Written Answers Nos. 1-30
5. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that issues of overcrowding at Cork University Hospital are addressed as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40911/23]
View answerUrgent and Emergency Care (UEC) pressures are now experienced throughout the year. A new, two-fold approach to UEC planning is being implemented in response to the changing demands:
• The delivery of an operational plan for UEC for 2023, approved by Government in July,
• and a 3-year UEC Plan, expected to be submitted to Government in Autumn.
In spite of growing demand, Cork University Hospital’s trolley numbers this year to the end of August are down 11%, in the face of a 10% increase in attendances compared to the same period in 2019 (as the pre-COVID benchmark).
The HSE is actively engaged with CUH to address both their Patient Experience Times and Delayed Transfers of Care challenges and drive improvements in these key areas.
Continued investment is being made to meet CUH’s needs:
• 1,000 (25%) extra Whole-time Equivalents (WTE) since the end of 2019, bringing a total of 5,100 WTE.
• A 2023 hospital budget of nearly €402m, a 33% increase on 2019's €303m budget.
• 60 beds opened at CUH in 2020 funded under the Winter Plan/Budget 2021.
• A new modular-build surgical hub is due to be operational in CUH in Q3 2024.
Supporting CUH in the community, a new primary care centre has been built in Cobh and new community beds are to be delivered in Midleton (50), and St. Finbarr’s, Co. Cork (105) which include dementia specific beds.
St. Stephen’s Hospital has been determined as the location for the new Elective Hospital in Cork, and it expected that the new Elective Hospitals will see their first patients in 2027.
12. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health what steps his Department is undertaking to ensure that more dentists in the State will accept medical card patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40282/23]
View answerThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. Since May 1st 2022, there has been additional prevention treatments included and a 40-60% increase in fees across most treatment items.
Fees paid to dentists for DTSS care are aligned with other European countries which provide comparable public dental care, noting that many European countries, especially in the southern and eastern regions, don’t have a scheme in place for adults which is free at point of access. From January to July this year, 131,626 additional treatments have been provided under the DTSS, with over 24,500 extra unique patients treated when compared with the same period last year.
Where access to a DTSS dentist is difficult, local HSE services assist patients to access a dentist. In exceptional circumstances, where emergency treatment is required, the HSE can directly contact private contractors or arrange treatment to be provided by HSE-employed dentists. €5 million has been allocated this year to support the HSE Public Dental Service, including to provide this emergency care. The HSE have used this funding to increase capacity, in some cases establishing additional clinics and providing services outside normal hours.
In the longer term, the Government is committed to fundamentally reforming the DTSS through implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. The Department is working closely with the HSE to ensure the establishment of focused structures, to move forward policy implementation and develop a more modern service for medical card holders.
13. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an estimate of the average number of inpatient and outpatient procedures that have been delivered by public hospitals and by the NTPF to date in 2023; and if he is considering any innovations to deliver more procedures. [40277/23]
View answerThe latest hospital activity figures published by the HSE shows that the health service is treating significantly more patients than previously. The most recently available 12 months of data to May 2023, shows there were 3.5 million outpatient and c.1.8 million inpatient / day case attendances. In addition to this planned care, our hospital system also treated c.1.7 million patients during this same period in emergency care, which represents an 11% increase on 2019 (pre-pandemic) levels and reflects the ongoing pressure on hospitals, particularly amongst older people.
As of 25th August, the NTPF had made an offer of treatment to 39,160 patients on the IPDC waiting list, 19,388 on the G.I. Scope list and some 146,244 outpatient appointments were approved. In addition, 55,873 vouchers for diagnostics (EDANs) had been utilised across the hospital groups for scans including MRI, Ultrasounds, CT and x-ray. In the same period HSE activity resulted in the removal of 637,349 patients from the outpatient waiting list, 218,854 from the IPDC list and 90,624 from the GI Scope list. These increased levels of activity are having a positive impact, and at the end of August the number of patients waiting over the Sláintecare targets have fallen by 21% since the pandemic peaks.
Conscious of the numbers on OPD lists, the Minister has asked for increased focus on outpatient activity. Accordingly the HSE and NTPF are targeting 28,000 additional outpatient appointments beyond that targeted in the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, through a range of measures. These measures are in addition to the longer term reform measures contained in the WLAP, including changing how we provide our services through modernised care pathways, and the development of surgical hubs.
14. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if therapists (details supplied) who have qualified in Queens University Belfast or Ulster University have to complete a compensation measure, comprising either an adaptation period under supervised practice or an aptitude test before their qualification is recognised by CORU. [40690/23]
View answer68. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1625 of 11 September 2023, the reason therapists (details supplied) who have qualified in Queens University Belfast or Ulster University have to complete a compensation measure comprising either an adaptation period under supervised practice or an aptitude test before their qualification is recognised by CORU if CORU states that "the existing programmes in Northern Ireland have a good alignment with the Irish standard for these professions. [40740/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 14 and 68 together.
CORU is Ireland’s multi-profession health and social care regulator. Its role is to protect the public and one of the ways this is achieved is through the systems that are in place to verify qualifications – both within and outside the State. Only professional qualifications awarded within the State can be accredited by CORU for access to CORU regulated professions and persons with CORU accredited Irish qualifications apply directly to CORU for registration.
Professional qualifications awarded outside the State are assessed through a process of “recognition” which involves expert assessment of a non-Irish qualification’s alignment with the standard of proficiency required to practise in Ireland. Professional experience and lifelong learning are also considered where necessary. CORU must be satisfied that each individual applicant has met all the criteria to grant recognition of non-Irish qualifications. This is to ensure public confidence in registered professionals.
With regard to Northern Irish qualified therapy graduates, CORU has advised officials in the Department of Health that since 2019 it has assessed 44 applications from Northern Irish graduates with physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech and language therapy degrees. The assignment of compensation measures is rare. This reflects a strong alignment of standards between the two jurisdictions.
Work is underway to further streamline the process for recognising non-Irish qualifications where standards alignment is clearly evidenced, including for programmes in Northern Ireland.
If the deputy wishes to provide further detail on specific cases where a compensation measure has been imposed, officials in the Department will be happy to contact CORU and seek further clarifications on her behalf.
18. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the extent of the estimated health budget overrun in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40788/23]
View answerThe HSE monthly financial performance reports (excluding Disability Services expenditure transferred to D/CEDIY) show a HSE Current deficit at end-June of €642 million (6.8%), comprising Core €576 million (6.2%) and COVID €66 million (26.9%).
In respect of the vote position (cash position), figures to end June show the Health Vote at end-June was €220 million (2.1%) above profile, comprising HSE current draw downs €319 million (3.3%) above profile, Departmental and other Agencies current draw downs €21 million (11.8%) under profile, and capital draw downs €78 million (20.6%) under profile. There is active management of the capital plan and it is planned to have full capital draw down by year end.
The deficit in the HSE is largely being driven by increased demand and inflationary pressures across the Health Sector and, in particular, in our acute hospitals. This combination of price and volume increases, reflecting demographic and post-COVID impacts, has led to increased costs in the provision of health services and has contributed significantly to the HSE financial position.
Specific targeted measures have already been introduced to achieve reductions in the deficit including:
- targeted reductions in agency costs;
- a pause on the growth of management and administrative grades;
- reductions in management consultancy; and
- drugs cost reform, in particular increasing use of generics.
The Department of Health and the HSE are working proactively work together to identify areas for further savings and efficiencies in 2023 in order to minimise the deficits in health. In that context, the Department has not finalised an expenditure forecast to end-2023 and continues to work with the D/PENDR and the HSE on measures to mitigate expenditure pressures in 2023.
19. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will legislate for safe staffing levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40789/23]
View answerThe Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix is an evidence-based approach to determining nurse staffing levels that puts safety and patient needs first, focusing on delivering positive patient outcomes. The Framework is national policy in Adult General and Specialist Medical and Surgical wards since 2018 and in Emergency Care Settings since 2022. The Framework’s implementation has demonstrated positive impacts for patients, staff and organisations.
National implementation of the Framework is a priority for Minister Donnelly. The Government invested €31 million since 2020 to support implementation and the Minister recently allocated further funding of €25 million. This provides for approximately 1,000 additional Whole Time Equivalent Registered Nurses and Healthcare Assistants to date, with recruitment ongoing. There are 21,904 more whole time equivalents working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020, including almost 6,600 additional nurses and midwives.
OECD statistical data clearly shows that Ireland has more practising nurses per 1,000 population than nearly all other European countries. Furthermore, the 2022 OECD data shows Ireland having 13.4 practising nurses per 1,000 population, which is an increase on the 2021 figure of 12.8.
Ireland’s approach to safe staffing is internationally recognised as highly effective, with other countries now looking to Ireland. Very few countries have legislated for safe staffing and according to the Office of our Chief Nurse, there’s limited evidence to show that safe staffing legislation makes it safer for patients or positively impacts implementation.
To identify the evidence base for legislating, the Department of Health engaged with international experts in safe staffing. These experts advised that it’s not the right time for Ireland to legislate for the Framework. The priority should be on implementation and further development of the Framework in other areas especially community care. Any further emerging evidence will be kept under review.
20. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid out in compensation by the HSE in each of the past ten years and to date in 2023. [40281/23]
View answerThe State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive.
The SCA has provided this information on compensation payments which includes both general damages and special damages. The payments are in respect of both the clinical indemnity scheme as well as the public liability scheme.
• In 2013 the amount paid was €85 million
• In 2014 the amount paid was €70 million
• In 2015 the amount paid was €157 million
• In 2016 the amount paid was €153 million
• In 2017 the amount paid was €200 million
• In 2018 the amount paid was €230 million
• In 2019 the amount paid was €280 million
• In 2020 the amount paid was €275 million
• In 2021 the amount paid was €346 million
• In 2022 the amount paid was €352 million
• In 2023, the amount paid in the year to date to end of August 2023 was €247 million.
The total amount paid in compensation damages from 2013 to end August 2023 is €2.4 billion.
The figures provided are for compensation only and exclude legal fees. Over the period, legal fees were about 20% of the total claims amount.
Government, in January 2023, approved the establishment of an Interdepartmental Working Group to examine the rising cost of health-related claims and consider mechanisms to reduce costs, which is chaired independently by Dr. Rhona Mahony.
21. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide defined commencement timelines with regard to the long-awaited public inquiry into the handling of the Covid pandemic in nursing homes; if he can provide the terms of reference for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40603/23]
View answerThe 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 has been indicated that this evaluation 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.
22. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take to provide funding for a day care centre for the elderly in Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40616/23]
View answerThe Government remains committed to supporting people to age in place at home in their community with access to wraparound supports, including day care and dementia-specific day care services and Meals on Wheels.
In May, I announced the allocation of €5.25 million funding for Meals on Wheels and day centres to organisations across the country. In addition to this a further €2.1 million was secured for dementia-specific community day services.
Day centres provide a valuable service for older people through delivery of a planned programme of activities in a professional care setting and provision of care during the day. The service offers family carers respite from caregiving duties while knowing that their family member is in a safe place.
Youghal does not currently have a day centre for older people but plans have been proposed to develop this service for the area. I understand a proposal has been drafted and an order of magnitude cost has been produced for re-development of the St Raphael’s Health Care Campus. This proposal includes plans for a day centre to be incorporated into the refurbished main building. At this early stage, it is not possible to determine a timeline in relation to establishment of the day centre in Youghal until capital funding has been sanctioned for same.
On a wider level, the Deputy will be aware that there are 14 Community Healthcare Networks operational in Cork providing primary and community care services to patients in the County. Six Community Specialist Teams are planned for Cork, consisting of three ICPOP Team (two of these are operational) and three Chronic Disease Management Teams (one of which is operational.)
23. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that recent data has shown that 100,800 children are on some form of National Treatment Purchase Fund waiting list, with one in five of those 20,600 young people waiting longer than a year for treatment or assessment in public hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40712/23]
View answerThe Minister for Health and this Government acknowledge that many patients including children are waiting far too long for scheduled appointments and procedures. Waiting times were already too long and deteriorated during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On the 7th of March, the Minister published the 2023 Waiting List Action Plan, which is the latest stage of a new multi-annual approach to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists.
The 2023 plan builds on the foundational work done through the previous plans, both of which reversed the annual trend of rising waiting lists.
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.
The figure quoted by the Deputy refers to the total waiting list figure for July, which includes not just those on the active waiting list, but also those suspended, those with a "to come in" date and those waiting on a planned procedure. In the most recent figures published by the NTPF last Friday this number has fallen slightly. Whilst still high, targeting those waiting a long time is vital. The new figures show 19,891 children waiting over 12 months on the active waiting list. Although still way too many, we are making progress, as this represents a decrease of 17% year to date, and 30% in the last year.
24. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the criteria that would be used to recruit medical staff from third countries to assist with the staffing crisis that exists within the Irish health services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39628/23]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware all doctors wishing to practice in Ireland must be registered with the Medical Council. The Council is keen to support the HSE in its international recruitment of doctors. The two organisations are working closely to ensure that registration information is given to successful candidates at an early stage of recruitment and that appropriate resources are deployed to deal with application volumes at times of high demand.
The Council has established processes for the assessment of both general and specialist medical qualifications from Ireland, EEA and third countries. In the case of doctors seeking registration on the Specialist Division of the Medical Council’s register who have trained in a third country, their qualifications are typically assessed under a service level agreement with a Post-Graduate Training Body. The Council’s expertise in third country qualification assessment is available to the HSE to assist it in targeting international recruitment campaigns.
The HSE have approved an attractive and competitive relocation package to assist international recruitment of all disciplines. The relocation package includes allowances payable to candidates to meet the initial costs of relocating, such as accommodation and flight allowance.
Additional costs such as registration fees to Regulatory bodies, Visa fees, aptitude test fees are also payable on behalf of the candidate. The exact cost is dependent on where the candidate relocated from, the speciality of the post and any relevant Framework conditions applicable.
25. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health to outline the measures that are being taken to fill the 51.4 WTE vacancies across medical assessment services at model 2 hospitals at St John's, Ennis and Nenagh Hospitals; the timeline that is being considered to put staff in these posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40716/23]
View answerThe HSE has advised that €5.2m funding has been approved for the three Mid-West Medical Assessment Units. This funding has secured the already extended weekend service at Ennis Hospital. It allows for Medical Assessment Units at St John’s and Nenagh to open seven days per week.
Recruitment is ongoing for an additional 51.45 Whole-Time Equivalent vacancies. This includes doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, social care professionals and administrative staff. University of Limerick Hospitals Group has made positive progress on this recruitment. Across the three Medical Assessment Units, 17.7 of these vacancies are now filled and a further 11.5 will be taking up post shortly. The remainder are in various stages of the recruitment process.
As more staff take up post, slots for medical assessment will increase. Once all are recruited, there will be over 7,000 more assessment slots annually.
In 2022, more than 12,700 patients were referred to these Medical Assessment Units. In recent weeks this has increased considerably. In the fortnight to September 17th, 753 patients attended these Medical Assessment Units. This represents an increase from 35 to 54 daily attendances.
People in the Mid-West are already benefiting from medical assessment closer to home. This helps address Emergency Department avoidance, and ensures appropriate community referrals.
26. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the Mental Health Commission report into CAMHS services in each CHO, in particular the lack of out-of-hours services in CHO3 and CHO5; the shortage in the provision of in-patient beds and dedicated CAMHS specific psychiatric assessment room in CHO5; the measures that will be taken to facilitate accessible service locations that are currently unavailable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40715/23]
View answerMental Health Commission's report into the provision of CAMHS services across this country has been welcomed by the Government, the Department of Health and the HSE. The publication of the associated reports of the individual nine Community Health Organisation (CHOs) reports are both a timely and welcome contribution to our shared common objective of improving the quality and safety of all CAMHS services. While there are recognised challenges and issues identified in the CHO reports, it is important to note that across each CHO area, the hard work and dedication of the many staff working in frontline services is acknowledged and recognised by the Mental Health Commission. Importantly, all immediate concerns raised by the Commission and escalated to the HSE have been addressed as a matter of priority inclusive of open case reviews, individual care planning, corporate and clinical governance and risk management. In addition there has been on-going and extensive engagement between the Department of Health, the HSE, and the Mental Health Commission regarding the findings, and extensive collaboration continues to take place.
In relation to the specific queries raised by the Deputy, the HSE/South East Community Healthcare office has advised my Department that it welcomes the publication of Reports by the Mental Health Commission on the provision of Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services, including one focused on the South East region and understands the frustration felt by some families. The HSE/SECH wishes to provide assurance that it will listen carefully to any feedback on users’ experience of the service. In particular, the Head of Service in the Mental Health South East Community Healthcare has advised my Department that as part of its range of community mental health services, HSE/SECH operates nine CAMHS teams in counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. All these teams are multidisciplinary in nature and are led by a Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist (all of whom are on the Specialist Register). While CHO5 does not have an inpatient psychiatric unit for children who require psychiatric inpatient care, they do utilise beds provided by Eist Linn in Cork or at Linn Dara in Kildare. CHO 5 are also working to develop positions for the provision of out of hours liaison service across the Region.
In 2022 1,858 young people were treated and supported by the SECH’s CAMHS services across counties Carlow, Kilkenny, South Tipperary, Waterford and Wexford. As noted by the Mental Health Commission, 91.1% of urgent referrals to CAMHS were responded to in this area within three working days (meeting/exceeding the nationally set 90% target). 91.2% of accepted referrals/re-referrals offered first appointment and seen by SECH within 12 months.
I look forward to continuing to work with the HSE and the Mental Health Commission in relation to the service improvement of CAMHS. To this end I welcome the appointment of both the Assistant National Director and the Clinical Advisor for Youth Mental Health and I look forward to the positive improvements that the establishment of the Youth Mental Health Office in the HSE will bring.
27. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his views on the accessibility to acute care in the mid-west region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40655/23]
View answerThe Government is committed to improving access to acute services in the Mid-West region.
Funding of €5.2m was allocated this year to the Medical Assessment Units (MAUs) in the three Model 2 hospitals within the UL Hospital Group. As a result, these MAUs are now operating 12 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Since 2019, a programme of capital investment and recruitment is in progress and 98 new inpatient beds have been added since January 2021. In addition, work on a new €90 million, 96-bed inpatient block at UHL began in October 2022. Additional works on a second 96-bed inpatient block is planned. The overall number of WTE positions in UHL has increased by 34% between 2019 and 2023.
This investment is having an immediate impact on service delivery. The HSE has advised that in the last year, the number of patients waiting over 18 months for an OPD appointment reduced by 89% in UHL and by 97% in Ennis Hospital. In addition, St. John's Hospital has reduced the number of patients waiting for an OPD appointment by 45%. Attendance at ULHG was 10.5% higher in 2023 than in 2019. Patients counted on trolleys at 8am cumulatively for the period January to August 2023 was down 23.4% compared to the same period in 2019.
Overcrowding in hospitals and long waiting times for scheduled care causes distress to patients, their families and frontline staff. We continue to engage extensively with the HSE on these challenges.
28. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the provision of new and upgraded primary care centres in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40620/23]
View answerA central objective of the Programme for Government is to deliver increased levels of integrated health care with service delivery reoriented towards general practice, primary care and community-based services.
Primary Care Centres (PCCs) play an essential role in the delivery of that objective. These modern, purpose-designed buildings provide a single location for a primary care team to work from and play a key role in the delivery of a reformed health service. Minister Donnelly is happy to report that significant progress has been made in the delivery of these centres nationally, with 167 opened to date, and a further 14 currently in construction.
In County Clare specifically, there has been the recent addition of a new Primary Care Centre on Station Road in Ennis. This centre became operational in Q4 2022. Construction of an additional fourth floor is to commence in late 2023.
The Primary Care Centre in Kilrush also saw extensive renovations with existing accommodation upgraded in 2022.
Furthermore, progress is being made on the development of Primary Care Centres in Sixmilebridge, Ennistymon and Tulla Road, Ennis. These centres are at earlier stages of the planning and development process.
In addition to these developments, the HSE has confirmed that refurbishment works are planned for Ennis Health Centre (Bindon Street) and submissions have been made for a proposed two-storey extension to Scariff Health Centre.
The provision of these new Primary Care Centres and upgraded facilities will be a welcome addition to the people of County Clare and Minister Donnelly wishes to assure the Deputy that this Government remains committed to the provision of Primary Care Centres in County Clare, Community Healthcare Mid-West and throughout the country.
29. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health if he is considering extending eligibility to the long-term illness scheme for reimbursement of blood glucose test strips (insulin and metformin) to all women who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37850/23]
View answerThe Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
The Long Term Illness scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme, including diabetes. Under the scheme, patients receive medicines and medical appliances related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. However, as gestational diabetes is not a permanent or long-term illness it is not included in the scheme.
Budget 2023 provided funding for several new initiatives aimed at improving diabetes care, including the provision of glucose testing strips without charge to women affected by gestational diabetes. The Department and the HSE are working to deliver this as soon as possible.
These items are currently reimbursable under the Drug Payment Scheme and to medical card holders, subject to the relevant co-payment.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines.
The HSE may grant a medical card even where a person exceeds the income guidelines, if they are in difficult financial circumstances, such as having extra costs arising from illness.
People may also be entitled to claim tax relief, at the standard rate, on the cost of their medical expenses.
30. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the fact that medical students from Northern Ireland are unable to apply for internship posts in the Republic of Ireland due to an administrative loophole whereby their results are not ready in time for the HSE to consider them, and are therefore lost to the health services for ongoing employment to aid services here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39629/23]
View answerThe Department of Health is aware of the challenges for Northern Ireland Medical School graduates meeting deadlines for Internship in Republic of Ireland. There has been ongoing engagement with the HSE, Medical Council and Northern Ireland universities to address these issues.
The Internship recruitment process is managed through a single, national, annual recruitment campaign. A central matching process allocates candidates to one of their preselected preferred Intern posts by order of merit using their centile score. A key dependency for this process is the receipt of centiles from medical schools by late May each year. This deadline is to ensure that after post offer, there is sufficient time for candidates to meet all employment and regulatory requirements before commencing Internship.
Interns start employment with the HSE in the last week of June each year. This allows a week of induction plus one week of shadowing existing interns. These two weeks are vital to support new interns and in the interest of patient safety.
The date of release of centiles by Ulster University is later than other Medical Schools in Republic of Ireland and does not meet May deadlines. This anomaly has not yet impacted students as the first graduates from Ulster University applying for internship in Ireland will be in 2025.
The HSE has engaged with Ulster University on this issue and further engagement is planned.
