Róisín Shortall
Question:754. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); his views on same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26149/23]
View answerHealth Services Staff
Questions (754)
Written answers
In Ireland the profession of Audiologist is currently regulated for the purposes of access to public sector employment only. The HSE sets the approved qualifications and standards for employment as an Audiologist in the publicly funded health sector. These can be found on the HSE website at - www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/eligibility-criteria/audiologist.html.
There are many professions engaged in the public service who are not currently subject to regulation. In light of the various issues to be considered, and in line with ongoing work in the Department, the Health Research Board was requested to carry out research on behalf of the Department to assist in policy development in this area. The report, “National Approaches to Regulating Health and Social Care Professions”, examines the approaches to the regulation of health and social care professionals internationally.
My officials are in the process of drawing from the HRB’s report and other relevant sources to develop a framework to guide policy on the regulation of health and social care professionals into the future. This future policy framework will be informed by an evidence and risk-based approach to regulation in line with requirements set out in the EU Proportionality Test Directive, which was transposed into Irish law on 19 August 2022 (S.I. No. 413/2022).
The Directive requires that a proportionality assessment be carried out before the adoption of any new regulated profession. The intention of the Directive is to prevent disproportionate regulatory measures by introducing objective proportionality assessments and increasing stakeholder involvement.
There are no plans in place to progress regulation of individual professions until appropriate risk-assessment and evaluation tools are in place in compliance with best practice, international evidence, and the Proportionality Test Directive.
With regard to the broader question, the Department of Health continues to work on the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill which will, for the first time, introduce a licensing requirement for all hospitals, public and private, and certain designated high-risk activities in the community. The general scheme of the Bill was approved by Government, underwent Pre-Legislative Scrutiny at the Oireachtas Joint Committee of Health and is currently with the Attorney General’s Office for drafting. In the meantime, the Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Act 2023 provides the legislative framework for the extension of the Health Information Quality Authority’s regulatory remit to private hospitals. The Patient Safety Act has amended the Health Act 2007, the legislation under which HIQA operates, to extend to private hospitals the powers and responsibilities HIQA currently exercises in relation to public hospitals. This will allow HIQA to set standards for the operation of private hospitals, to monitor compliance with them and to undertake inspections and investigations as required.
Health Services Staff
Questions (755)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:755. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1340 of 21 March 2023, if any further progress has been made to address due back payments for retirees in Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda; and if he will seek an update on the matter. [26153/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
Pharmacy Services
Questions (756)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:756. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when he will commence negotiations with a union (details supplied) as part of the review of pharmacy dispensing fees under section 42 (14) of the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26157/23]
View answerWritten answers
The regulations governing the pharmacy fee structure are set out in the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (No. 34 of 2017) and in S.I. No. 639 of 2019, the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 (Payments to Community Pharmacy Contractors) Regulations 2019, which put the current fee structure in place, with effect from 1 January 2020.
Under Section 42(14) of the 2017 Act the pharmacy fee structure must be reviewed every 3 years after 2020. The Department is currently carrying out a review and Department officials will communicate with the Irish Pharmacy Union (IPU) in that regard in the near future.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (757)
Pat Buckley
Question:757. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) will be waiting three years or more for an operation on their knees despite the fact that their health and mobility has worsened over the past year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26159/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Community Care
Questions (758)
Jackie Cahill
Question:758. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the additional community health services being provided in each county in CHO 5 since 2020, in tabular form. [26171/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (759)
Niamh Smyth
Question:759. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if TAVI heart surgery will be upgraded to the highest priority for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26179/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under 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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (760, 761, 762)
Colm Burke
Question:760. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific timeline which he and his Departmental officials have given to HIQA to complete its HTA regarding the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s age cohort; if he will outline the scope of this HTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26183/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:761. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider expediting the conducting of a HTA to be carried out by HIQA into the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26184/23]
View answerColm Burke
Question:762. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the specific new steps his Department is taking to protect the most at-risk age cohorts in Ireland against influenza, in light of the excess mortality recorded in the most recent winter flu season; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26185/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 760, 761 and 762 together.
The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to vaccination. By providing vaccination to those most at risk, and those most likely to require hospitalisation if they contract influenza, the programme aims to forestall, as far as possible, influenza-related hospital admissions, as well as to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community. As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Programme the flu vaccine is available free of charge to those aged 65 and over and individuals in specified at-risk groups.
To inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department has requested that HIQA include a Health technology assessment (HTA) in its work programme, in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older. In addition, my Department has also requested that HIQA include a HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group as an at-risk group in the influenza vaccination programme.
A HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.I am advised that HIQA will commence the HTA related to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older once the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme is completed.
Question No. 761 answered with Question No. 760.
Question No. 762 answered with Question No. 760.
Cancer Services
Questions (763)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:763. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his position in respect of calls by an organisation (details supplied) to see additional investment and resourcing of cancer services and the cancer workforce in order that everyone can access timely tests and treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26188/23]
View answerWritten answers
Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival. This Government’s commitment to implementation of the National Cancer Strategy is evidenced by significant investment in recent years. €20m new development funding was allocated to cancer services and €15m was allocated for new cancer drugs in both 2021 and 2022. This increased total funding for cancer services to €139m in 2022.
We have seen significant progress on the implementation of the Strategy over the past six years, with clear evidence-based policy direction from my Department and strong implementation by the HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
In 2022, 172 new staff were recruited to cancer services from this new development funding, which represent a 20% increase in total staffing for cancer. Cancer surgeries returned to above 2019 thresholds with more than 16,200 surgeries performed, more patients were seen at Rapid Access Clinics with attendances at 104% of 2019 levels, and over 126,000 chemotherapy treatments were administered, more than ever before.
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 Implementation Report 2022 is currently being prepared, and it is expected that this Report will be published very shortly. The annual Implementation Report will outline how this funding was 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. My Department continues to work with the NCCP to implement the recommendations of the Strategy in 2023, including the recruitment of staff into cancer services and the improvement of services for patients.
National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI) data shows substantial progress being made to control the four major cancers (prostate, breast, lung and colorectal), with mortality rates falling or stabilising for each. These comprise over half of all invasive tumours (not including rarely fatal nonmelanoma skin cancers).
Treatment in our medical oncology, radiation oncology and surgical oncology services also continues to improve, with an estimated 200,000 people in Ireland living with and beyond cancer.
The implementation of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 is a Government priority and continued improvements in cancer services will be driven by both my Department and the National Cancer Control Programme within the HSE. Priorities for 2023 will include the further centralisation of cancer services which has a direct impact on positive outcomes for patients, and the implementation of models of care for areas such as medical oncology and psycho-oncology, which ensure continuity of care and support for cancer patients and their families.
Cancer Services
Questions (764)
Fergus O'Dowd
Question:764. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health his position in respect of calls by an organisation (details supplied) to see the abolition of car parking charges for cancer patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26189/23]
View answerWritten answers
Hospitals that charge parking fees are very cognisant of the financial implications of parking costs for patients and their families, particularly for those with long-term illnesses. Consequently, many hospitals have introduced a maximum daily fixed parking charge and reduced rate parking for long-term patients and visitors for whom the payment of the full rate would cause hardship.
The Programme for Government - Our Shared Future, makes a commitment to introduce a maximum daily car parking charge for patients and visitors at all public hospitals, where possible, and to introduce flexible passes in all public hospitals for patients and their families. This is a reflection of the Government’s appreciation of the financial challenge that can be faced by people in meeting these expenses, in particular where they are frequent users of hospital services.
General Practitioner Services
Questions (765)
Michael Creed
Question:765. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health where private patients are to go to secure medical care on the retirement of their GP; and if he will advise in particular circumstances (details supplied). [26190/23]
View answerWritten answers
GPs are private practitioners, most of whom hold a GMS contract with the HSE for the provision of GP services without charge to medical card and GP visit card holders. Where a vacancy arises in a practice with a GMS contract, the HSE becomes actively involved in the recruitment process to find a replacement GP. Under the GMS scheme, the HSE has the power to assign medical card and GP visit card holders to a GP's GMS panel.
People who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private contractors, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients. Where a GP practice has a full list of patients and cannot take on new patients, patients should contact other GP practices in the surrounding areas.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (766)
Eoin Ó Broin
Question:766. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the waiting list to access a first appointment with gynaecology services in Tallaght University Hospital; the number waiting over one year for a first appointment; and the number waiting over five years for a first appointment. [26211/23]
View answerWritten answers
It 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. 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. On the 7th of March, I published the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, which is the next stage of a new multi-annual approach to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists, and builds on the foundational work done through the short-term Waiting List Action Plan between September and December 2021, which was followed by the first full year Waiting List Action Plan for 2022, both having reversed the annual trend of rising waiting lists.
The 2023 Plan sets out the priorities to continue to address waiting lists this year. The 30 actions in the Plan, which are governed by the Waiting List Task Force, focus on delivering capacity, reforming scheduled care and enabling scheduled care reform.
For 2023, funding totalling €443 million is being allocated to tackle Waiting Lists with €363 million of this being allocated to the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, to implement longer term reforms and provide additional public and private activity to clear backlogs exacerbated during the pandemic. This will reduce hospital waiting lists by 10% in 2023 as well as continuing to significantly reduce waiting times in line with Sláintecare recommendations. The remaining €80 million of the €443 million is being targeted at various measures to alleviate community/primary care waiting lists.
With this ambitious 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are taking the next steps in the multi-annual approach towards achieving our vision of a world-class public healthcare system in which everyone has timely and transparent access to high-quality scheduled care, where and when they need it, in line with Sláintecare reforms.
In regard to the information requested by the Deputy, the total number of patients waiting for an outpatient gynaecology appointment in Tallaght University Hospital as at the end of April 2023 was 2,504. The NTPF has provided the attached document, which outlines the OPD gynaecology waiting list for Tallaght University Hospital in the requested timebands.
Outpatient Gynaecology waiters at Tallaght University Hospital by time band 27/04/2023
|
Sum of Count |
Time Band |
|||||
|
Hospital Name |
Specialty Name |
0-6 Mths |
6-12 Mths |
12-24 Mths |
24-60 Mths |
Over 5 Years |
|
Tallaght University Hospital |
Gynaecology |
900 |
643 |
407 |
436 |
118 |
|
Grand Total |
900 |
643 |
407 |
436 |
118 |