Written Answers Nos. 484-503
484. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the adult community services in County Laois; the number of vacancies that exist; and his plans to recruit additional occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2706/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
485. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of occupational therapists employed in the adult community services in County Offaly; the number of vacancies that exist; his plans to recruit additional occupational therapists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2707/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
486. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will provide, in tabular form for January 2020 to December 2022, the number of people in South Tipperary CHO Area 5 who have a diagnosed neurological condition and are waiting to see the Community Neuro-Rehabilitation Team (CNRT); if his Department and Health Service Executive intend to establish a community neuro-rehabilitation team in CHO area 5 to specifically cover South Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2709/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
487. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any plans that may be under way to ensure adequate support is provided to home dialysis-patients in the context of the current energy and cost-of-living crisis to ensure that they continue to receive their lifesaving and sustaining treatment at home, and can afford same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2713/23]
View answer488. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on any plans that are under way to ensure to include home dialysis-patients in the long-term illness scheme, as they carry out their own lifesaving and sustaining treatment at home at a significant savings to the State; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2714/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 487 and 488 together.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community. This includes aids and appliances needed for home dialysis.
The Long-Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. The LTI scheme will be included as part of a review of the current eligibility framework, including the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
In the meantime, for people who are not eligible for the LTI scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medical costs.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be eligible for a medical card. In accordance with the provisions of the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE. Medical card eligibility is primarily based on an assessment of means and is not granted on the basis of any particular condition.
In certain circumstances, the HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income guidelines, where he or she faces difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from illness. The HSE afford applicants the opportunity to furnish supporting documentation to determine whether undue hardship exists and to fully take account of all relevant circumstances that may benefit them in assessment, including medical evidence of costs and certain expenses.
In circumstances where an applicant is still over the income limit for a medical card, they are then assessed for a GP visit card, which entitles the applicant to GP visits without charge.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals not eligible for a medical card but with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
Individuals may also be entitled to claim tax relief on the cost of their medical expenses, including medicines prescribed by a doctor, dentist, or consultant. Relief is at the standard tax rate of 20%.
For persons experiencing difficulty paying their electricity costs, financial assistance may be available through schemes administered by the Department of Social Protection. Further information can be found at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/.
www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/
In addition, energy suppliers are required to establish, maintain and regularly update a register of vulnerable customers. Vulnerable customers include:
- Those who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, or
- Those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. This includes measures around communication, disconnection and other important areas. Energy suppliers are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer.
Further information regarding this can be found at:
www.cru.ie/need-assistance/vulnerable-customers/
Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland has been granted 3 x €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity.
489. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will review the qualifying thresholds for a medical card (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2715/23]
View answerFor people aged 70 or older, the medical card assessment is based on gross income. The weekly gross income thresholds for eligibility to a medical card for those aged 70 and over were increased in November 2020 and are currently €550 per week for a single person and €1,050 for a couple. It should be noted that people aged over 70 can also be assessed under the general means tested scheme where there are particularly high costs, e.g., medication, nursing home fees.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. In addition, the Deputy may be aware that, since 2015, every individual aged 70 and over has automatic eligibility for a GP visit card. It is also important to note that if a person's sole income is derived from a social welfare payment, even where this payment is in excess of the current income thresholds, these people will be awarded a medical card.
I can assure the Deputy that, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review, including in relation to current medical card income thresholds. More generally, Government considered and agreed the range of measures announced as part of Budget 2023 taking account of the broader general economic and overall fiscal outlook.
490. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an urgent operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2722/23]
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.
491. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for surgery; the reason for the delay in same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2723/23]
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.
492. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the engagement he has had with the HSE since the cessation of the Midlands Youth Drug and Alcohol Services Extern service on 31 December 2022; the timeline for the commencement of the new service, considering young people in the midlands have been without this vital service and support since before Christmas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2726/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
493. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the Health Service Executive will provide an update on the planned new 60-bedroom residential unit on the campus of Saint Patrick's Hospital in Cashel, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2730/23]
View answerAs 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
494. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when the staff in organisations (details supplied) will be paid the pandemic payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2732/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
I would also like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
495. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason a decision has not been taken yet on the new National Children's Hospital; and if he has given any serious consideration given to naming it in honour of a person (details supplied). [2735/23]
View answerThe Children’s Health Act 2018 provided for the creation of Children’s Health Ireland, as the single new entity responsible for providing secondary and tertiary paediatric healthcare services, which are currently provided at four sites – Temple Street, Crumlin, Tallaght and Connolly. As was noted by my predecessor during the passage of this legislation through the Oireachtas, consideration will be given to a naming process. I can advise the Deputy that consideration of this matter is ongoing.
496. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the future plans for the hospital complex sites that currently host Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s Hospital; if his officials have liaised with Dublin City Council to ascertain if Dublin City Council would be interested in the sites for housing, and with the Department of Education for gaelscoileanna; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2736/23]
View answerThe new children’s hospital, on a shared campus with St James’s Hospital, will bring together the three existing children’s hospitals at Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght into one, consolidating specialist expertise and research excellence to ensure the best outcomes for the children of Ireland. Two supporting satellite centres at Connolly and Tallaght are complete and fully operational.
Potential future uses for the existing sites at Crumlin and Temple Street, following the transfer to the new children’s hospital, are at the early stages of consideration.
497. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if the results of a pilot scheme launched on 1 October 2022 was a feasibility study of the ambulance service bringing patients to Mallow General Hospital instead of Cork University Hospital in Cork city; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2743/23]
View answerIn September 2022, the National Ambulance Service (NAS) commenced a pilot project involving the transportation of certain patients to Mallow General Hospital (MGH) instead of patients being directly conveyed to a hospital emergency department. The pilot project operated according to strict clinical and other criteria being met before patients were transported to MGH. I am advised that the pilot project was successful and that this alternative care pathway is now in operation. I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly on this matter with any further information they may have, as soon as possible.
498. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the construction of hospitals devoted exclusively to elective-only procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2767/23]
View answerIn December 2021, the Government approved the National Elective Ambulatory Strategy to implement a national strategy of elective ambulatory care and to progress capital investment proposals for the establishment and operation of dedicated elective hospitals in Cork, Galway, and Dublin. The new Elective Hospitals will provide significant additional capacity, enabling the separation of scheduled and unscheduled care. This will change the way in which day cases, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged across the country, ensuring greater capacity in the future and helping to address waiting times. It is envisaged that the new Elective Hospitals combined will cater for up to 977,700 patients/procedures annually. On 7 December 2022, the Government approved the next stage of the Enhanced Provision of Elective Care Programme and progression of the development of new Elective Hospitals in Cork and Galway (with Dublin to follow). The locations chosen will enhance capacity and tackle waiting times on a national basis, enabling the Elective Hospitals to cover as wide an area and patient population as possible, extending beyond existing and future health areas. The preferred sites, recommended to be brought forward into the planning phase, are at St Stephen's Hospital, Sarsfield Court in Cork, and Merlin Park University Hospital in Galway. The Preliminary Business Case for Dublin will be presented for Government approval in due course. Complementary to the development of the new Elective Hospitals, the HSE will work with Hospital Groups and forthcoming Regional Health Areas to progress proposals for a shorter-term measure to address waiting lists by developing ‘Surgical Hubs’ in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin with a narrower scope of procedures. These will be modelled on the successful Reeves Centre at Tallaght University Hospital (which has significantly reduced waiting times for certain day-care procedures) and will have a shorter-term impact on waiting times. This intervention will also support efforts to consider the necessary reforms and enablers needed to separate unscheduled and scheduled care pathways that will be required by the longer-term provision of the Elective Care programme.
499. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if general practitioners are permitted to prescribe paxlovid for vulnerable people with Covid outside of a hospital setting and, if not, if this can be permitted; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2768/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
500. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on when the Covid-19 pandemic recognition payment will be issued to TTM healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2769/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
It is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
501. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of patients currently awaiting dermatology service in each of the main hospitals; the extent to which modern services continue to be made available through the private or public sector; if the most efficient use of both services is being availed of at present; if administrative changes are required to maximise the availability of expertise in this area with a view to dramatically reducing the number of patients on hospital waiting lists for dermatology services; the new services or technologies that have been deployed recently for dermatology; the hospitals, if any, that are not using such new services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2770/23]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for many scheduled appointments and procedures were too long before and have been made worse by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals are still impacted by operational challenges arising from the pandemic and the current pressures on Emergency Departments.
The Health Service Executive (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 set targets to reduce both the number of people waiting for care and the length of time they are waiting. Positive progress was made in 2022 in relation to both targets, despite negative impacts throughout the year on scheduled care from continued COVID-19 surges, emergency department pressures and other operational factors, including staff hiring. In 2022, there were c.1.56m patients removed from the Waiting list and c.1.53m patients added to the waiting list – a net reduction of c.30k (4%). Long waiters were significantly reduced in 2022: the number of patients exceeding the 18-month maximum wait time target for new outpatient (OPD) appointments target decreased by c.59.0k (38.5%) and the number of patients exceeding the 12-month maximum wait time target for in-patient day case (IPDC) procedures and GI Scopes has decreased by c3.8k (22.6%) and c.3.5k (86.5%) respectively.
Through the 2022 Plan, €350m funding was allocated to the HSE and the NTPF to provide additional public and private activity to reduce the waiting list backlogs that were exacerbated during the Pandemic, but also as the first stage of an ambitious multi annual approach, to lay the foundations for important reforms that will deliver sustained reductions in waiting lists.
For 2023, funding of €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists, some €360m of which is targeted at acute hospital waiting lists. The plan to utilise this part of the funding is being developed by the Department of Health in conjunction with the HSE and NTPF. This will include details of new capacity planned for 2023 as well as important reforms that will improve capacity in the public hospital system.
The NTPF have advised my department that they approved In-sourcing Outpatient (OPD) Dermatology initiatives for funding to date in 2023 for hospitals nationally which will facilitate treatment for 12,278 patients on Dermatology Outpatient waiting lists. Details of these initiatives are provided in the attached document.
In relation to the query raised by the Deputy regarding the number of patients currently awaiting dermatology service in each of the main hospitals, the NTPF provides a breakdown of the IPDC and OPD waiting list figures by adult and child, nationally, by hospital, and by specialty. Current and past waiting list data from 2014 is available on the NTPF website, with open data source information also available for public analysis. The NTPF collates and publishes Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting list data monthly on the NTPF website – ntpf.ie/home/nwld.html
|
Hospital Group |
Referring Hospital |
Specialty |
Initiative Type |
Volume |
|
CHI |
CHI @ Crumlin |
Dermatology |
OPD |
550 |
|
CHI |
CHI @ Temple Street |
Dermatology |
OPD |
368 |
|
DMHG |
Naas General Hospital |
Dermatology |
OPD |
900 |
|
DMHG |
St James's Hospital |
Dermatology |
OPD |
3,500 |
|
DMHG |
Tallaght University Hospital |
Dermatology |
OPD |
1,000 |
|
IEHG |
Mater Misericordiae University Hospital |
Dermatology |
OPD |
1,000 |
|
IEHG |
St. Vincent's University Hospital |
Dermatology |
OP See & Treat |
1,500 |
|
SSWHG |
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
Dermatology |
OP See & Treat |
960 |
|
ULHG |
Nenagh Hospital |
Dermatology |
OPD |
800 |
|
ULHG |
University Hospital Limerick |
Dermatology |
OPD |
1,700 |
|
12,278 |
502. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when tonsillectomy might be arranged in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2771/23]
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.
503. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing safeguarding team staffing levels by 20%, including employers' PRSI; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2782/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have referred it to the Health Service Executive.
