Peadar Tóibín
Question:1524. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting on CAMHS waiting lists, per county or region, in tabular form. [37290/23]
View answerMental Health Services
Questions (1524)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1525)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1525. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children seen by CAMHS in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [37291/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1526)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1526. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children referred to CAMHS or placed on a CAMHS waiting list in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [37292/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1527)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1527. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children who died while on the CAMHS waiting list in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [37293/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Questions (1528)
Peadar Tóibín
Question:1528. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children who died while availing of CAMHS in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [37294/23]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1529)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1529. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be given to a person (details supplied) for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37309/23]
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.
Question No. 1530 answered with Question No. 1509.
Health Services
Questions (1531)
Michael Healy-Rae
Question:1531. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health what assistance can be given in a particular case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37321/23]
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.
Health Services Staff
Questions (1532)
Richard Bruton
Question:1532. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he can put a framework in place along the lines of those in other progressive EU member states, in order that recovering health workers could have certainty of financial support and the possibility of trial re-entry to the workplace to develop a rehabilitation pathway. [37335/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Department of Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reforms Special leave with Pay for COVID-19 (SLWP) was introduced in lieu of sick leave for those with confirmed COVID-19 to assist in the prevention of the possible onward spread of COVID-19 in the work premises. This applies only to newly confirmed cases of COVID-19 recommended to stay at home as per current public health guidance (currently 5 days stay at home). Employees who remain unwell after the 5 days SLWP may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme.
For certain employees who remain unfit to attend the workplace and are suffering from long-Covid, a temporary Scheme, specific to the public health service is in place to provide for Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees unfit for work post Covid infection. The temporary Scheme has recently been extended and will run until 31st October 2023.
Those who remain unwell beyond that date, or those who were not eligible for the temporary Scheme may utilise the provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme, which includes a process of 'reasonable accommodation' providing employees with a phased means of returning to the workplace (which may mean for example, working a reduced pattern or performing lighter/different duties for a period).
The EU Advisory Committee on Health & Safety have recommended the recognition of Covid as an occupational illness in health and social care settings however Member States vary greatly in their implementation of this. I understand that Minister Humphreys has committed to reviewing the EU Committee recommendation regarding the occupational recognition of Covid in respect of the Department of Social Protection Benefits Schemes, and the list of prescribed diseases/illnesses set out in the Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005. The outcome of this review is awaited.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1533)
Seán Sherlock
Question:1533. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork will receive an urgent orthopaedic appointment. [37339/23]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Questions (1534)
Niamh Smyth
Question:1534. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has to wait 12 months for an appointment in Monaghan hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37344/23]
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 Funding
Questions (1535, 1740)
John Lahart
Question:1535. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health to set out in a tabular form the funding provided by his Department and the HSE to each of the local drugs and alcohol task forces in 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022. [37345/23]
View answer
Patrick Costello
Question:1740. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the funding provided to each drugs task force for each of the past five years; the population covered by each task force; his plans to increase core funding for the task forces; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38338/23]
View answerWritten answers
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1535 and 1740 together.
The 2022 table of funding allocations for task forces is set out below. (Reliable information relating to previous years funding is not available to the Department.) This table does not include new development funding for strategic health initiatives (€1m) and the Community Services Enhancement Fund (€2m).
|
CHO 1 |
2022 DOH |
2022 HSE |
CHO Total |
Population (Source Census 2016) |
|
North West |
€258,633 |
€471,730 |
||
|
North East (50%) |
€0 |
€468,906.50 |
€1,199,269.50 (4.3%) |
391,281 (8.22%) |
|
CHO 2 |
||||
|
Western |
€136,994 |
€534,155 |
€671,149 (2.41%) |
453,109 (9.52%) |
|
CHO 3 |
||||
|
Mid-West |
€147,982 |
€1,270,007 |
€1,417,989 (5.08%) |
384,998 (8.09%) |
|
CHO 4 |
||||
|
Cork |
€57,588 |
€1,472,699 |
||
|
Southern |
€0 |
€983,178 |
€2,513,465 (9.01%) |
690,575 (14.5%) |
|
CHO 5 |
||||
|
South East |
€0 |
€1,075,760 |
€1,075,760 (3.86%) |
510,333 (10.72%) |
|
CHO 6 |
||||
|
Bray |
€573,860 |
€926,271 |
||
|
Dun Laoghaire |
€51,676 |
€839,755 |
||
|
East Coast Area |
€58,200 |
€518,500 |
€2,968,262 (10.64%) |
393,239 (8.26%) |
|
CHO 7 |
||||
|
Ballyfermot |
€255,446 |
€1,241,286 |
||
|
Canal Communities |
€338,605 |
€1,066,248 |
||
|
Clondalkin |
€388,114 |
€1,017,948 |
||
|
Dublin 12 |
€70,397 |
€1,003,750 |
||
|
SIC |
€176,043 |
€1,963,075 |
||
|
Tallaght |
€336,022 |
€908,930 |
||
|
South West |
€102,820 |
€706,497 |
€9,575,181 (34.33%) |
697,644 (14.65%) |
|
CHO 8 |
||||
|
Midland |
€136,816 |
€672,491 |
||
|
North East (50%) |
€0 |
€468,906.50 |
€ 1,278,213.50 (4.58%) |
619,281 (13.01%) |
|
CHO 9 |
||||
|
Ballymun |
€422,958 |
€707,957 |
||
|
Blanchardstown |
€179,305 |
€923,589 |
||
|
Dublin NE |
€239,971 |
€787,116 |
||
|
Finglas Cabra |
€263,277 |
€637,960 |
||
|
NIC |
€394,856 |
€1,844,723 |
||
|
North Dublin City & Co. |
€0 |
€787,243 |
€ 7,188,955 (25.78%) |
621,405 (13.05%) |
|
Overall Total |
€27,888,244 |
4,761,865 |
||
In 2022, I allocated an additional €4.1 million in once-off funding to compensate for the inflation costs incurred by social inclusion services, including drug and alcohol taskforces. See: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/4fd65-health-ministers-announce-81m-in-once-off-funding-for-voluntary-and-community-providers/
Recently, I provided an additional €3.5m in recurring funding to maintain existing level of drugs and inclusion health services. The funding is distributed by community healthcare organisations (CHOs), based on guidance issued by the Department of Health. The allocation per CHO is between €330,000 & €450,000.
The funding recognises the important role of community and voluntary groups in providing drugs and inclusion health services, and acknowledges the increased costs of providing these essential services. Priority will be given to services, including community-based drug services, which are experiencing increased demand and have not received additional funding in recent years, in order to ensure maximum positive impact.
See: www.gov.ie/en/press-release/5d2c8-minister-naughton-announces-additional-annual-funding-of-3-5-million-for-drugs-and-inclusion-health-services/
Health Strategies
Questions (1536)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1536. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health what plans his Department has to establish a national register of patients with cardiac conditions to allow better analysis of heart and stroke incidences and to ensure relevant organisations are able to deliver adequate patient services in line with patient needs across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37349/23]
View answerWritten answers
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) which encompasses heart disease and stroke is an important public health issue. The detection and prevention of CVD is a priority. The National Heart Programme is currently engaging with the European Society of Cardiology who have an excellent platform to enable registry development on 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 CVD 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 was commissioned. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally including requirements for data to support service development.
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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1537)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1537. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to adapt the medical card scheme to ensure the qualification of heart failure patients by virtue of diagnosis, given the financial burden these patients face following diagnosis of a lifelong condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37350/23]
View answerWritten answers
Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
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.
The HSE also has a compassionate system in place for the efficient provision of medical cards in response to emergency situations i.e., where persons are in need of urgent ongoing medical care or when a patient is receiving end of life treatment. 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. In addition, since March 2021, persons who have been certified by their treating Consultant as having a prognosis of 24 months or less are now also awarded a medical card on an administrative basis. This measure delivered the Programme for Government commitment to extend eligibility for medical cards to persons with a terminal illness and work is continuing to develop a legislative framework to underpin this administrative scheme. Medical cards awarded on end of life grounds are never re-assessed by the HSE thereby providing reassurance and comfort to patients and their families.
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.
Health Strategies
Questions (1538)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1538. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to improve and extend cardiac psychological services across the country, given the very limited services currently available to heart failure patients following diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37351/23]
View answerWritten answers
Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of cardiac rehabilitation which includes a psychological component. There are at least 35 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 cardiovascular disease. Cardiac psychological services are an important element of multifaceted cardiac rehabilitation programmes. Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit data suggest that 71% of those who suffered a cardiac event are referred to cardiac rehabilitation programmes.
Given that there are clear, evidence-based guidelines in cardiac rehabilitation and the benefits of psychological intervention, it is recognised that this is an important component to maximise people’s quality of life in living with heart failure.
To understand the challenges, requirements and generate an evidence base for next steps in cardiac care, a National Review of our adult Specialist Cardiac Services which includes cardiac rehabilitation and heart failure was commissioned. The Reviews recommendations will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally. The Report is now finalised and is being prepared currently for my consideration.
Health Strategies
Questions (1539)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1539. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health to expand the cardiac referral service to ensure all heart failure patients are referred for rehab following diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37352/23]
View answerWritten answers
Changing Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients and is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease.
Cardiac rehabilitation is specifically developed for patients with established cardiovascular disease and positive outcomes for patients are linked to high-quality cardiac rehabilitation. Cardiac rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in a 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 35 centres 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 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 nationally.
Health Strategies
Questions (1540)
Jackie Cahill
Question:1540. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health what action is being taken to improve and expand community support services for heart failure patients to address physical and mental health, social and financial challenges that may arise for patients following diagnosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37353/23]
View answerWritten answers
Heart Failure is an important public health issue that affects approximately 90,000 of population, it is a complex condition with increasing numbers. Across Europe, and in Ireland heart failure remains a significant demand on health services and in particular hospital-based care. While not all hospital admissions can be avoided there is growing evidence of how to improve hospital avoidance.
There has been progress across Ireland in heart failure care and the detection and prevention of this syndrome is a priority. The National Clinical Programme for heart failure is developed to improve quality of life for people living with the syndrome.
Ireland’s wider community of clinical practice in heart failure has provided leading research and innovation that continues to inform this care around the world. The STOP-HF project for example is a dedicated heart failure prevention strategy. This first-of-type concept has been proven to be successful and has resulted in changes in international guidelines. Ireland is among the world leaders in developing strategies to prevent heart failure.
Ireland is promoting pioneering innovations like the HeartCare at Home, a primary care project, which is open to all people with heart failure in Ireland. To get heart failure specialist care to a wider cohort of patients ‘Virtual Consultation’ allows on-line, real-time discussion of heart failure case questions with a family doctor. This consultation results in very effective remote management, avoiding unnecessary referrals and travel for the patient and facilitates the sharing of specialist expertise.
There has been significant investment in Integrated Care Programmes for Chronic Disease which includes heart failure. This investment has enabled the development of structures of care which will significantly improve all aspects of heart failure care including speed of diagnosis, access to cardiac diagnostics and therapies.
Every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and 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. To ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, the Department of Health keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
There are clear, evidence-based guidelines and excellent exemplars of effective heart failure models of 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 which includes heart failure 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.
Primary Care Centres
Questions (1541)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:1541. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a primary care facility in Tullow and Borris, County Carlow; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37355/23]
View answerWritten answers
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, I have asked the HSE to reply to the deputy as soon as possible.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Questions (1542)
James Lawless
Question:1542. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health to examine a delay in reimbursement of a patient on the cross-border scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37366/23]
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.
Medical Cards
Questions (1543)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Question:1543. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the reason patients with medical cards are continuing to be charged for services (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37375/23]
View answerWritten answers
GP services are provided free of charge to people who hold a medical card or GP visit card. Under the terms of the current GMS contract, GPs are required to provide eligible patients with ''all proper and necessary treatment of a kind usually undertaken by a general practitioner and not requiring special skill or experience of a degree or kind which general practitioners cannot reasonably be expected to possess.".
The issue of GPs charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services (blood tests) is complex given the numerous reasons and circumstances under which blood tests are taken. Clinical determinations as to whether a blood test should taken to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition are made by the GP concerned. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for such blood tests. In addition, blood tests undertaken in the context of services provided under the GP Chronic Disease Management Programme are covered by the fees paid to GPs by the HSE for this care.
The issue has been raised previously with the relevant GP representative body. However, it did not prove possible to achieve agreement that no charges for blood tests would be applied in any circumstances.
Where a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, or has been charged for a blood test provided under the Chronic Disease Management Programme, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
The GMS contract stipulates that fees for medical and GP visit card holders are not paid to GPs in respect of certain medical certificates which may be required, for example, "under the Social Welfare Acts or for the purposes of insurance or assurance policies or for the issue of driving licences".
Any fees charged by GPs for services provided outside the terms of the GMS contract are a matter of private contract between the GP and their patients. The HSE does not have any role in relation to such fees.
Hospital Staff
Questions (1544)
Róisín Shortall
Question:1544. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will deliver on the promise in the programme for Government to support clinical genetic services at CHI, Crumlin by appointing six genomic resource associate roles to reduce the currently unacceptable two-year waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37377/23]
View answerWritten answers
The Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics services in Ireland. One of the key ambitions of the National Strategy for Accelerating Genetic and Genomic Medicine in Ireland, launched in December 2022, is to build a strong national genetics service. This will be a patient and family-centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country and across the lifespan of patients. In 2023, the Government allocated €2.7 million to the implementation of this Strategy. This allocation included the establishment of a National Office of Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of frontline staff. To ensure frontline staff posts are allocated in line with the Sláintecare vision of providing an equitable national service, these initial appointments have been made across the Health Regions in areas of immediate need.
2023 Allocation of Frontline Staff
This year, the following genetics/genomics posts have been allocated to CHI, Crumlin (Health Region B):
• 2 genomic resource associates
• 1 genetic counsellor
In addition to these Crumlin allocations, the following posts have been allocated:
• 1 genetic counsellor to each of the following locations:
o Health Region A - Beaumont Hospital
o Health Region F - Galway University Hospital
o Health Region B & Health Region C - St. James Hospital / St. Vincent’s University Hospital
• 1 Consultant Clinical Geneticist to Health Region F - Galway University Hospital
Before the conclusion of this year, the following additional roles will be allocated:
• 1 x Consultant Clinical Geneticist
• 2 x Genetic Counsellors
2024 Allocations
One of the key outputs for the National Genetics and Genomics Office in 2023 is the development of a model of care for genetics and genomics. The model of care will determine where additional posts are required and outline a plan for recruitment. The Interim Director and Interim National Clinical Director will be responsible for progressing this work package.
Training and Development for Genetics and Genomics
As part of the implementation of the National Strategy, there is a plan to build a strong genetic workforce for the future. This will be achieved by not only recruiting new staff, but training and development for a future workforce, and professional development for current staff within the health service. A plan will be developed by the National Genetics and Genomics Office to increase training and development opportunities in genetics and genomics to help support workforce demand.