Tuesday, 26 Apr 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1351-1374

Hospital Admissions

Questions (1351)

David Cullinane

Question:

1351. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average patient experience time to admission for emergency department attendances in each of the years 2015 to 2021 and in Q1 2022 for each emergency department for each statutory HSE and public voluntary hospital by hospital group in tabular form; the number of attendances and presentations; the percentage admission rates; the number and percentage of patients admitted with a PET of 6 or less hours, 6-9 hours, 9-12 and 12 or more hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19304/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Admissions

Questions (1352)

David Cullinane

Question:

1352. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average length of stay for patients admitted for longer than one day via an emergency department or otherwise in each of the years 2015 to 2021 and in Q1 2022 for each statutory HSE and public voluntary hospital by hospital group in tabular form; the number that stayed longer than 5, 10, and 31 days; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19305/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (1353)

David Cullinane

Question:

1353. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on waiting lists for the range of CHO-provided or overseen services by CHO and by speciality and service by each service waiting list, by age cohort breakdowns and the time spent on the waiting list within cohorts at the end of March 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19306/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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 (1354)

David Cullinane

Question:

1354. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on diagnostic waiting lists at the end of March 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19307/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The latest available diagnostic waiting list data is outlined in the document attached, which sets out waiting list data for Quarter 1 2022 for CT, MRI and Ultrasound. The HSE advises that, at present, further diagnostic scans (including cholangiopancreatography, electroencephalogram, angiogram, and bone scan), are not yet captured as part of this project.

The HSE advises that a pilot project commenced in 2016 by the HSE Acute Hospitals Division to progress the collection of national radiology waiting list data. The project has been supported by the Radiology Clinical Care Programme and has involved key stakeholders across the system including the National Integrated Medical Imaging System (NIMIS) Team, Hospital Groups, and the support of the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) for data collection and data management expertise.

The information that is currently being collected is presently being tested and validated at hospital, hospital group and national level and as such should not be used/reported without the context of the caveats set out below:

- Data is subject to inclusions and exclusions which are documented in the Data Profile Document. This document is available from Acute Operations and has been circulated to all Hospital Groups

- Data contains urgent, routine and surveillance/planned activity which is currently not broken down in detail, as such this includes surveillance/planned activity which may not be exceeding planned date.

- Data is still undergoing validation at Hospital and Hospital Group level.

- Data does not take into account local nuances at site level (Site profile developed to support understanding of same).

- The purpose of this aggregate data is to provide a National Level overview of the number of patients waiting for modalities of CT, MRI and Ultrasound.

- This report is not intended to be used for the active management of hospital diagnostics waiting list, local reports and mechanisms should continue to be used for the management of diagnostics waiting lists at hospital level.

In Q1 2022, there were a total of 236,380 patients reported on the waiting list from all sites, this represents all outpatients waiting, urgent, semi urgent, routine and planned/surveillance (where diagnostic access is planned at particular time intervals). 

WaitingLists

Disabilities Assessments

Questions (1355)

David Cullinane

Question:

1355. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have received an assessment of need but not a service statement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19308/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Questions (1356)

Alan Kelly

Question:

1356. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if kitchen staff in hospitals will receive the pandemic bonus of €1,000. [19310/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

On 19th April, the HSE published additional details on this payment, including full eligibility criteria, particulars, and terms and conditions that apply to HSE and Section 38 organisations' employees. This information is available at www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html

On the Deputy's particular question, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct answer and reply. 

Departmental Appointments

Questions (1357, 1360, 1384, 1470, 1541, 1695)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1357. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the terms by which the role of a person (details supplied) at Trinity College Dublin will be funded by his Department; the reason this will be funded by his Department; the cost-benefit analysis of such expenditure; the benefit to the public that will be achieved by use of public funds in this manner; the full cost of this arrangement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19321/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1360. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the full details will be provided of the secondment of a person (details supplied); when this was first raised as a possibility; if the proposal came from the person; if not, the person or body that made the proposal; the reason for the secondment; the manner in which the post will be funded; the responsibilities of the new role; the number of teaching hours expected; the manner in which the candidate was chosen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19345/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1384. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the process that was followed for the appointment of the Chief Medical Officer to a role as professor at Trinity College, Dublin; the reason that this post is funded by his Department; the number and details of similar posts appointed in this manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19391/22]

David Cullinane

Question:

1470. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the officer in his Department who is responsible for signing off on secondments; the highest level ranking officer who was aware of the details of the secondment of the Chief Medical Officer to Trinity College; when he/she was first informed that the Chief Medical Officer was leaving his post for Trinity College; when he/she was first informed that it would be a secondment of indefinite duration funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19727/22]

Carol Nolan

Question:

1541. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 408 of 7 April 2022, when the Secretary General of his Department drew his attention to the circumstances in which the Chief Medical Officer would be seconded to Trinity College; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20029/22]

Mary Lou McDonald

Question:

1695. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if he agreed to allocate €2 million to either Trinity College Dublin or the Health Research Board to establish and operate a Chair of Public Health Strategy within the university. [20653/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1357, 1360, 1384, 1470, 1541 and 1695 together.

On Wednesday 13th April, I published the briefing note prepared by the Secretary General of the Department of Health in relation to these matters. The briefing outlines the context and sequence of events. I also announced that I was initiating an external review in relation to this matter. The review has now commenced and will be carried out by Maura Quinn, the outgoing Chief Executive of the Institute of Directors. Ms. Quinn has offered to carry out this review pro bono and will report back to me in June. The terms of reference for the external review are to:

- Determine learnings from the process related to the proposed secondment of the Chief Medical Officer and associated research proposal.

- Make recommendations that could inform future such initiatives.

It is my intention to publish the report following its consideration.

Health Services

Questions (1358)

Sorca Clarke

Question:

1358. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if all staff have been redeployed back to regional drug and alcohol task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19330/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Strategies

Questions (1359, 1579)

Michael Lowry

Question:

1359. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health when he will meet with persons (details supplied); if his attention has been drawn to the fact that he has not met with an organisation since he assumed office in June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19332/22]

Brendan Smith

Question:

1579. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in finalising a national stroke strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20195/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1359 and 1579 together.

I am advised by the HSE that the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke (NCP Stroke) final draft National Stroke Strategy 2021-2026 was presented at the HSE Chief Clinical Officer (CCO) Clinical Forum at its meeting last July 2021 and was subsequently clinically approved by the Forum, following some minor changes. 

To support implementation of the HSE National Service Plan 2022, consultation and mapping of the Stroke Strategy was required against significant national programmes of work such as the Enhanced Community Care Programme (ECCP) and Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Programme. This consultation and mapping exercise was to ensure that the Stroke Strategy is integrated with these national programmes in order to maximise on the delivery of services to address key priorities as 

part of population healthcare management. 

Consultation and mapping of the strategy against these national programmes of work is now complete and will be reviewed by the HSE Executive Management Team (EMT) over the coming weeks. Consideration will then be given towards publication.

As I am still awaiting submission of the HSE’s approved and published National Stroke Strategy 2021-2026 I am not yet in a position to meet representatives of the Irish Heart Foundation.

Question No. 1360 answered with Question No. 1357.

Hospital Staff

Questions (1361)

David Cullinane

Question:

1361. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the level of European working time directive compliance for each model 2, 3 and 4 hospital, by staff grade and category, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19346/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1362)

Mattie McGrath

Question:

1362. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for ophthalmology appointments throughout the country and within each CHO; the type of appointment; the length of time waiting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19350/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (1363)

Patrick Costello

Question:

1363. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health his plans to roll out electricity subsidies nationally to all COPD patients that are available in certain CHO areas for patients that are using oxygen machines at home for more than 16 hours per day. [19353/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Nursing Homes

Questions (1364)

Paul Kehoe

Question:

1364. Deputy Paul Kehoe asked the Minister for Health if a resident in a nursing home under the support scheme can be removed based on circumstances (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19355/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (1365)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

1365. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his views on a campaign by an association (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19361/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services Staff

Questions (1366)

Duncan Smith

Question:

1366. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the payment to second midwives at home births who are on call from 37 weeks potentially to 42 weeks of pregnancy, and in cases in which there is a hospital transfer do not get paid at all, from the current level of €160 before tax; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19362/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Data

Questions (1367)

Duncan Smith

Question:

1367. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of home births that took place in each of the years 2018 to 2021. [19363/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Departmental Data

Questions (1368)

Duncan Smith

Question:

1368. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the data that exists on the number of planned home births registered with the HSE; and the number of planned home births that ended up being transferred to a hospital maternity unit. [19364/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (1369)

Duncan Smith

Question:

1369. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the services provided by the HSE in relation to treatment of tongue-tie in babies. [19365/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Primary Care Services

Questions (1370)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1370. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost of providing BNP blood testing and echocardiography at primary care level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19369/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Health Services

Questions (1371)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1371. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the costs of ensuring adequate national capacity to deliver cardiac rehabilitation to all patients for whom it is recommended, ensuring staffing and resources are protected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19370/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation. 

Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.

Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of CR service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. The number of patients (5,063) accessing CR in 2019 increased by 25% from 2010.  There are also ever-increasing referrals of more complex, older and frail patients with multiple comorbidities to cardiac rehabilitation programmes which, while bringing additional challenges, can result in tremendous individual gains in health and wellbeing for those patients.

Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest a 71% referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation programmes.  There are at least 36 centres in Ireland providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019” recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.

The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.

The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive, by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme and includes cardiac rehabilitation services in its work.

The Steering Group is currently working on the development of the proposed recommendations of the draft Report with the next meeting planned for May 2022 The implementation process for the National Cardiac Services Review is also being developed as part of the process to finalise the Report. Decisions on further service developments will await the final Report and recommendations of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services.

Hospital Charges

Questions (1372)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1372. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of abolishing inpatient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19371/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Normal patient activity has been affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result 2020 and 2021 are not representative of normal services. Therefore 2019 would currently be the best representation of Income levels outside of the COVID Pandemic.

In 2019, €30.6 million was raised through the statutory inpatient charge in the Acute Hospitals. 

Departmental Budgets

Questions (1373)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1373. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the current health and well-being budget; the health and well-being budget in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19372/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Health and Wellbeing Programme in my Department is responsible for coordinating the implementation of Healthy Ireland which is the National Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025.  

Healthy Ireland is based on evidence and experience from around the world which clearly shows that to create positive changes in health and wellbeing takes the involvement of the whole of Government and all of society working together. Given the wider “health in all policies” approach of Healthy Ireland, investment across multiple sectors, through Government Departments and their agencies and in wider society, all contributes to broad health and wellbeing in line with the Healthy Ireland Framework.   

The funding for Health and Wellbeing in my Department currently and over the last five years, is as follows:

Year	Amount (€mil)
2017	5.9
2018	5.6
2019	7.5
2020	7.33
2021	12.45
2022	15.39

*To note the amounts above do not include the spend by the HSE on health and wellbeing services within the community and acute settings.  

The €15.39 million budget for 2022 covers actions that support local communities, including the Healthy Ireland Fund and the new Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.  Funding is allocated for National programmes including Age Friendly Ireland, Sport Ireland and the Healthy Ireland at Your Library programme.  The allocation will also be used to empower citizens to adopt healthier behaviours through various citizen engagement campaigns.  The Healthy Ireland Survey and a contribution toward the Health Behaviour in School Aged Children is also funded from this budget.  Several settings-based initiatives are funded, including Healthy Campuses, Workplaces and Clubs.  Finally, the allocation will be utilised to develop various guidelines and policies, including Healthy Eating guidelines and Mental Health Promotion. 

There is overwhelming evidence that investment in prevention is cost-effective in both the short and longer term. In addition, investing in public health generates cost-effective health outcomes and can contribute to wider sustainability, with economic, social and environmental benefits.  Healthy Ireland is a core framework for the implementation of Sláintecare and provides the central platform to address the social determinants of health that impact how well people live their lives.

Healthcare Infrastructure Provision

Questions (1374)

Louise O'Reilly

Question:

1374. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the costs involved in the national roll-out of heart failure virtual clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19373/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.