Written Answers Nos. 1439-1458
1439. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 253 of 8 March 2023, the specific funding amount that he is referring to in the response; if he will define the quantum of funding approved; the amount that is being grant-aided by EU funds; if any funds are being provided through the Exchequer or State funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13510/23]
View answerFunds committed in the EU4Health Work Programme are deployed via grants and procurement, in compliance with the rules set out in the Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2018/1046. Grants involve co-financing. The maximum possible rate of Union co-financing is up to 60% of the total eligible costs of the action, unless specified otherwise in the specific calls for proposals. In cases of exceptional utility, the Union contribution may be increased up to 80% of the total eligible costs. It is important to note that each Member state must provide co-funding of 20% for an EU4Health direct grant.
Ireland joined a European consortia to prepare and submit an application for the direct grant to Member States on the prevention of NCDs (Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes). This application was submitted on the 15th February and is now under review by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the results of which are expected in April or May. Following approval of funding by HaDEA, a grant agreement will be prepared and signed by the beneficiaries. The grant agreement will provide details on the final budget approved by the Commission. Until the grant agreement is signed, all information pertaining to this application is confidential. The expected start date of the project is Sept/Oct 2023.
1440. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if the Government intends to set up a public enquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic in nursing homes; when the enquiry will get underway; how long it will take; who will conduct the enquiry; if the enquiry will be independent; what will be its terms of reference; what will be the scope of the enquiry; if service users will be involved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13518/23]
View answer1443. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if the Government intends to set up a public enquiry into the reason Covid-19-related deaths in Irish nursing home settings were among the highest in the world; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13523/23]
View answer1449. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if the Government intends to set up a public enquiry to investigate the respective roles of Government policy, HSE and acute hospitals' transferral of patients to nursing homes without proper screening at admission and without adequate isolation accommodation on arrival; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13532/23]
View answer1450. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health if the Government intends to set up a public inquiry to investigate the causal relationship between enduring managerial weaknesses in nursing homes, public and private, as reported on by HIQA, and the tragic and disproportionate impact of Covid-19 in nursing homes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13537/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1440, 1443, 1449 and 1450 together.
The Taoiseach has stated that a comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic. It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type of event were to occur. It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
The exact format that the evaluation will take is currently under consideration. It is intended however that it will be established in 2023.
1441. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive an increase to their HSE pension payments which fell due in February and October 2022, and in March 2023; when the back money due will be paid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13519/23]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1442. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on the fair deal application by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13521/23]
View answerAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1447. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when backpay, which fell due in February and October 2022, and in March 2023 will be paid to a former HSE employee (details supplied) at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13528/23]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1448. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health when backpay, which fell due in February and October 2022, and in March 2023 will be paid to a former HSE employee (details supplied) at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13531/23]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the matter.
1451. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the timelines for the health technology assessment which HIQA has been requested by the National Screening Advisory Committee to undertake in relation to the addition of spinal muscular atrophy to the newborn bloodspot screening programme, or heelprick test; when he expects the NSAC to receive this HTA; the length of time they will consider it; when he expects to get a recommendation on its inclusion from the NSAC; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13543/23]
View answerI am fully committed to supporting our population screening programmes which are a valuable part of our health service, enabling early treatment and care for many people, and improving the overall health of our population.
The expansion of the National Newborn Bloodspot Screening (NBS) programme is a priority for me. As you know, a Health Technology Assessment (HTA) on the addition of an eleventh condition to the NBS programme, Spinal Muscular Atrophy is now underway. I am advised that the NSAC expect HIQA to complete this process over the coming months and that the HTA will be presented to and considered by the Committee at a meeting before the end of this year.
I look forward to receiving a recommendation from the Committee following their consideration of the HTA once it is available.
1452. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if his Department has considered the career development and deployment of nurses in hospitals, in order that this highly qualified group could deploy their skills in an optimal manner; whether staff surveys have been conducted to identify sources of difficulty for the profession; and if a longer term manpower policy for deployment of staff in the acute hospital setting is being evolved to match best practice internationally. [13548/23]
View answerThe Policy on the Development of Graduate to Advanced Nursing and Midwifery Practice (Department of Health, 2019), which aims to maximise the nursing and midwifery response to current and emerging health service challenges, creates a model that supports a defined career pathway for nurses and midwives from graduate to specialist and advanced practice roles. Our well-educated, highly skilled and experienced nurses and midwives are a valuable resource and the model outlines a broad-based approach to the education programme required for advanced practice.
In addition, the Enhanced Practice Nurse/Midwife contract, is a fundamental change in the role for the professions, provides an opportunity for nurses and midwives to optimise their skills, with a focus on the delivery of Sláintecare and the provision of care in the community.
The Report on the Expert Review Body on Nursing and Midwifery 2022 published in March 2022 contains 47 recommendations. My Department has commenced work on prioritised work programmes to deliver on these recommendations which will support nurses and midwives to continue to learn and develop in their professional roles, enabling significant reform and ensuring that critical Sláintecare priorities are achieved. Priorities for implementation include review and reform of the undergraduate training programme to deliver more capacity, alignment with delivering integrated nursing and midwifery care, increasing postgraduate training to expand career pathways for nurses and midwives in all healthcare settings and increasing care through digital solutions as well as recruitment and retention.
These additional clinical nurse and midwife specialist posts and advanced practice offer career pathways for nurses and midwives will optimise the nursing and midwifery contribution to meeting population health needs and support retention of our nursing and midwifery workforce, including new graduates. In November 2021, I requested that the number of nurses and midwives practicing at an advanced level across the health service be increased from 2% of the workforce to 3% over the next three years with additional funding of €11 million to support this. With this funding, 149 additional WTE Advanced Nurse/ Midwifery Practitioners (ANMP) were recruited in 2022 bringing the total numbers of ANMPs to 880. Budget 2023 has provided funding to recruit an additional 80 WTE ANMPs during 2023.
As the part of the question regarding whether staff surveys have been conducted to identify sources of difficulty for the nursing profession; and if a longer term manpower policy for deployment of staff in the acute hospital setting is being evolved to match best practice internationally, is an operational matter for the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on that particular element.
1453. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will consider having a system through which families could get impartial advice on the fair deal scheme in view of its complexity, through for example, an advocacy service or some other approach; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13551/23]
View answerThe Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as 'Fair Deal', is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. The primary legislation underpinning the NHSS is the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009. Participants in the NHSS contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone, and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
There are a number of resources available to older people and their families to assist them making a decision in respect of long-term residential care. It is advisable that all applicants and their families gather as much information about the scheme as possible and consider their personal circumstances before making an application.The HSE provide a comprehensive guide to the scheme on their own website which can be viewed by following this link: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/about/Further guidance and assistance making a Nursing Homes Support Scheme application can be obtained directly from the Nursing Home Support Office (NHSO). A contact list for local NHSOs can be found at: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/fair-deal-scheme/contact/Applicants may also wish to contact HSE Live, Freephone: 1800 700 700, which is open:- Monday to Friday: 8am to 8pm- Saturday and Sunday: 9am to 5pmAll HSE employees abide by Supporting a Culture of Safety, Quality and Kindness: A Code of Conduct for Health and Social Service Providers which was developed by the Department of Health and published in 2018. The Code of Conduct applies to all health and social service providers and individuals acting on behalf of those service providers who are subject to the terms of the Health Act 2004 to 2007 and the Mental Health Act 2001. This ensures that HSE staff must at all times act respectfully, ethically, honestly, and adhere to professional regulation and codes of professional conduct. The full text of the code of conduct can be found at: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/dept-of-health-a-code-of-conduct-for-health-and-social-service-providers.pdf In addition, the Age Friendly Homes website not only contains some useful guidance but also links to other resources which can help people make an informed decision in respect of nursing home care. The Age Friendly Homes website can be viewed by following this link: agefriendlyhomes.ie/topics/age-friendly-homes/nursing-homes/
1454. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health when the recommendations of the Expert Panel report, now two and a half years old, will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13552/23]
View answerSince the start of the pandemic, the national response has continuously evolved to take account of emerging evidence and learnings both nationally and internationally. Throughout, this has included a specific focus on older people, in particular, those resident in nursing homes.
Significant supports were put in place for nursing homes, and the situation at both a local and a national level was kept under ongoing and active review. An independent Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established early in the pandemic to examine the management of COVID-19 in nursing homes and provide real-time learnings and recommendations to inform the ongoing response. The Expert Panel reported in August 2020 and made a serious of recommendations in relation to (1) the pandemic response in nursing homes and (2) a wide-ranging programme of improvement and reform for older persons’ care more broadly.
The Fourth Progress Report on the Implementation of the COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel Recommendations published in June 2022 highlighted the important progress that had already taken place across a number of areas and sets out clearly the structures and processes that have been established to ensure continued implementation. It also highlighted that the majority of short and medium term recommendations which were aimed at safeguarding people living in nursing homes against the COVID-19 virus had already been implemented and mainstreamed into normal operations.
Appendix 2 of the fourth progress report provides detailed updates, next steps and timelines for each of the recommendations as published in June 2022. The report can be viewed at the following link:
assets.gov.ie/227614/f7a9d117-b199-4a55-9bce-7750ed230e68.pdf
Since then, significant progress has also been made on progressing medium and longer term reform recommendations in the following areas:
- The Patient Advocacy Services was extended to private nursing homes from 1st November 2022.
- Revised Regulations were signed in December 2022 to enhance and streamline complaints processes. These came into effect on the 1st March 2023.
- The results of the first Nursing Homes Care Experience survey were published in November 2022.
- Work is advancing on the development of a Safe Staffing & Skillmix Framework for the sector.
- New palliative and end-of-life programme for nursing homes was launched in 2022.
- General Scheme of a Bill was published in October 2022 to give the regulator (HIQA) further powers, including in relation to enforcement and data collection.
- New dedicated IPC and Safeguarding Specialist Capacities for nursing homes have been established across the 9 CHOs and recruitment is ongoing.
- Recruitment has also commenced for Community Support Teams.
Over 100 places funded on postgraduate gerontological nursing training course for academic year 2022/2023.
While it is accepted that this broad programme of wide-ranging and complex reform will take time to implement, the Government is committed to the implementation of the Expert Panel recommendations. Funding has been put in place in 2023 for the continued implementation and mainstreaming of a range of Expert Panel recommendations, including the establishment of permanent Community Support Teams, piloting of Clinical Governance Oversight committees and the development of a Safe Staffing Framework for the sector.
In addition, the Programme for Government (2020) commits to the establishment of a ‘commission on care’ that will ‘assess how we care for older people and examine alternatives to meet the diverse needs of our older citizens’, learning the lessons from COVID-19. The Department of Health has responsibility for fulfilling this commitment. The scoping of, and planning for, the commission is being advanced as a priority in 2023.
1455. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the WTE allocations for team 1 and team 2, in the CAMHS teams based in Clonmel, County Tipperary, broken down into disciplines; the vacancies within each team; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13563/23]
View answer1456. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the caseload numbers for both CAMHS teams based in Clonmel, County Tipperary; the number of referrals received in 2022; the number of those referrals that were refused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13564/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1455 and 1456 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1457. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health when the mobile BreastCheck unit last operated in Mullingar; the reason it will not return to this highly populated area until late in 2023, given that the journey to Tullamore is a 40km roundtrip with irregular and infrequent transport links. [13577/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1458. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans to carry out a review of the HSE acute care active performance management system, as recommended in the 2022 Spending Review Report, Hospital Performance: An Analysis of HSE Key Performance Indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13578/23]
View answerMy department will consider the recommendations made in the 2022 Spending Review Report, Hospital Performance: An Analysis of HSE Key Performance Indicators, including the recommendation to carry out a review of the HSE Acute care active performance management system. The development of a robust understanding of the drivers of hospital performance will enable the implementation of effective policy.
