick Reference Guide for GPs on the topic of endometriosis which aligns with the Model of Care for Endometriosis that is under development. To launch the guide ICGP would deliver a webinar to members and disseminate the guide through the college website, Ezine and Forum magazine.
The Government is committed to developing women’s health services. Building on progress made in rolling out ambulatory gynaecology clinics in 2020 and 2021, funding has been provided under Budget 2022 which will facilitate the establishment of additional ambulatory gynaecology clinics, thereby completing the implementation of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care. This will bring the total number of these clinics to 20 nationally. Funding has also been provided to enable the expansion of the endometriosis service at Tallaght University Hospital as well as the establishment of a new service for more complex endometriosis cases at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
328. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his plans to improve access to gynaecology services; his plans to recruit additional endometriosis specialists; if the ambulatory clinics will offer same; the location of those clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12188/22]
View answerThe Department is working with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme to increase capacity and reduce waiting times for women awaiting general gynaecology, which includes patients with endometriosis, through the implementation of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care.
The Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care centres on the establishment of one-stop “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics. An ambulatory care model is a more efficient and effective use of resources than the traditional outpatient model and it is also better for the patient as it reduces the requirement for multiple outpatient appointments.
The roll out of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care began in 2020, and funding provided last year is enabling roll out to be significantly progressed through development of new clinics and expansion of some existing ambulatory gynaecology clinics. A number of these clinics are operational, while work is underway in relation to recruitment, refurbishment and equipping of the remaining ambulatory gynaecology clinics that were funded in 2021.
Building on this progress, funding has been provided under Budget 2022 which will facilitate the establishment of further ambulatory gynaecology clinics, thereby completing the implementation of the Ambulatory Gynaecology Model of Care. This will bring the total number of these clinics to 20 nationally. These clinics will be associated with each of the 19 maternity hospitals across the country as well as in Tallaght University Hospital (TUH).
In terms of other initiatives relating to improving access to gynaecology services, I would also like to highlight that the recently launched 2022 Waiting List Action Plan allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists by 18% this year. This Action Plan includes a number of specific measures relating to gynaecology, and will provide access to additional theatre capacity for gynaecology activity in the Coombe, and will provide additional IPDC capacity at Cork University Maternity Hospital through increased theatre sessions.
With particular reference to endometriosis, as part of the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce, in April 2021, I announced the expansion of the endometriosis service at TUH to deliver a specialist endometriosis centre for the management and treatment of all forms of endometriosis, with particular focus on advanced and complex cases for which there had previously been no ready access in Ireland.
Building on the work initiated last year under the Women's Health Taskforce, €1.39 million has been provided under Budget 2022, which will enable the expansion of the endometriosis service at TUH as well as the establishment of a new service for more complex endometriosis cases at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
329. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to fund the endometriosis centres at Tallaght University Hospital and Cork University Maternity Hospital; if this will include infrastructure, staff, training; the funding for same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12189/22]
View answerAs part of the work of the Women’s Health Taskforce, in April 2021, I announced the expansion of the endometriosis service at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH) to deliver a specialist endometriosis centre for the management and treatment of all forms of endometriosis, with particular focus on advanced and complex cases for which there had previously been no ready access in Ireland.
Building on the work initiated last year under the Women's Health Taskforce, €1.39 million has been provided under Budget 2022, which will enable the expansion of the endometriosis service at TUH as well as the establishment of a new service for more complex endometriosis cases at Cork University Maternity Hospital.
However, as your question also relates to an operational matter, I have referred it to the HSE for direct reply.
330. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment in relation to safeguards necessary to protect pregnant workers and high-risk staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12190/22]
View answerThe Deputy is advised that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, my Department and its agencies have engaged in extensive interdepartmental and stakeholder liaison on an ongoing basis across a range of issues, including the development of various guidance documents. This has included assisting in the development of guidance designed to facilitate a safe return to physical attendance at workplaces. A suite of guidance is available:
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) has developed the "Transitional Protocol: Good Practice Guidance for Continuing to Prevent the Spread of COVID-19" in consultation with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA), the Health Services Executive (HSE) and the Department of Health (DOH): enterprise.gov.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Transitional-Protocol-Good-Practice-Guidance-for-Continuing-to-Prevent-the-Spread-of-COVID-19.pdf.
The Transitional Protocol highlights the need for specific attention to be given to people and workers who may be at higher risk of severe infection with COIVD-19. The HSE categorises these persons as being at "high risk" or "very high risk" depending on their individual medical history and circumstances, and details specific advice for how these persons can protect themselves : www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/overview/.
The HSA also provides detailed guidance for workers and employers:
- Workers: www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19_coronavirus_information_and_resources/covid-19_business_supports/business_supports/fitness-for-work-guidance-for-workers-14may21.pdf.
- Employers: www.hsa.ie/eng/topics/covid-19_coronavirus_information_and_resources/covid-19_business_supports/business_supports/guidance_for_employers_on_fitness_for_work_following_covid19_absence_-_interim.pdf.
The HSE also provides up-to-date guidance and information on COVID-19 for pregnant women specifically, and advice on how they can best protect themselves and their baby: www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/people-at-higher-risk/covid19-and-pregnancy/.
331. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [12192/22]
View answerUnder 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.
332. Deputy Michael Collins asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for an abortion under current telemedicine provisions must be held strictly by video link; if a telephone call is deemed sufficient; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12193/22]
View answerAs part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of Covid-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together in 2020 to put arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the Covid-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it became possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e., before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise. However, as restrictions are beginning to ease, the Department is currently reviewing whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post the COVID-19 public health emergency period. A decision is expected in the coming weeks.
333. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the statistics for adverse outcomes by category in each of the hospitals in the State that were made to the National Incident Management System in the past five years. [12203/22]
View answerThe State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive.
The information requested by the Deputy is not readily available. However, I have asked the State Claims Agency to provide this, and I understand that it will be collated shortly. I will respond directly to the Deputy on receipt of this.
334. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health the number of assistant psychologists currently working in a voluntary capacity within HSE services by CHO area in tabular form. [12210/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly on this.
335. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health when the national pilot to establish the efficacy of the assistant psychologist grade as a paid grade will be completed; if the report will be published; and the expected timeframe for publication. [12211/22]
View answerThe role initially referred to as “Assistant Psychologist” is now titled “Psychology Assistant”, in line with best practice for grades which provide support services to professionally accredited health and social care professionals.
The final evaluation report on the pilot Psychology Assistant initiative was submitted to the HSE in October 2021 and was then forwarded to the Department of Health for consideration. The report was extremely positive regarding the impacts of the PA grade in enhancing the capacity of primary care psychology services (circa 15,500 more clients to be seen than would otherwise be the case between 2018-2021), freeing clinical psychologists to perform at their level of competency and in improving service users' clinical measures. Further to this, the grade also extends opportunities for psychology graduates to gain professional experience whilst working in a paid capacity for the HSE.
In December 2021, following comprehensive engagement with the HSE and evaluation of the final report, the Department granted sanction for the establishment of the PA grade on a permanent basis and extended the contract term for the role to three years.
As the pilot initiative was conducted by the HSE and the evaluation was carried out under instruction of the Executive, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy on the question of publication of the report.
336. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the progress towards achieving the Programme for Government commitment to establish a new national medicines agency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12216/22]
View answerThe Programme for Government includes a commitment to establish a National Medicines Agency.
The establishment of a National Medicines Agency would require a significant body of work to be undertaken, to map out an integrated pharmaceutical policy function for the Agency and to consider the resources necessary for its establishment.
That work has yet to commence and must be considered in the context of the Department of Health’s existing 2022 priorities.
337. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the interaction his Department has had with the European Commission regarding the proposed European health data space; his position on the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12217/22]
View answerThe Department of Health is currently participating in Towards a European Health Data Space (TEHDAS), an initiative of the European Commission, to develop and promote concepts for the secondary use of health data to benefit public health and health research and innovation in Europe. Ireland is participating alongside 25 other European countries.
We are interested in the policy direction this takes at European level. To that end, the Department of Health and the Health Research Board are engaged in a number of TEHDAS work packages and policy forums, where we can learn from other countries’ experiences in developing health information infrastructure. In turn, Ireland’s experiences in this area provide valuable input into the work of TEHDAS. Furthermore, Ireland’s health information system will undergo an expert assessment by the TEHDAS project in May 2022.
