James O'Connor
Question:665. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the €1,000 Covid bonus payment for healthcare workers (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16029/22]
View answerCovid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (665)
Written answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily on-site in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
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. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, and that the Department is not in a position to comment on individual cases, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Disability Services
Questions (666)
Paul McAuliffe
Question:666. 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 County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16030/22]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Disability Services
Questions (667, 668)
David Cullinane
Question:667. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 762 of 1 March 2022, when the software company which provided maintenance and technical support for the assessment officers’ system database ceased to provide such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16034/22]
View answerDavid Cullinane
Question:668. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 762 of 1 March 2022, when it was first reported or flagged that the AOS database system was not for purpose and has not had the necessary upgrades or technical changes required; the years in which services were sought to upgrade the database; the number of times the database has been upgraded since its inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16035/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 667 and 668 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 668 answered with Question No. 667.
Abortion Services
Questions (669)
Carol Nolan
Question:669. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out any risk assessment research into the operation of telemedicine abortion in Ireland, particularly in relation to the potential health dangers and related issues of possible coercion in advance of the impending decision on whether to adopt a blended approach or revert to full in-person consultations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16039/22]
View answerWritten answers
As 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, with restrictions eased, 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.
At the request of the Department, the HSE conducted a review of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy. The findings of this review are currently being examined.
It is important to reflect that COVID-19 is still with us and Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance on Managing Risk of Transmission of Respiratory Viruses including COVID-19, continues to advise, amongst other things, to limit footfall in General Practice settings and support telephone consultations where care that meets the needs of the patient can be delivered - this helps to eliminate the risk of transmission of viral infection. As such the arrangements for remote access to this service in the context of COVID-19 remain in place.
Departmental Bodies
Questions (670)
David Cullinane
Question:670. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he plans to establish further cross-departmental strategic workforce advisory groups; if so, the number of groups and areas of focus that will be established; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16042/22]
View answerWritten answers
There is an urgent need for an integrated, comprehensive, and sustainable approach to health and social care workforce planning to support the successful implementation of the Sláintecare Reform Programme. This approach must be based on population health needs, reflect the policy agenda, span multiple time horizons, and be informed by international best practice.
My Department has commenced a programme of work to deliver a Health and Social Care Workforce Planning Strategy and Action Plan and Planning Projection Model. This work is being undertaken with the support of the European Commission under the auspices of their Technical Support Instrument which will provide the technical expertise to deliver this project. The work is due to be completed in Autumn 2023. The project will build on existing health and social care workforce planning initiatives to develop future health and social care workforce demand and supply planning projections. The HSE is actively supporting and engaged in this work. The Strategic Workforce Planning Unit in my Department are working in collaboration with the HSE, Government Departments, Higher Education Sector, Regulators, and Professional bodies to deliver on this strategic workforce planning initiative.
The development of an integrated health and social care workforce planning approach will be progressed in the context of strong engagement with key stakeholders across government including the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, the Higher Education Authority, the HSE and other government departments to ensure that sufficient workers are being trained in the right disciplines to meet population needs and to agree new ways of training multidisciplinary teams.
A subgroup, within existing structures, is being established to engage in detailed workforce planning for the immediate term to support the implementation of the Disability Action Plan, and the training programmes required to produce additional staff with the right skills and qualifications to enable service capacity to grow in line with requirements. This group involves the HSE, and service providers. It will work in tandem with the Department of Health’s Strategic Workforce Planning Unit and other Government Departments working on an integrated response to health and social care staffing requirements across the different care groups.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Questions (671)
Cian O'Callaghan
Question:671. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when he will act on the commitment to give a recognition payment of €1,000 to eligible front-line health and ambulance workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16045/22]
View answerWritten answers
Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for front-line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily on-site in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021.
This payment will be made to those eligible public sector front-line healthcare staff (inclusive of agency staff working for the HSE) who worked in clinical settings, noting this list is not exhaustive: those Doctors / Nurses / Health Care Assistants / Porters / Cleaners etc. that work in clinical settings. The measure encompasses Health Care Support Assistants (also known as Home Carers / Home Help) employed by or carrying out duties contracted to the HSE.
The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). The measure further extends to those equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health.
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. Additionally, the Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of the Department and HSE’s objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly.
Upon conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE. Noting that the details will be finalised once this consultation has concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Disability Services
Questions (672, 673, 674)
Mattie McGrath
Question:672. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting an assessment of needs in County Tipperary; the average length of time waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16051/22]
View answerMattie McGrath
Question:673. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for speech and language therapy in County Tipperary; the average length of time waiting; the number of therapists available; the number of positions vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16052/22]
View answerMattie McGrath
Question:674. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for occupational therapy in County Tipperary; the average length of time waiting; the number of therapists available; the number of positions vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16053/22]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 672 to 674, inclusive, together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service issues, they have been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Question No. 673 answered with Question No. 672.
Question No. 674 answered with Question No. 672.
Mental Health Services
Questions (675)
Mattie McGrath
Question:675. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for an assessment and therapies from CAMHS; the average length of time waiting; the number of therapists available; the number of positions vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16054/22]
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.
Nursing Homes
Questions (676)
Richard Bruton
Question:676. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the meetings which have taken place to date to design a scheme through which the properties of persons in nursing homes with support under the fair deal scheme could be incentivised to be made available for rent; if rules have been developed to ensure that older persons do not come under unfair pressure if such changes were made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16058/22]
View answerWritten answers
Under Action 19.8 in the Housing for All Strategy, the Department of Health has committed to develop a mechanism in relation to the rental of vacant properties "in a way that is targeted, equitable, evidence-based and provides appropriate safeguards for vulnerable older people". Complex policy questions are currently being resolved in order to meet these criteria and mitigate the high risks and costs associated with unintended consequences - including the risks that the Deputy mentions - with a view to introducing legislation as soon as possible once this is complete.
The Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and other Departments have met to discuss the matter a number of times and continue working together on developing a policy in relation to the treatment of rental income. I expect to be in a position to bring legislation forward in the coming months.
It is also worth noting changes that have been introduced relating to the sale of a residence. Within the NHSS, the asset value of a resident's home, known in the Scheme as the "principal residence", is assessed for 3 years, with 7.5% of its value going towards the cost of care (3.75% in the case of a couple). After 3 years on the scheme, the value of this property is no longer assessed. In practice, this generally reduces the nursing home fees of those maintaining their home, from year four onwards. However, under previous rules, if it was sold, the resulting cash asset was assessable in full for the entire length of stay in care. This could act as a disincentive for those who might otherwise consider selling their homes. The 2021 Act now extends the 3-year cap to cover the proceeds of sale, so that a person will be able to sell their home without incurring additional fees from the fourth year onwards.
Dental Services
Questions (677)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Question:677. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details on the recently announced waiting list plans for dental treatment to address the urgent needs for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16060/22]
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.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan, which was launched on the 26th of February, allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists. Under this plan the Department, HSE, and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity for the treatment of patients, as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
The plan builds on the successes of the short-term 2021 plan that ran from September to December last year. The 2021 plan was developed by the Department of Health, the HSE and the NTPF and was driven and overseen by a senior governance group co-chaired by the Secretary General of the Department of Health 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. 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 the Department of Health. 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.
Waiting list reductions and maximum waiting time targets apply to all acute hospital scheduled care active waiting lists. The HSE is engaged with hospital groups in a process to focus on specialties and procedures towards which the waiting list fund needs to be specifically directed to ensure the targets are achieved by year end.
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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (678)
Jennifer Whitmore
Question:678. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health when the Novavax vaccine will be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16061/22]
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 practices in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to the Department of Health. The NIAC review all data relating to COVID-19 vaccines on a rolling basis.
Following the recommendation for use of vaccines against COVID-19 by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and authorisation for use by the European Commission, the NIAC develops guidance for their use in Ireland which is contained in the Immunisation Guidelines for Ireland. These guidelines are continuously updated and include guidance on all new vaccines as they are approved for use in Ireland.
You can view the updated guidelines here: www.hse.ie/eng/health/immunisation/hcpinfo/guidelines/covid19.pdf
Following the EMA granting of conditional marketing authorisation for Novavax’s COVID-19 vaccine Nuvaxovid (also known as NVX-CoV2373), NIAC has recommended that this vaccine can be used in those aged 18 years of age and older.
NIAC guidance received on 27th January recommended that Nuvaxovid (Novavax) may be offered to those who have a contraindication to an mRNA vaccine, or who have chosen not to receive another COVID-19 vaccine course. Specific clinical guidance on the use of this vaccine is being developed by National Immunisation Office (NIO) and the HSE will now work to operationalise these updates.
Nursing Homes
Questions (679)
Mattie McGrath
Question:679. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to review the fair deal scheme to ensure that the scheme recognises the increasing cost pressures for the provision of nursing home care, particularly the rise in costs associated with inflation and the implementation of the Covid-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel recommendations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16072/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Funding to support people to access services in the sector continues to be provided in line with the long-established statutory mechanisms under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This is the mechanism established by the Oireachtas to provide for the processes relating to funding under the NHSS and the negotiation of prices for services for private and voluntary providers with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
The Department of Health has also provided significant specific supports to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. As you are aware, the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, also known as TAPS, was established as part of a package of support measures for nursing homes at the start of the pandemic. €134.5 million was made available under the scheme from March 2020 to June 2021. The outbreak assistance element of the scheme is still in payment. In addition to TAPS, direct support has been provided by the HSE to private nursing homes in many areas, including the provision of PPE, serial testing and support with staffing.
The Department published a review of the NTPF pricing system in June 2021. This review was conducted by the NTPF with input from stakeholders and external experts. It recommended several actions to improve the pricing system. These are now being taken forward by the Department and NTPF. Given the size and scope of the NHSS, which is expected to cost the State more than €1.04 billion this year, any changes must be delivered carefully and with due consideration to their impact and any unexpected consequences.
The department is also taking forward the 9 recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs, which was published in December 2021. The purpose of the VFM Review was to identify, quantify and analyse the reasons for any cost differential between private/voluntary and public nursing homes and, following analysis, to make recommendations for improving the value for money obtained by the Health sector.
To continue the substantial progress being made on implementing the recommendations of the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel report, nearly €18 million euro was allocated in Budget 2022 including investment in Community Support Teams and Safeguarding supports.
Finally, in response to the strategic workforce challenges in the nursing home and home care sector, a Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group has been established. The Group is working to a tight timeline and is committed to providing a set of recommendations to me by September 2022.
Health Services Staff
Questions (680)
Mattie McGrath
Question:680. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce equivalent pay for staff providing equivalent care in the nursing home sector considering the current disparity in costs between the private and public nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16073/22]
View answerWritten answers
I am very aware of the strategic workforce challenges which includes pay rates across the nursing homes sector, however, in my capacity as Minister for Older Persons and Mental Health, I have no function in determining the rate of pay in private nursing homes.
I am eager to address the challenges being faced and as such I wish to highlight the Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group which has recently been established, under my direction. It's work will centre on examining and proposing recommendations on the strategic workforce challenges, including pay rates, recruitment and retention of workers, in front-line carer roles in home support and in nursing homes.
I opened the Groups inaugural meeting on 3rd March 2022, at which the Terms of Reference were agreed. They are available on the Department’s website:
gov.ie - Minister for Mental Health and Older People Mary Butler launches the first meeting of the Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants (www.gov.ie).
The Group will progress a structured programme of ongoing consultative engagements with stakeholders to further explore and define the issues, listen to stakeholder views, and identify approaches to respond to the strategic workforce challenges including the recruitment of staff.
The Group will also provide a forum for agreement on strategic approaches to address the workforce challenges in the sector and develop a report for my consideration outlining the Group’s key findings, recommendations, and a proposed action plan to support implementation of these recommendations to include periodic monitoring of progress.
The Group is working to a tight timeline and is committed to providing a set of recommendations to me by September 2022.
Departmental Investigations
Questions (681)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:681. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of commissions of investigation under the remit of his Department currently ongoing in the State; the cost of each commission to date; and the projected costs of each in tabular form. [12559/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Commission of Investigation (Certain matters relative to a disability service in the South East and related matters) (“The Farrelly Commission”) ongoing at present, commenced work on 15 May 2017. The Commission was established to investigate the care and protection of “Grace” (pseudonym) and others in a former foster home in the South East, which has been the subject of abuse allegations. There are two phases to the Commission with the completion of Phase 1 projected for July 2022. The Farrelly Commission’s costs to end 2021 are €7,900,236.49 . This figure includes the Commission’s legal team, staff, administrative and accommodation costs and third party legal costs.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (682)
Alan Dillon
Question:682. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the public waiting list in County Mayo for ophthalmology, cataracts, knee and hip replacements/orthopaedics and urology, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16106/22]
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.
€350m is being allocated in 2022 to the HSE and the NTPF to primarily provide additional public and private activity to further stabilise and reduce scheduled care waiting lists and waiting times in tandem with bringing forward much needed longer-term reforms. This will supplement the core activity of the HSE as detailed in the HSE National Service Plan (NSP) 2022.
The 2022 waiting list action plan, which the Minister for Health 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 the Department of Health, 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 the 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 the 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 information requested by the Deputy concerning the breakdown of the public waiting list in County Mayo for ophthalmology, cataracts, knee and hip replacements, orthopaedics and urology, is outlined in the following document.
Hospital Staff
Questions (683)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:683. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to put in place a working group on HSCP and physio recruitment and career progression similar to that which exists for nurses. [16109/22]
View answerWritten answers
HSCP Deliver, A HSCP Strategic Guidance Framework for Health and Social Care Professions 2021-2026 (National Health and Social Care Professionals Office, HSE 2021), launched by the HSE Chief Clinical Officer, Dr Colm Henry, includes commitments regarding progressing advanced practice for Health and Social Care Professionals.
The National HSCP Office working with senior management in the HSE and in liaison with my Department, is leading a project to progress advanced practice in the Health and Social Care Professions including but not limited to physiotherapists, which encompasses developing an overarching framework incorporating all the key considerations and factors including an agreed definition and approach across the professions, core competencies, a planned approach to meeting educational requirements, governance and regulatory considerations which can inform policy development in this area.
Progressing advanced practice for Health and Social Care Professions including physiotherapy aligns with and supports the delivery of Sláintecare, all staff working at top of licence, to help address staffing shortages in the health services and support retention of Health and Social Care Professions who might otherwise be lost due to lack of opportunities for career progression in clinical roles.
The HSE is supportive of progressing advanced practice for physiotherapy as part of a wider response to population health care needs that will include all relevant professions within the Health and Social Care Professions group to assist in addressing health care priorities such as waiting list reduction, admission avoidance, patient flow and egress from the acute hospital, and develop the advance practitioner role to address key health issues and assist in the delivery of healthcare reform.
Hospital Staff
Questions (684)
Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
Question:684. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to extend to the acute and hospital sector the current provision whereby HSCPs and physios in the primary setting can be upgraded to a senior role after five years. [16110/22]
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.