Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
742. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34716/22]
View answer743. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will examine a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34717/22]
View answer795. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has received requests for funding from the HSE and or the Department of Health for use regarding the roll-out of health services and supports for persons suffering from long-Covid. [33815/22]
View answer819. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his Department’s response to the treatment of long-Covid symptoms; the funding that has been provided to date towards the treatment of long-Covid; and if provision will be made for future funding in the upcoming Budget. [34016/22]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 742, 743, 795 and 819 together.
COVID-19 is a new disease and information on it, its features, incidence, and course are still emerging. My Department and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research, and data on all aspects of COVID-19 including Long COVID, as it emerges to ensure care is in place for all who need it.
The HSE has developed and is implementing an interim Model of Care to provide Long COVID services nationally. This builds on existing service provision to further develop the necessary services across a number of health care settings including GP, community services and acute hospitals. The first priority is to ensure there are Long COVID and Post-Acute COVID clinics operating within each Hospital Group to ensure a national service. This involves expanding the resources at existing clinics where required and development of new clinics in line with the Model of Care. Anyone concerned about Long COVID is advised to engage with their GP in the first instance.
The HSE has advised that funding of €2.2 million has been allocated within the HSE for Long COVID service development in 2022. Access to these services will be in line with the current approach across health and social care services.
The HSE's funding for 2023 has not yet been allocated, therefore the level of funding available for Long COVID has not yet been determined. Proposals in relation to Long COVID and the associated funding requirements will be considered by my Department as part of the annual Estimates process later this year.
