Written Answers Nos. 1775-1790
1775. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to a substantial increase in funding for mental health services in budget 2023; if he will outline the way that his Department plans to address the current crisis in mental health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40372/22]
View answerThe Department is engaging in dialogue with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and the HSE in relation to the 2023 Estimates. Until these discussions are concluded it would not be appropriate for me to comment on this matter. However, I am committed to ensuring the continued enhancement of mental health services through the allocation of additional funding for mental health in 2023.
1776. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation relating to a service (details supplied); his plans to extend the pandemic recognition payment to eligible employees of this service; the details of any engagement that he or officials from his Department have had with representatives of this organisation with regard to extending the pandemic recognition payment to this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40376/22]
View answerFirstly 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 front-line 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.
While the Department cannot comment on specific cases at this point, I can advise that the HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the roll-out 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/Section 38 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. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
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.
1777. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the timeline for the publication of information for the non-HSE and non-section 38 organisation types covered by the Government decision on the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40377/22]
View answerFirstly 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 front-line 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 roll-out 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/Section 38 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. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in front-line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
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. Once a process for payment is in place, I am keen that payments to eligible staff will be made as soon as possible thereafter.
1778. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his views on the overall effectiveness of Ireland’s cancer strategy; and if it is planned to increase the holistic supports provided to persons with cancer and their families. [40403/22]
View answerThe implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is a Programme for Government commitment and is part of the implementation of Sláintecare. We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy in recent years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
The National Cancer Strategy seeks to build on the successes of previous strategies in the areas of prevention, early diagnosis and treatment, while also working to maximise the quality of life for patients living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis.
Funding of €20m new development funding was allocated for implementing the recommendations of the National Cancer Strategy in 2021. As part of Budget 2022, a further €20m in new development funding has been allocated for the continued implementation of the Strategy.
This funding is being used to support ongoing initiatives and to drive improvements across all stages of the cancer continuum – facilitating further developments across prevention, diagnosis, treatment and patient supports.
1779. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40406/22]
View answerOfficials from my Department have requested further details regarding this individual from the Deputy. As this information has not yet been received, my Department is currently unable to follow up on this case.
As soon as the requested details are received, I will ask the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1780. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if families who have been denied respite care due to the fact that no respite care is available in a public facility due to Covid can get financial assistance towards the cost of respite care in a private nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40409/22]
View answerRespite services are critical in supporting persons with disabilities and their families and older persons and potentially helps prevent early admission full-time residential placements. As Minister of State for Mental Health and Older Persons, I am acutely aware of the importance of respite for service users and their families.
The need for increased respite provision for people with a disability and older people is acknowledged by Government and is reflected in the HSE’s National Service Plan for 2021 and 2022.
Government has provided an unprecedented level of investment in the 2021 Budget to improve access to primary care services and older people’s services including €150 million of additional funding for home support to progress the development of a reformed model of service delivery to underpin the statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support services. This funding has been maintained into 2022, providing for 5 million more hours of home support.
Respite Care is arranged on an assessed care needs basis within a client’s CHO area and applications should be submitted locally through their local HSE Primary Care health providers, such as Public Health Nurses and can take place within their own home or in a residential care unit managed by the HSE, voluntary agencies or by private providers. Respite can occur in a variety of settings for various lengths of time, depending on the needs of the individual service user and their family or carer.
At present, there is no scheme or mechanism in place to provide direct funding to clients to avail of such a service at a private nursing home and as such applications for HSE funded respite care should be applied for through their local HSE Primary Care health providers.
For older persons and their families, the impact of the necessary reduction in respite service availability due to COVID-19 cannot be underestimated. The pandemic has also had long lasting effects on scheduled construction projects and has accelerated the closure of some of the HSE's community beds in order to comply with social distancing and infection control requirements. There have also been significant challenges regarding the recruitment of both nursing and healthcare assistant staff within the nursing home sector and home care sector.
In response to the challenge in recruiting staff for the nursing home and home care sector I have established a strategic workforce advisory group to examine strategic workforce challenges in front-line carer roles in home support and nursing homes. Areas being considered by the Group include recruitment, retention, training, pay and conditions, and the career development of front-line carers in home support and nursing homes into the future. This Group has been working with key sectoral stakeholders in a structured programme of ongoing consultative engagements to further explore and define the issues.
I recognise the importance of respite care to allow carers to take a break from their caring role and from the possible stresses that this role may give rise to. At present the Government provides €55.5 million annually for public respite beds and €7.7m for privately contracted respite beds. There is also additional funding available to CHOs for locally contracted respite beds.
In the public sector, there are currently 243 beds identified as general respite and a further 20 beds defined as dementia specific. There is also a further 244 beds categorised for convalescent care, which may also be used for respite purposes as required.
Under the winter planning 2021, the HSE made the decision to purchase additional short stay bed capacity by contracting 567 additional beds from private healthcare providers. As part of this contract 89 of these beds were privately contracted as respite beds available across 4 four CHO areas, with 8 of these beds being defined as dementia specific.
Respite remains a key priority for me and Government, reflected in the funding commitment achieved for the development of new respite centres, alternative respite and the expansion of existing services.
1781. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason that a person (details supplied) has been waiting so long for a transfer within the home care scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40414/22]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1782. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40415/22]
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.
1783. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022, up to and including 18 July 2022; the number of these who were hospitalised due to Covid-19 alone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40417/22]
View answerData on the status of those hospitalised for Covid-19 alone is only available at a point in time for each Tuesday.
|
Date |
The number of patients in hospital who were hospitalised due to Covid-19 alone |
|
12-Jul |
609 |
|
05-Jul |
554 |
|
28-Jun |
450 |
|
21-Jun |
365 |
|
14-Jun |
300 |
|
07-Jun |
179 |
1784. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022 up to 18 July 2022, the number of those who were fully vaccinated against Covid-19 including boosters where appropriate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40418/22]
View answerData on the status of those vaccinated for Covid- 19 alone is only available at a point in time for each Tuesday.
|
Date |
Completed Primary vaccination |
Has not completed primary vaccination |
Boosted |
|
12-Jul |
251 |
457 |
587 |
|
05-Jul |
245 |
350 |
459 |
|
28-Jun |
202 |
310 |
353 |
|
21-Jun |
154 |
237 |
306 |
|
14-Jun |
108 |
191 |
246 |
|
07-Jun |
73 |
125 |
152 |
Completed Primary Vaccination is defined as those who has received their second dose of vaccine more than 14 days ago.
1785. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022 up to 18 July 2022, the number of those who were partly vaccinated against Covid-19, that is, one dose or two doses but not all boosters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40419/22]
View answerData on the status of those vaccinated for Covid- 19 alone is only available at a point in time for each Tuesday.
|
Date |
Completed Primary vaccination |
Has not completed primary vaccination |
Boosted |
|
12-Jul |
251 |
457 |
587 |
|
05-Jul |
245 |
350 |
459 |
|
28-Jun |
202 |
310 |
353 |
|
21-Jun |
154 |
237 |
306 |
|
14-Jun |
108 |
191 |
246 |
|
07-Jun |
73 |
125 |
152 |
Completed Primary Vaccination is defined as those who has received their second dose of vaccine more than 14 days ago.
1786. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022 up to 18 July 2022, the number of those who were not vaccinated at all against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40420/22]
View answerData on the vaccination status of those hospitalised for Covid- 19 is only available at a point in time for each Tuesday.
|
Date |
Number of Non-Vaccinated Hospitalised COVID-19 Patients |
|
12-Jul |
457 |
|
05-Jul |
350 |
|
28-Jun |
310 |
|
21-Jun |
237 |
|
14-Jun |
191 |
|
07-Jun |
125 |
1787. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022 up to 18 July 2022, the number of those who were treated in an intensive care unit for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40421/22]
View answerAttached is the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 each day since 1 June 2022 up to 18 July 2022 and the number of those which were treated in an intensive care unit for Covid-19.
1788. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the lengthy response times by the National Ambulance Service in Carlow; the actions that will be taken to increase the resources of the National Ambulance Service in Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40424/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1789. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a patient (details supplied) will receive a date for a procedure in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40428/22]
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.
1790. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the number of texts received from the 50808 helpline broken down over the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40431/22]
View answerAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
