Tuesday, 12 Jul 2022

Written Answers Nos. 914-935

Hospital Staff

Questions (914)

David Cullinane

Question:

914. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant applications advisory committee approved consultant posts as per the doctors' integrated management e-system; the total number of posts filled on a permanent, temporary, agency, and locum basis in tabular form; the number of vacant posts, broken down by hospital group; the number of newly created posts which are vacant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37451/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the information sought as soon as possible, given its statutory functions in relation to consultant posts.

Hospital Staff

Questions (915)

David Cullinane

Question:

915. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of additional patient care hours which would be provided if all vacant consultant posts were filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37452/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Hospital Staff

Questions (916)

David Cullinane

Question:

916. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of consultant posts filled and the number which became vacant in June 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37453/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (917)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Question:

917. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if progress has been made in recruiting staff given that a previous staff census conducted by the Department advised that child autism services are operating at 75% staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28425/22]

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

Home Care Packages

Questions (918)

Réada Cronin

Question:

918. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if those persons who have been sanctioned carer hours through care at home could go ahead and source a carer from a separate source; the HSE funding for the hours that are sanctioned given the current personnel shortage notified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37524/22]

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.

Health Services Staff

Questions (919)

Michael Moynihan

Question:

919. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of front-line workers who have received the pandemic bonus payment to date; when all payments are expected to issue to front-line workers eligible for the payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37526/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html.

Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE. As of Friday, 8 July, 68,943 eligible HSE staff have received payment around the country. This number excludes Section 38 agencies which are estimated to have paid 20,000 staff to date thereby bringing the total number of employees paid to 88,943. The rest of eligible employees will be paid as soon as possible.

The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Redeployed members of the Defence Forces to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;

6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.

Medical Cards

Questions (920)

Richard Boyd Barrett

Question:

920. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the living alone allowance is reckonable for a means test for the medical card for persons aged over 70 years but not for persons under 70 years; if so, the rationale for this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37528/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Questions (921)

Cathal Crowe

Question:

921. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide CoaguChek and self-test strips free of charge for patients who require long-term oral anticoagulant therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37529/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.

In making a relevant reimbursement decision, the HSE is required under the Act to have regard to a number of criteria including efficacy, the health needs of the public, cost effectiveness and potential or actual budget impact.

The HSE have advised that International Normalised Ratio (INR) self-testing strips such as CoaguChek® are not reimbursable under the General Medical Services (GMS) and Community Drug Schemes.

Whilst a range of diagnostics are available on the Reimbursement List for use in Diabetes, a change in HSE policy would be required to expand this to other therapeutic areas such as INR testing ancillaries.

The HSE have further advised that on very rare occasions, CoaguChek® strips were approved for reimbursement in the most exceptional circumstances under Discretionary Hardship Arrangements where it was clear that there was no other option for the patient i.e. the person was bed bound or could not travel to the INR clinic.

Medical Cards

Questions (922)

Paul Murphy

Question:

922. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure the urgent completion of a medical card application for a person (details supplied) who as a result of their pulmonary fibrosis illness is on oxygen at all times and who has been issued a temporary medical card which is due to expire in October. [37545/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Questions (923)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

923. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the pandemic bonus payment is to be extended beyond recipients already identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37547/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

On January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.

The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;

6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.

The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.

Hospital Inspections

Questions (924)

Maurice Quinlivan

Question:

924. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to address the concerns highlighted in the recent Health Information and Quality Authority report of its 15 March 2022 inspection of the emergency department at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37548/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I welcome the recent HIQA report following the unannounced inspection of the Emergency Department (ED) in Limerick in March. I am concerned about the significant risk identified in the report to service users.

A compliance plan has been developed containing short-, medium- and long-term actions to bring about compliance with the relevant standards.

I met with senior officials from the HSE recently to discuss the issues in UHL and the immediate responses required to tackle the pressures currently being faced by all 29 EDs across the country. I was updated on the progress of the UHL Expert Team review and the response to the HIQA report. The HSE informed me that the Performance Management Improvement Unit (PMIU) has been mandated under its Performance Accountability Framework to lead the immediate engagement with the Hospital Group and the Mid-West CHO to ensure that the issues identified are addressed as a matter of urgency.

I have since requested the HSE to urgently commence the implementation of short-term measures to deal with the current challenges in UHL ED. Senior PMIU management were on-site again last week, supporting local hospital management.

The Hospital has said that short- and medium-term actions include the redeployment of nursing staff with experience to the ED; reviewing nurse staff levels within the ED; making more effective use of the capacity available in St. John's, Ennis, Nenagh and Croom to support UHL; developing an over-75s assessment area in the ED; and re-establishing the Acute Medical Unit and Surgical Assessment Unit pathways.

I am due to meet with HSE senior management this week to provide a further update on the development of the comprehensive plans for each ED which will set out short term and long-term measures to be taken locally and nationally, including at each Community Healthcare Organisation, to ensure sustainable improvements in emergency care performance.

My Department and I continue to work closely with the HSE to progress the plans which will be published in due course.

Health Strategies

Questions (925)

Jim O'Callaghan

Question:

925. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if the action plan for the disability capacity review will be published; if it will be included in the budgetary plan for 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37549/22]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Department of Health published the Disability Capacity Review in July 2021. This report set out the capacity requirements for health-funded disability services for the period up to 2032. In order to drive the process of implementing the recommendations of the Capacity Review, a Working Group was set up to develop an Action Plan for Disability Services for the period 2022-2025. This Group, whose membership consisted of senior officials from the Departments of DCEDIY, Social Protection, Housing, Further and Higher Education, Health, and the Health Service Executive, has now completed its work and the draft Action Plan is currently being finalised.

Ambulance Service

Questions (926)

Niamh Smyth

Question:

926. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if the National Ambulance Service will address matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37551/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

While my Department does not comment on individual cases, on January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.

The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);

2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;

6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.

Rolling out the payment to eligible employees of those specific non-HSE/Section 38 organisations covered by the government decision is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered, but this work is being given priority attention.

Hospital Appointments Status

Questions (927)

Chris Andrews

Question:

927. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be given a date for a medical operation at Beaumont Hospital given that the person was informed that his or her local hospital, St. James’s Hospital, cannot cover trapped nerves. [37552/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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.

Disability Diagnoses

Questions (928)

Neasa Hourigan

Question:

928. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to the Exchequer of setting up a pathway of diagnostic and after-care supports within the public health system for adults who wish to pursue an autism diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37554/22]

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.

Hospital Staff

Questions (929)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

929. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of endocrinologists who have been successfully processed through the consultant applications advisory committee system in the past five years; and the way that compares with the overall number of new endocrinologists approved to work in this State through the same period. [37585/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Hospital Staff

Questions (930)

Pádraig MacLochlainn

Question:

930. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health the number of times that Letterkenny University Hospital advertised for a second endocrinologist; if the hospital advertised for a permanent endocrinologist; if not, if the hospital advertised for just a two-year temporary contract; the length of time for the advertisement process; the number who applied; the number who were interviewed; and the number who were successful but chose to work outside the Saolta University Health Care Group area. [37586/22]

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 Facilities

Questions (931)

James Browne

Question:

931. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of a 75-bed extension, MRI and the MRI installation at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37597/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.

Question No. 932 answered with Question No. 202.

Question No. 933 answered with Question No. 159.

Question No. 934 answered with Question No. 794.

Healthcare Policy

Questions (935)

Alan Dillon

Question:

935. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if the National Cancer Control Programme will endorse an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37634/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this relates to the endorsement of an organisation by the Health Service Executive, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.