Written Answers Nos. 1198-1217
1198. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the current status and proposed timeframe for the First 5 action plan to develop a dedicated child health workforce, adopting a population-based approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12472/23]
View answerFirst 5 is Ireland’s first ever cross-departmental strategy to support babies, young children and their families. The ambitious ten-year plan will deliver a broader range of options for parents to balance working and caring and a new model of parenting support.
In line with the principles set out in Sláintecare, and the First 5 Whole of Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and Their Families 2019- 2028, my Department is tasked with progressing Strategic Action 3A - to develop a dedicated child health workforce model with a population-based approach and focused on areas of high population density and disadvantage, recognising that this will require additional resources. This work was overtaken by other more immediate priorities with the onset of the pandemic.
The Department is now focusing on progressing this matter, including the development of a pilot model of practice for child health and wellbeing workforce. This requires the re-establishment of the relevant working group which will be tasked with, among other things, the scoping out of the most appropriate approach to developing a model, informed by international best practice and outcomes and the implications for the Irish context.
Separately, the Department is identifying an appropriate model for community nursing and midwifery in Ireland and aligning this model with the framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in Community Care settings. This work will be helpful in developing a dedicated child health workforce model.
A detailed implementation report was published in 2019. Multiple divisions of the Department of Health, as well as partners including the HSE and Tusla, are involved in the implementation of the health-related elements of the plan.
Implementation of the 2019 actions of the First Five Years Strategy is underway across the following areas in the HSE that are responsible for implementing the actions from the First Five Years Strategy; 1) National Healthy Childhood Programme, 2) The Healthy Eating and Active Living Programme, 3) The Mental Health Division, 4) The National Women and Infants Programme, 5) National Immunisation Office, 6) Community Operations, 7) The Nurture Programme and 8) Strategic Planning and Transformation”. Some examples of the significant number of service delivery areas with a focus on children, either in whole or in part are outlined below.
The Children’s Health Ireland Hospital Group is perhaps the clearest example of an area of health service delivery that is entirely focussed on children. The New Children’s Hospital Project comprises the main hospital at St James’ campus in Dublin, and two new centres at Connolly and Tallaght hospitals.
The Paediatric Outpatient and Urgent Care Centre, Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) at Connolly, opened in July 2019. The Paediatric Outpatient and Emergency Care Centre, CHI at Tallaght, opened in November 2021. CHI at Tallaght and CHI at Connolly are successfully delivering a new model of ambulatory and urgent care for children and adolescents in the Greater Dublin Area, improving access to urgent and outpatient care for a significant number of children.
Despite unprecedented challenges and uncertainty arising out of Covid, Brexit and the invasion of Ukraine, which have affected the wider construction industry and the general economy, it is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made on the new Children's Hospital at St James’s.
The focus throughout 2022 and 2023 at the St James’s site is the internal fit-out. The most advanced areas have finished floors, walls, ceilings and joinery, such as nursing stations, installed. Equipment is also in place. The Emergency Department, Imaging, Critical Care and Therapy areas are progressing at pace. The first clinical rooms were completed in late 2022, ready for commissioning, and the rest will follow in a scheduled manner throughout 2023.
Building on the significant investment of €7.3m to continue implementation of the National Maternity Strategy (2016-2026) in 2021, funding of €8.7m was allocated under Budget 2022.
The funding provided in 2021 allowed for further development of community midwifery as well as specialist services. It has enabled the expansion of breastfeeding supports and strengthened training and education supports for staff.
The funding allocated in 2022 is providing for the recruitment of an additional 87.8 Whole Time Equivalent staff (WTE) into maternity services across the country, including consultants, midwives/nurses, Allied Health professionals, healthcare assistants and administrative staff. These posts are supporting the realisation of the Strategy’s vision of a new model of integrated, team-based care that provides increased choice to women, as well as improving outcomes and experiences for women and babies accessing maternity services.
Encouraging mothers to breastfeed is a priority for the Department of Health. National health policy, including the Healthy Ireland Framework, the National Maternity Strategy, the Obesity Policy and Action Plan, and the National Cancer Strategy, emphasises the importance of supporting mothers who breastfeed, as well as taking action to increase breastfeeding rates in Ireland.
The HSE Breastfeeding in a Healthy Ireland Action Plan is the framework for progressing supports for breastfeeding in Ireland.
In May 2021, Minister Donnelly announced additional annual funding to the HSE of €1.58 million to fund 24 additional lactation consultants thereby providing support to every maternity unit in the country.
By the end of 2022 there was a total of 45.6 WTE lactation consultants in post, comprised of 31.8 in maternity services and 13.8 WTEs in community services. In maternity services, 9.5 WTEs were allocated from the Ministerial announcement of 24 posts of which 8.5 WTEs were filled. In community services 14.5 WTEs were allocated from the Ministerial announcement of 24 posts. 7 WTEs were in post with a further 6 due to take up positions in early 2023.
The HSE is actively engaged in enhancing lactation supports through both these dedicated infant feeding positions and the implementation of training for all practitioners who provide advice and support in infant feeding as part of their wider service roles.
Healthy Ireland, which comprises both the Health and Wellbeing Programme in the Department of Health, and the Health and Wellbeing Division in the HSE, also provides significant supports for child health and wellbeing.
The HSE Education Team works with the Professional Development Service for Teachers in terms of supports and resources for schools and various wellbeing curricula.
The Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme, which has been rolled out to 19 of the communities of most need around the country, includes many supports for families and children, including parenting supports and Healthy Food Made Easy courses.
The Department of Education’s Active School Flag programme, co-funded by Healthy Ireland, supports pupils in more schools to be more active, more often. Over 2,100 primary schools have engaged with the programme since inception and a pilot programme for post-primary schools is also in progress. Healthy Ireland also co-funds Sport Ireland’s Children’s Sport Participation and Physical Activity Study, and the Daily Mile in schools, which is managed by Athletics Ireland.
The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth has responsibility for reporting on the wider implementation of the Strategy and recently met with Ms. Georgina Bassett, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer, Department of Helath on this matter.
1199. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to support individuals who are required to travel to the UK for cancer treatment. [12473/23]
View answerI understand the Deputy may be seeking further information on the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS).
The HSE operates the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for persons entitled under EU Regulation 883/04. The TAS is a consultant led scheme and allows for an Ireland-based public consultant to refer a public patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in the public healthcare system of another EU member state, the UK or Switzerland. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved public treatments in another EU/EEA member state, the UK or Switzerland through the issue of form S2 (IE) where the treatment is:
- among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
- not available in Ireland;
- not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease;
- medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
- a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;
- provided in a recognised public hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form S2 (IE) and;
- is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
The HSE provides further information for patients on the HSE TAS website:
www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/treatment-abroad-scheme/
Patients are advised to contact the HSE TAS office directly, for advice on making an application for treatment abroad, in advance of traveling abroad. Contact details are available on the TAS Website.
1200. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has not been given a date for a procedure in view of the consequences caused by the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12487/23]
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.
1201. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department has taken to address the ambulance service provision issues identified in the 2016 Brady and Flaherty Review of Arrangements for the Provision of the Emergency Ambulance service in the Dublin Region; the progress to date on each of the 16 recommendations; the timeline he is working towards for implementation; if he intends to publish an implementation plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12490/23]
View answer1221. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of all 16 recommendations from the 2016 Review of Arrangements for the Provision of Emergency Ambulance Service in the Dublin region; the progress to date on each recommendation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12541/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1201 and 1221 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, ambulance services in Dublin are primarily provided by Dublin Fire Brigade (DFB) through an arrangement between Dublin City Council (DCC) and the HSE. The HSE National Ambulance Service (NAS) provides emergency ambulance resources in support of the DFB to address service demand in the Dublin area, where required.
There is a high level of cooperation between the DFB and the HSE NAS on day-to-day operational matters. This collaborative relationship was further strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts are ongoing to build on this cooperation to strengthen arrangements for the delivery of ambulances services in Dublin.
A joint HSE and DCC chaired Task and Finish Group has been established to strengthen the service delivery model for ambulance services in Dublin, centered on patient safety and maintaining a highly professional ambulance service for the citizens of Dublin. The Group held it's first meeting on the 21st February 2023 and it is due to hold it's next meeting shortly.
Membership of the Group comprises representatives from the HSE, Dublin City Council, Dublin Fire Brigade, National Ambulance Service, trade union representatives, as well as representatives from the Department of Health and the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
As the work of the Task & Finish group is ongoing, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy with any further pertinent information it may have on the Deputies queries, as soon as possible.
1202. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the process by which a person (details supplied) can access the Covid bonus payment for their staff. [12492/23]
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.
1203. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in issuing insulin pumps for children (details supplied) in Limerick; if the issue is pertaining to training as suggested; and the steps being taken to resolve the issue. [12494/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1204. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 823 of 14 February 2023, if the contracts for the 73 WTEs recruited in 2019 were hired specifically to provide termination of pregnancy; and/or if the facilitation of abortion/termination of pregnancy is stated in their contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12498/23]
View answerAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct response.
1205. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the total number of HSE and staff in his Department that were hired between 2019 and 2022 with abortion/termination of pregnancy mentioned in their contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12499/23]
View answerThe total number of staff in the Department of Health hired between 2019 and 2022 with abortion/termination of pregnancy mentioned in their contract is zero.
As this is a service issue regarding HSE staff contracts I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the number of staff that were hired between 2019 and 2022 with abortion/termination of pregnancy mentioned in their contract.
1206. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if he will confirm the changes made to the medical card eligibility criteria in Budget 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12500/23]
View answerEligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE. The HSE assesses each medical card application on a qualifying financial threshold. No changes were made to the medical card eligibility criteria in Budget 2023, however my Department keeps medical card issues under review, including in relation to current medical card income thresholds, in order to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs.
As announced in Budget 2023, eligibility for a GP visit card, which provides for GP care without charges, is to be extended to people who earn no more than the median household income from April. Relevant income thresholds will be adjusted for people living alone and for those with children. Operational details will be made available prior to the commencement of the income-based expansion. It is envisaged that these measures will be supported by a significant package of additional capacity supports to GP practices.
1207. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when an individual (details supplied) will receive their pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12507/23]
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.
1208. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of people who detransition in Ireland each year; and the supports the health service provides to these people. [12509/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1209. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will address the issue of a long wait for orthodontic surgery in CHO8 (details supplied). [12512/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1210. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the provision that has been put into place regarding women who have suffered a still birth at pregnancy; and if there is 'pregnancy after loss' notification on medical files to inform the doctor/midwife/consultant of the bereaved mother's medical history prior to an appointment and assessment. [12517/23]
View answer1391. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will acknowledge the pain and trauma parents experience following the loss of a stillborn child and the impact that this can have on future pregnancies in terms of fear, anxiety and the re-experiencing of the loss; in recognition of this, if he will consider the introduction of a coded sticker that can be applied to pregnancy charts to indicate that the current pregnancy is a 'pregnancy after loss' that will alert medical staff immediately to read the history and act accordingly, thereby minimising the pain of having to explain at each visit about the previous loss; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13238/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1210 and 1391 together.
As the National Women and Infants Health Programme leads on the management, organisation and delivery of maternity, gynaecological and neonatal services, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1211. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when an individual (details supplied) will received their pandemic special recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12519/23]
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.
1212. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a copy of all emails between the HSE, CRT and HIQA with a care facility (details supplied) in Limerick in the lead-up, during and after the Covid outbreak of April and May 2020. [12520/23]
View answerThe Freedom of Information Legislation provides a mechanism for individuals to seek access to records. Both the Health Service Executive and the Health Information and Quality Authority are organisations that are separate to the Department of Health for the purposes of the FOI Act. FOI requests to HIQA can be submitted by email to foi@hiqa.ie, or by letter to the FOI Liaison Officer, Health Information and Quality Authority, Unit 1301, City Gate, Mahon, Cork. Further details are available on the HIQA FOI webpage: www.hiqa.ie/get-touch/make-foi-request
Details on how to make a request to the HSE, including the relevant application form, are available on the HSE FOI webpage: www.hse.ie/eng/services/yourhealthservice/info/foi/making-a-request/.
1213. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of concerns that were raised about care facility (details supplied) in Limerick, to HIQA and to his Department in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023; and the categories they fall into. [12521/23]
View answer1218. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of concerns that were received by his Department and HIQA regarding a nursing home (details supplied) in 2020, 2021 and 2022; and if he will provide a breakdown of those complaints. [12526/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1213 and 1218 together.
The Health Act 2007, as amended, provides the overarching regulatory framework for the nursing home sector with further detailed requirements set out in Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and Quality Standards. Under the Health Act 2007, as amended, and related Regulations, the registered provider is responsible and accountable for the quality of care and safety of residents in nursing homes (designated centres) and all nursing homes are required to have a clear complaints procedure in place, Part 10 of the Care and Welfare Regulations sets out the requirements in this regard.
The majority of representations to my Department for the period set out by the Deputy, which coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic, were in relation to restrictions on visitation that had been implemented to protect the residents of nursing homes from COVID-19 infection or were in relation to the service provided by the home. Any complaints of a serious nature are forwarded to HIQA as a matter of course and to the HSE where appropriate. As a regulator HIQA has no formal legal role in examining individual complaints, however, the Authority does take into account all information it receives, including complaints from the public, when carrying out inspections. If a concern is raised about a nursing home, HIQA reviews all information received to inform its on-going risk-based regulation activities. HIQA welcomes information in relation to designated centres that come within its regulatory remit. HIQA has advised my Department that it received 15 pieces of unsolicited information (UROI) for the relevant period in relation to Phoenix Community Nursing Home, with 11 in 2020, 1 in 2021 and 3 in 2022 received.Themes* included:Safeguarding (12), Rights (12), Infection prevention and control measures (10), Quality ofcare (6), General welfare and development (3), Visiting (3).Governance and management (12), Communication (9), Information governance (1), Staffing (1)
40 pieces of unsolicited information (UROI) were received in relation to Ennis Road Care Facility for the relevant period, with 22 received in 2020, 6 in 2021, 7 in 2022 and 5 in 2023. Themes included:
Safeguarding (35), Rights (35), Quality of care (22), Infection prevention and control measures (14), Protection (7), General welfare and development (6), Premises (5). Governance and management (35), Staffing (16), Communication (14), Contracts (3), Complaints handling (2).
*A UROI can contain several themes.
1214. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the exact supports that were offered to a care facility (details supplied) in Limerick during the Covid outbreak in 2020, when there was a huge loss of life; if they went in to take over the service; and if not, the reason therefor, given the facility had little to no staff to care for dying residents. [12522/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1215. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of concerns that were received regarding the Mercy Hospital Cork in 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023, broken down into categories. [12523/23]
View answer1216. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of concerns that were received about Cork University Hospital in 2020, 2021, 2022, and to date in 2023, broken down into categories. [12524/23]
View answer1217. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of concerns that were received about Mullingar General Hospital in 2020, broken down into categories. [12525/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1215, 1216 and 1217 together.
As these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
