Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 April 2023
513. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the drug seroquel being given to nursing home residents in cases in which the resident suffers from dementia; if there are known contraindications for such administration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18991/23]
View answerResidents in nursing homes receive medication as prescribed by a general practitioner or physician and as dispensed by a pharmacist. Prescribing practices including the choice of drug is the prerogative of the medical profession and not subject to review by inspectors of social service. Inspectors will review care records and medication administration records to ensure that residents receive their medication in line with the above prescriptions and any advice by the dispensing pharmacist.
In line with a recommendation from the National Dementia Strategy, my Department and the HSE's National Dementia Office have developed a national clinical guideline on the appropriate prescribing of psychotropic medication for non-cognitive symptoms in people with dementia. The Guideline, which was published in December 2019, provides evidence-based recommendations on the indications and risks of psychotropic medications for a person with dementia who has non-cognitive symptoms, such as anxiety or agitation.
With regard to protocols for giving sedatives, as this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
