John Lahart
Question:184. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the cost of establishing and maintaining a national registry system of heart failure patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32885/23]
View answerHealth Services
Questions (184)
Written answers
Heart Failure is an important public health issue.
The detection and prevention of heart failure is a priority. The National Clinical Programme for heart failure supports many approaches to improving quality of life for people living with the syndrome. The Programme (HSE) is currently engaging with the European Society of Cardiology who have an excellent platform to enable registry development on not only heart failure but other cardiovascular conditions. The National Heart Programme are working under the guidance of Dr. Peter Kearney to initiate the EuroHeart programme to bring their cardiovascular dats base project to Ireland.
There are clear, evidence-based guidelines and excellent Irish case studies of effective models of care in heart failure however it is recognised that prevention requires further focus and development to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths and maximise people’s quality of life and there are portions of the heart failure population are still not being reached.
To understand the challenges more, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services which includes heart failure was commissioned. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally including data requirements for further development. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration.
Health Services
Questions (185)
John Lahart
Question:185. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the costs of ensuring adequate national capacity to deliver cardiac rehabilitation to all heart failure patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32886/23]
View answerWritten answers
Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for patients recovering from a cardiac event and proven an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation is specifically developed for patients with established cardiovascular disease, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of Cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. The number of patients (5,063) accessing the service in 2019 increased by 25% from 2010. There are also increasing referrals of more complex, older and frail patients with multiple comorbidities to cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest a 71% referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centers providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with the aim to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services. This review will also recommend the optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service in the context of the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults which includes cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure services.
The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (186)
Joe Flaherty
Question:186. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health if he will detail in tabular form the health infrastructure projects currently underway in CHO8; the projects completed since June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32889/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (187)
Michael Moynihan
Question:187. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will detail, in tabular form, the health infrastructure projects currently underway in CHO4; the projects completed since June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32890/23]
View answerWritten answers
As 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.
Nursing Homes
Questions (188)
Seán Haughey
Question:188. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health if he will provide further assistance to the private and voluntary nursing home sector to help these providers deal with the difficulties they are experiencing as regards increased costs and recruitment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32901/23]
View answerWritten answers
Fair Deal was designed to protect and support vulnerable older people, to ensure equal access to nursing home care based on what they could afford. This gives certainty to people and families. Government funding for Fair Deal is to support vulnerable older people at a time in their lives where full-time care is essential.Overall, €1.4 billion of the total Health Budget was allocated last year to support over 22,700 people under Fair Deal. This will increase to nearly €1.5 billion for 2023, and I am cognisant that the budget has to support all residents under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) for the full calendar year.The long-established statutory mechanism through which private and voluntary nursing homes are funded was established by the Oireachtas under the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009. This legislation outlines the process for private and voluntary providers to negotiate the prices for their services with the designated State agency, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).Maximum prices for individual nursing homes are agreed with the NTPF following these negotiations and are based on the NTPF’s cost criteria, such as costs reasonably incurred by the nursing home, local market prices, historic prices and overall budgetary capacity. Under the NHSS Act 2009 the NTPF has statutory independence, and there is no role for Ministers or the Department of Health in negotiations with individual nursing homes. I cannot comment on individual NTPF negotiations and it must be appreciated that this is a matter for each individual nursing home and the NTPF. Nevertheless, it is important that lines of communication are at all times maintained during the negotiation process.Overall, approximately 425 private nursing homes negotiate with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). The Department of Health and I have regular interaction with the NTPF and met them recently to discuss ways to support the sector, where necessary and appropriate, to complement the normal process of negotiating rate increases when contracts are renewed. Budget 2023 saw an over €40 million in additional funding for the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) which will provide for an uplift in the maximum prices chargeable by private and voluntary nursing homes, as negotiated. Anyone who has had a scheduled renegotiation of their Deed of Agreement this year with the NTPF has seen a significant uplift. In addition, other options to support nursing homes are also being explored, such as to help with the often costly nature of compliance for nursing homes under necessary HIQA regulations.I am conscious of private and voluntary nursing homes that are not scheduled to renegotiate their Deed of Agreement in 2023 and other options are being considered. One of the options under consideration is for nursing home providers to agree to a shorter contract duration with the NTPF.The Government is conscious of the financial challenges faced by the nursing home sector, especially smaller and voluntary nursing homes that may not have access to the same economies of scale as larger homes or groups. The Government has provided substantial support to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €150m of financial support has been provided to private and voluntary nursing homes through the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) and the provision of free PPE and oxygen to private nursing homes continues, costing approximately €75 million to date.A new €10 million scheme (TIPS) was established last year to support private and voluntary nursing homes with increases in energy costs, covering 75% of year-on-year cost increases up to a monthly cap of €5,250 per nursing home. Following a recent review this scheme has been extended for a second time to the end of June 2023.The only mechanism for funding from the public purse for nursing home residents is Fair Deal and it is really important that private and voluntary providers continue to engage in the process as set out in the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009.
Hospital Staff
Questions (189)
Niamh Smyth
Question:189. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied) in Drogheda hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32904/23]
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.
Departmental Priorities
Questions (190)
Imelda Munster
Question:190. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health being cognisant of the fact the population of Drogheda grew by 13% between 2016 and 2022, and with 25,000 new residents expected within a few years due to housing developments along the PANCR, what additional resources under the remit of his Department are being considered for Drogheda; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32938/23]
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.
Nursing Homes
Questions (191)
Bernard Durkan
Question:191. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health to indicate the financial assistance, if any, available to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32945/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (192)
Mark Ward
Question:192. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the current size of the waiting list for initial appointments at the Coombe Hospital's endometriosis clinic; the median waiting time, in days, over the past year for women and girls from their initial placement on the waiting list to their first appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32948/23]
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.
Substance Misuse
Questions (193)
Paul Murphy
Question:193. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health whether he or the relevant Minister of State will engage with the Tallaght Drugs and Alcohol Taskforce, including meeting with the executive, to enable the TDATF to outline the current challenges and opportunities being experienced by the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch. [32953/23]
View answerWritten answers
Enhancing access to, and the delivery of, drug and alcohol services in the community is a strategic priority under the national drugs strategy for the period 2021-2025. The strategic action plan 2023-2024 sets out a number of actions in relation to this priority. I am very aware of the of the key role played by Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and community-based drug services in implementing these actions at the local level.
As Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy I have regular engagement with Drug and Alcohol Taskforces. I recently addressed a conference on the role of local task forces in responding to the needs of disadvantage communities in the context of current policy developments under Slaintecare. The conference was organised by the chairpersons’ network and hosted by the Department of Health. At this event, I had the opportunity to meet with the chairperson of the Tallaght task force.
I am familiar with the report on the landscape of substance misuse and its impact on the communities of Tallaght and Whitechurch - tallaghtdatf.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/2110204_TDATF_Research_Report-FINAL.pdf). I am aware that additional funding was provided by the HSE to projects in Tallaght to reduce the harm caused by crack cocaine use. in 2022 Indeed, I recently announced further funding of €500,000 to expand the provision of community-based services for cocaine and crack cocaine in 2023 - www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ec075-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-increased-funding-of-500000-for-cocaine-services/ . I would encourage the Tallaght task force to engage with the HSE if additional funding is required.
I will be meeting with the local Drug and Alcohol Task Force chairpersons' network next week. This will present a further opportunity to engage with Task Forces on current challenges and opportunities.
Nursing Homes
Questions (194)
David Cullinane
Question:194. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the level of additional funding provided for nursing homes in Budget 2023 under new measures and the amount provided to/via the NTPF, the nursing home support scheme, and the amount provided otherwise, in tabular form; the level under existing levels of service; the amount provided otherwise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [32967/23]
View answerWritten answers
Overall, €1.4 billion of the total Health Budget was allocated last year to support over 22,700 people under Fair Deal. This will increase to nearly €1.5 billion for 2023, and I am cognisant that the budget has to support all residents under the Nursing Home Support Scheme (NHSS) for the full calendar year. The Government is conscious of the financial challenges faced by the nursing home sector, especially smaller and voluntary nursing homes that may not have access to the same economies of scale as larger homes or groups. The Government has provided substantial support to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. Over €150m of financial support has been provided to private and voluntary nursing homes through the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) and the provision of free PPE and oxygen to private nursing homes continues, costing approximately €77 million to date. A new €10 million scheme (TIPS) was established last year to support private and voluntary nursing homes with increases in energy costs, covering 75% of year-on-year cost increases up to a monthly cap of €5,250 per nursing home. This scheme has been extended for a second time to the end of June 2023. The only mechanism for funding from the public purse for nursing home residents is Fair Deal and it is really important that private and voluntary providers continue to engage in the process as set out in the Nursing Home Support Scheme Act 2009.
In exceptional circumstances, the National Transitionary Care Funding Office continues to accept and fund applications for additional supports for those who require higher care needs in private nursing homes. The total expenditure on additional top-up payments for complex care since Jan 2022 is approximately €5m. This figure includes a number of disability services and some recipients who do not participate in Fair Deal. This is the national figure for services for older people only and does not include details of any local CHO arrangements or figures for other care groups.
|
Amount/Total |
|
|
NHSS total Budget (2022) |
€1.4bn |
|
Budget 2023 |
+ €40m |
|
Total NHSS Budget (w/o client contributions) |
€1.094bn |
|
Approximate client contributions |
€361m |
|
NHSS total Budget (2023) |
€1.5bn |
|
TAPS (2023) |
Approx. €1.379m |
|
TAPS (approximate total 2020-2023) |
€150.3m |
|
TIPS |
€10m |
|
PPE & Oxygen |
€77m |
|
Projected Number of supported clients |
22,700 |
|
Actual Number of supported clients (May ’23) |
22,630 |
Health Services
Questions (195)
Paul Donnelly
Question:195. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if funding will be put in place for a multidisciplinary team for the only dedicated neurology service for Irish patients with long-Covid in St. James’s Hospital Dublin. [33008/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Deputy is advised that the Minister has trebled the allocation of funding dedicated to Long COVID service development from 2.2 million in 2022 to 6.6 million in 2023. This funding is to support the implementation of the HSE interim Model of Care for Long COVID, building on existing service provision, in addition to establishing new services across GP, community services and acute hospitals, to ensure a national service is in place for all who need it.
There is a tertiary Neurocognitive Clinic in St James's Hospital, led by a Consultant Neurologist with background in Neurocognitive Disorders, accepting referrals from Long COVID clinics around the country. The HSE has advised that all Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics will be supported by an interdisciplinary team with expertise in the management of Long COVID, including the neurological sequelae. These interdisciplinary teams guide and support patients through all aspects of recovery, regardless of their primary symptoms. It is also important to note that it is standard for individual specialties within hospitals to refer to each other when the need for specific speciality care arises.
Health Services
Questions (196)
Paul Donnelly
Question:196. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health what consideration has been given to investment in therapeutic support and education for family carers of those who suffer with dementia. [33009/23]
View answerWritten answers
In its 2024 pre-budget submission, the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI) has called for investment in therapeutic support and education for family carers of people with dementia, among other priorities.
While caring can be a rewarding experience, the Government acknowledges the challenges faced by many family carers, particularly those who are engaged in high intensity caring. In Budget 2021, the Government provided new funding of €2 million under the National Carers' Strategy to improve equity of access to supports for carers across the country. This funding contributes substantially towards delivering the Carers’ Guarantee committed to in the Programme for Government, by providing a more standard package of supports to family carers in every region. The funding is being used to deliver new supports through Family Carers Ireland (€1.9 million), and Care Alliance Ireland (€0.1 million), and is being provided on an onging basis. These supports include both therapeutic supports and education, and are available for all family carers, including those who care for people with dementia.
A new Model of Care for Dementia was published in May this year. The Model of Care provides a framework for the equitable provision of dementia diagnostic and post-diagnostic supports countrywide, and recognises the important role played by family carers in supporting people with dementia to live well in their own homes and communities.
To support the Model of Care, the Government has provided substantial funding over the past three budgets for ten new Memory Assessment and Support Services (MASS), two new Regional Specialist Memory Clinics (RSMCs), increased resources for two existing RSMCs, and a National Intellectual Disability Memory Service. All of these facilities will provide support to family carers through education, advice on dementia, and information on supports available.
In addition, the national Dementia Adviser Service, funded by Government and operated through the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, plays a crucial role engaging with people with dementia, their families and carers to provide free and confidential supports and signposting to help connect with essential services. The Government has also funded a national network of 25 Memory Technology Resource Rooms (MTRRs) which provide free occupational therapist assessments and advice on assistive technology to help people adapt to their condition and maintain a degree of independence for as long as possible, while also providing support to family carers.
The ASI's pre-budget submission, including its request for funding focused on the therapeutic and educational needs of family carers of people with dementia, will be considered by the Department of Health in the context of the estimates and budgetary process.
Health Services Staff
Questions (197)
Paul Donnelly
Question:197. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if his Department can fund an investment to bring about pay parity for dementia care workers. [33010/23]
View answerWritten answers
It is important that I acknowledge the important role that Section 39 organisations and their staff play in our health sector. They have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.
A process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations was committed to by the Government in October 2022. While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.
On 17 April, officials from the Department of Health, the HSE, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Tusla met with union representatives under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. This engagement sought to understand and explore the scope of the unions' claim for pay rises for Community and Voluntary sector workers. Follow up engagements took place at the Workplace Relations Commission on 15 May 2023 & on the 28 of June 2023. Further engagement is due to take place at the WRC in the coming weeks. As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
Health Services
Questions (198)
Paul Donnelly
Question:198. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for a national heart failure registry, equipping health service planners with the information to cut excessive mortality and hospital readmission rates. [33011/23]
View answerWritten answers
Heart Failure is an important public health issue. The detection and prevention of heart failure is a priority and the National Clinical Programme for heart failure supports many approaches to improving quality of life for people living with the syndrome. The programme (HSE) is currently engaging with the European Society of Cardiology who have an excellent platform to enable registry development on not only heart failure but other cardiovascular conditions. Working under the guidance of Dr Peter Kearney the National Heart Programme are working to initiate the EuroHeart programme cardiovascular database project in Ireland.
There are clear, evidence-based guidelines and excellent Irish case studies of effective models of care in heart failure however it is recognised that further focus and development is required to prevent unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths and maximise people’s quality of life. While progress has been made there are proportions of the population that are not being reached.
To understand the challenges more, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services which includes heart failure was commissioned. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally including requirements for data to support development. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration.
Health Services
Questions (199)
Paul Donnelly
Question:199. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if his Department will invest in practical, social and emotional supports in the community that reduce readmissions and improve quality of life. [33012/23]
View answerWritten answers
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) which includes ‘heart conditions’ is an important public health issue. It has associated mortality and remains a major cause of chronic illness in Ireland as well as globally. Cardiovascular disease causes approximately 28% of deaths in Ireland and prevention is a significant part of the policy direction. The detection, prevention and management of cardiovascular disease is a priority.
Sláintecare, our national programme to transform health and social care services in Ireland, is driving new investments in CVD prevention and management for people who have suffered for example, a heart attack, atrial fibrillation, or who are living with heart failure.
In 2020, we began a structured programme of chronic disease prevention and management in primary care, targeting those at the greatest CVD risk. Chronic disease management aims to move from episodic reactive health care delivery to one that prevents the occurrence of disease and improves the quality of life of those who already have a chronic illness by averting or delaying further deterioration. It includes prevention, targeted case finding and ongoing management, helping us to catch CVD risk factors early, manage them effectively and slow or halt disease progression. For the many people now enrolled, their chronic diseases are now being better managed in primary care, improving quality of life and limiting the demands on hospitals.
Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of cardiac rehabilitation post a cardiac event. Cardiac rehabilitation is a multifaceted programme and encompasses a psychological component. There are at least 36 centres providing cardiac rehabilitation services nationally. Cardiac rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for patients recovering from a cardiac event and is proven an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with heart disease. Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest a 71% referral rate to cardiac rehabilitation programmes post an event.
There has been significant investment in Integrated Care Programmes for Chronic Disease. This investment has enabled the development of structures of care which will significantly improve all aspects of heart care including speed of diagnosis, access to cardiac diagnostic and therapies.
There are clear, evidence-based guidelines and excellent case studies of effective models of heart care however, recognising the importance of preventing unnecessary hospitalisations and deaths and maximising people’s quality of life is the priority. Progress has been made and to inform the next steps for this important work and to understand the challenges more, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services was commissioned. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
Health Services
Questions (200)
Paul Donnelly
Question:200. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will commit to a right to a medical card for all heart failure patients, removal of prescription charges, and the national assessment of the economic impact of the condition on patients. [33013/23]
View answerWritten answers
Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange a particular service which is available to persons with full eligibility (medical card holders) and general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, 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. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
Furthermore, the HSE also has a system in place for the efficient provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e., in circumstances where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or are receiving end of life care. In these cases, a medical card is issued within 24 hours of receipt of the required patient details and completed medical report by a healthcare professional. Additionally, patients who have been certified by their treating Consultant as having a prognosis of 24 months or less are also now eligible for a medical card without a means assessment.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
Nursing Homes
Questions (201)
Robert Troy
Question:201. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his views on the processes and discussions that led to the decision to add an additional 18 months to the existing six-month timeframe for closing nursing homes to repurpose their businesses (HIQA Guidelines). [33024/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government takes the closure of nursing homes very seriously. Ensuring that the welfare and safety of residents is secured when nursing homes close is of the utmost importance. It is essential that when nursing homes are intending to close or cease participating in the Nursing Home Support Scheme, that residents and their families must be consulted with, and given appropriate notice so that new homes can be found and residents can move in a safe, planned way. There is a legal requirement that providers must give at least six months’ notice to the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) if they intend to close. This provides residents, families and public health authorities appropriate time to respond effectively. It became apparent in late August last year that a small number of active nursing homes had chosen, or were seriously considering, to convert into accommodation centres for beneficiaries of temporary protection. Other active nursing homes were known to be in official negotiations or to be considering this approach.Given the challenges currently being faced in the nursing home sector and noticing a small trend emerging, Minister Donnelly and I agreed with the Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman TD, to change the procurement guidelines around accommodation for persons under temporary protection in order to remove from consideration active nursing homes that were still registered operators with HIQA on or after the date of 1 September 2022.The Department of Health developed this policy in response to legitimate concerns for the welfare and safety of nursing home residents, with responsibility for implementing this policy lying exclusively with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth as the procurement of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection falls under their remit. Neither I nor Minister Donnelly, nor the Department of Health for that matter, has any role in the procurement of accommodation for beneficiaries of temporary protection. Questions in respect of the legal basis for the procurement of accommodation should be directed to the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.The intention behind this position has been to avoid unintentionally incentivising active nursing homes to leave the market. Former nursing homes that had already ceased operation and were deregistered prior to this date remained unaffected if they wished to enter into contracts as accommodation providers.Following review of the policy at the end of April, the decision has been made to adopt a more flexible approach and to allow the conversion of nursing homes into accommodation centres for international protection applicants and/or beneficiaries of temporary protection after 18 months following deregistration from the Health Information and Quality Agency Chief Inspector’s register.This allows for an appropriate closure process for residents and staff of nursing homes, while preventing facilities from being empty indefinitely where they might provide a source of accommodation for international protection applicants and/or beneficiaries of temporary protection. The Government continues to prioritise the best interests of nursing home residents to ensure that their welfare, care and well-being is ensured whilst simultaneously ensuring that nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
Pharmacy Services
Questions (202, 215)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:202. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will restore the dispensing fee for pharmacists from 2009 levels of €5.00 for the first 1,667 items up to €6.50, in line with the FEMPI pay restoration increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33025/23]
View answer
Patricia Ryan
Question:215. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if he has or will conduct a review of pharmacy dispensing fees and the extent of service provision by community pharmacists; if he has or will engage with an organisation (details supplied) on the matter; the dates on which he has or will engage; if he will establish a review which encompasses the scope of services provided or which could be provided by community pharmacy; and if he will include scoping of a minor ailments or minor illness scheme in community pharmacy in the terms of reference of the aforementioned review. [33097/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 202 and 215 together.
I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and acknowledge the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of healthcare service reform.
In that regard, various approaches to extending the scope of practice of community pharmacists are being progressed by my Department. The implementation of these necessitates engagement with a range of stakeholders and full consideration of all the relevant legislative and operational issues involved.
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 Public Service Pay and Pensions Act 2017 the pharmacy fee structure must be reviewed every third year after 2020. My Department is currently carrying out a review and Department officials have held a productive meeting with the Irish Pharmacy Union in that regard. Another meeting is scheduled to take place in July.
I believe that there is a real opportunity to work collaboratively with community pharmacists, and with other healthcare providers, to make a significant difference to patient outcomes. Of course, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services, and provide better value for money.
Departmental Data
Questions (203)
Michael Ring
Question:203. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health the number of people who have died from sepsis in Ireland in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33027/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Deputies question relates to a service issue, I have referred the question to the Health Service Executive for consideration and direct reply to the Deputy.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Questions (204)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:204. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if, given that amounts of €4.3 million and €11.3 million were reimbursed under the Cross Border Directive and the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme, respectively in 2022, similar funding will be found for the establishment of a cataract clinic in the CHO4 area, to avoid patients travelling to the North for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33028/23]
View answerWritten answers
Modernised Care Pathways (MCPs) seek to transition acute scheduled care closer to patients’ homes through community and primary care services. Three ophthalmology MCPs have been prioritised for implemtation in 2023, including the MCP for cataract treatment. These will be delivered by Integrated Eye Care teams.
Community-based Integrated Eye Care teams are multidisciplinary and make the fullest use of their staff’s training. The teams include ophthalmologists, optometrists, orthoptists, nurses, technicians, and administrators. This enables teams to provide assessment, prioritisation, diagnosis, pre-op/post-op care, and referral to acute services if required.
CHO 4 has been allocated funding to develop an Integrated Eye Care service in 2023. Recruitment has commenced and the initial operationalisation and transfer of existing teams is due in July. The service will be based at the new Ballincollig Primary Community Care Centre, enabling patients to access assessment and treatment in the community rather than an acute setting.
As this is also a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Community Care
Questions (205)
Mark Ward
Question:205. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the waiting lists for speech and language therapy for children and adults, by CHO; the average waiting time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33029/23]
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.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (206)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Question:206. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if funding can be made available to provide a shingle vaccination programme to people over the age of 70 years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33030/23]
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The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation.The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time. Shingles vaccination is not currently provided as part of the national immunisation programme.It is open to an individual to source a vaccine from a GP outside of the national immunisation programme on the basis of a private arrangement.