Tuesday, 7 Nov 2023

Written Answers Nos. 1352-1371

Health Services Staff

Questions (1352)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1352. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of additional WTE staff that were recruited into endocrinology, obstetrics and neonatology services to date in 2023. [48751/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently not in a position to answer PQs due to industrial action. It is hoped that normal services will resume soon. In the meantime, this Department will continue to refer PQs to HSE for their direct reply as soon as possible

Hospital Facilities

Questions (1353)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1353. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the rate of theatre utilisation in St. James's Hospital for 2022; and if he will provide the rate of theatre utilisation in Tallaght and Naas General Hospitals, respectively for 2022. [48752/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Questions (1354)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1354. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of hospitals that provide a clinical psychology service to heart failure patients; and the proportion of patients identified as requiring clinical psychology who received the service in each of these hospitals. [48753/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

This is a service matter. Therefore it has been referred to the HSE.

Health Services

Questions (1355)

Catherine Murphy

Question:

1355. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the status of podiatry services provided by the HSE in County Kildare; the status of the service going forward; and the number of persons on the waiting list for this service. [48754/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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. 1356 answered with Question No. 1331.

Departmental Policies

Questions (1357)

Colm Burke

Question:

1357. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will take the necessary steps to enable a registered nurse to sign a declaration of death form for a patient who passes away in hospital or nursing home; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48786/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this question relates to an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

Mental Health Services

Questions (1358)

Colm Burke

Question:

1358. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide confirmation in relation to the anticipated start date for the newly appointed psychiatrist in CAMHS Infirmary Road, Cork (which serves the area of Cork North Central); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48787/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 (1359)

Colm Burke

Question:

1359. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide information in relation to the days per week that a psychiatrist is employed in CAMHS, Infirmary Road, Cork (which serves the area of Cork North Central); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48788/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 (1360)

Colm Burke

Question:

1360. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to outline what contingency measures are in place in circumstances where a psychiatrist employed by CAMHS is absent from work due to illness, in particular in cases where children have started medication and require adjustment/alteration of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48789/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 (1361)

Colm Burke

Question:

1361. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health to provide details in relation to the anticipated timescale for computerisation of CAMHS cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48790/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

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 (1362)

Colm Burke

Question:

1362. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what contingency measures his Department has in place in relation to cancellation of appointments with CAMHS psychiatrists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48791/23]

Written answers

Minister of State at the Department of Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Promotion

Questions (1363)

Colm Burke

Question:

1363. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will consider the relaunching of a public awareness campaign targeted at mitigating cancer risk, in particular the importance of education regarding exercise, maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing alcohol intake, in light of recent data which places Ireland as having the second highest rate of incidence of cancer among the 27 EU Member States; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48792/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival.

The current National Cancer Strategy (2017-2016) recognises four main goals, one of which is to Reduce Cancer Burden. This goal includes the following objectives:

Ensure prevention programmes are prioritised to reduce cancer incidence

Improve symptom awareness in the population

Increase early diagnosis

Focus on social inequalities

Recommendation 7 from the Strategy is that the NCCP and the HSE Health & Wellbeing Directorate, in partnership with the voluntary sector, will develop a rolling programme of targeted multi-media based public awareness and education campaigns, aimed at the early detection of specific cancers and with particular focus on at-risk populations. This recommendation is ongoing and below are some recent important developments:

• The NCCP Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Plan 2022-2025 was launched in May 2022 and an Early Diagnosis of Symptomatic Cancer Steering Group established.

• The NCCP continue to work with stakeholders to design and deliver interventions to address barriers to recognising and acting on signs/symptoms of cancer including education sessions delivered to high risk and underserved groups and development of resources including ‘know the signs of cancer’ easy-read posters.

• A National Survey of Cancer Awareness and Attitude was published in 2022 and planning commenced for similar work with specific marginalised groups, to inform targeted initiatives.

• An Early Diagnosis of Cancer e-learning Programme for primary healthcare professionals was developed and published (HSELanD), as part of ongoing work to promote cancer awareness and early diagnosis amongst healthcare professionals.

Healthy Ireland, A Framework for Improved Health and Wellbeing 2013-2025, launched in March 2013, is the national framework for action to improve the health and wellbeing of the country over the coming generation. It takes a “whole of Government” and “whole of society” approach to improving health and wellbeing, which is based on international experience and thinking in addressing the broad social determinants of health.

Healthy Ireland seeks to tackle the major lifestyle issues which lead to negative health outcomes, and in particular chronic disease such as cancer. These are smoking, alcohol, poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity. It also seeks to address the wider social and environmental factors that impact on health and wellbeing, for example, housing, education, transport, and the physical environment. The Framework aims to shift the focus to prevention, seeks to reduce health inequalities, and emphasises the need to empower people and communities to better look after their own health and wellbeing.

A series of initiatives are run by Healthy Ireland to address overweight and obesity in the adult population. Currently, a second phase of the “Healthy Weight” public awareness campaign is being run on radio and social media channels. This particular campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the heightened risk of developing overweight and obesity in our 20s and early 30s which happens due to many changes in life circumstances. This is the time for people to take action around four key pillars - physical activity, healthy eating, good sleep and managing stress - to prevent excess weight gain, and to protect their health now and in the future, which will reduce the risk of developing weight-related illnesses, including certain cancers. It also aims to provide practical information around the opportunities which exist at that stage of life to take preventative action.

Information and resources on healthy living can be found at the Healthy Ireland website at www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/3c4ed-healthy-weight/.

Health Labels

On 18 May 2023, the Minister for Health signed the Public Health (Alcohol) (Labelling) Regulations 2023 and commenced the remaining provisions of Section 12 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018. There is a 3-year lead-in to allow industry time to comply with the requirements and the measures will come into operation on 22 May 2026.

The labelling law provides that labels on alcohol products sold in the State must state the quantity of grams of alcohol and the calorie content of the product. In addition, they will warn about the risk of consuming alcohol when pregnant and will also warn of the risk of liver disease and fatal cancers from alcohol consumption. The labels will direct the consumer to the HSE website, www.askaboutalcohol.ie, for further information. The health warnings will also be displayed on notices in licensed premises and on websites that sell alcohol. The purpose of the labelling law is to ensure that important and necessary public health information is communicated to the Irish consumer at the point of purchase, thereby enabling the consumer to make an informed choice about their alcohol consumption.

According to Ireland’s National Cancer Registry, alcohol consumption is the fourth highest modifiable risk factor for cancer in Ireland causing 2.4% of all cancers in the year 2016. Alcohol consumption accounted for 32% of cancers of the pharynx, 29% of cancers of the mouth and 21% of cancers of the larynx as well as 7.5% of breast cancers in Ireland in that year. Public awareness in Ireland of the cancer risk involved in alcohol consumption is low. Only 21% surveyed were aware of the link between drinking more than the recommended amount and an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

Medicinal Products

Questions (1364)

Colm Burke

Question:

1364. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of Pembrolizumab, used in the treatment of triple negative breast cancer (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48793/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1365)

Colm Burke

Question:

1365. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will provide details of waiting times for persons referred for MRIs to determine possible breast cancer diagnosis in each of the eight cancer centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48794/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Questions (1366)

Colm Burke

Question:

1366. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department has taken to date and plans to take in relation to reviewing capacity in each of the eight cancer centres (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48795/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Successive National Cancer Strategies have delivered continuing improvements in outcomes for Irish cancer patients in terms of earlier diagnosis, better treatment, and improved rates of survival. 

The National Cancer Strategy (2017-2016) sets out a plan of improving earlier detection, providing more effective treatments, and transforming how we provide services to those with a cancer diagnosis across the patient pathway. This strategy is being actively progressed in order to reduce the burden of cancer.

The delivery of cancer services across a limited number of designated cancer centres is in line with international best-practice, allowing the full integration of high quality cancer care, combined with research and education. This ensures adequate case volumes, multidisciplinary working and infrastructural requirements, which are important determinants for patient outcomes. The Strategy notes that cancer patients should have access to high quality care staffed by appropriate specialists as close to home as possible, with specialist services centralised into the designated cancer centres as required to optimise outcomes for patients.

Over the course of the Strategy, there has been significant investment in cancer services, including through provision of increased patient attendance at Rapid Access Clinics, increased capacity and improved facilities in day wards, and through developments under the National Plan for Radiation Oncology, a strategic programme which has delivered projects such as the new radiation oncology facilities at Cork University Hospital and University Hospital Galway. Any such planning and delivery of services is done with future demand as well as current needs in mind.

A number of cancer services continue to be delivered outside of the eight designated cancer centres. For example, Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) is delivered in 26 centres nationally, including in the eight designated cancer centres. The SACT Model of Care, launched in June 2022, proposes a patient-centred approach to deliver SACT care in a location closer to the patient's home, where clinically appropriate. Many psycho-oncology services are delivered locally, often through community cancer support centres, ensuring patients can access supports local to home both during and after receiving acute treatment.

In the context of the National Cancer Strategy the capacity in each of the eight designated cancer centres is kept under regular review, and my Department works closely with the National Cancer Control Programme in ensuring that services and treatments are delivered for cancer patients in the appropriate setting, taking into account the resources, facilities and expertise needed at each centre.

Hospital Facilities

Questions (1367)

Ged Nash

Question:

1367. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health for an update on the additional units being built at St. Mary's hospital, Drogheda; when the units will come into operation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48807/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Health Services

Questions (1368)

Martin Browne

Question:

1368. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the progress made in assessing the suitability of sites at Palmers Hill, Cashel and land to the rear of St. Patrick's for the community nursing unit, originally planned for St. Patrick's, Cashel. [48808/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.

Vaccination Programme

Questions (1369)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1369. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the Covid vaccine novovax which is the only booster vaccine that can be administered to patients with myocarditis or other heart complaints is not currently available with the HSE; when it will be available; what he advises vulnerable patients for whom the booster is immediately necessary to do in the meantime; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48809/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

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

Questions (1370)

Jennifer Whitmore

Question:

1370. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the reason employees working for an organisation (details supplied) in a long-term residential house for disabled persons are not assessed as Section 39 employees despite having worked throughout the pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48810/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Firstly, I want to express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during the Covid 19 Pandemic.

Last year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic.

Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation. I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:

• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and

• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and

• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and

• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:

1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);

2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;

3. Agency roles working in the HSE;

4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;

5. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;

6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.

Only those staff who met all of the above eligibility criteria were covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens including those working in the Nua Healthcare provided important services during this most difficult time.

The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was a hard task to set out the eligibility criteria for this payment but the Government based its decision on certain aspects of all the different roles within the Healthcare sector and certain risks which eligible frontline workers faced. Immense efforts have been made by all healthcare staff since the onset of the pandemic which has not gone unrecognised.

In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February this year a new permanent public holiday was established to mark St Brigid’s Day.

Health Services

Questions (1371)

Emer Higgins

Question:

1371. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to ensure continued support and services for stroke patients, given the absence of allocated funds in Budget 2024 for national stroke strategy services in 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [48819/23]

Written answers

Minister for Health

Following the announcement of the budget allocation for my Department, I will shortly be issuing a Letter of Determination to the HSE outlining my priorities and funding levels for 2024. This will be the basis on which the HSE will draw up its National Service Plan (NSP) for 2024. It is not until the conclusion of this process that a detailed breakdown of ELS/New Development expenditure will be available.

To address emerging healthcare needs of our population the HSEs National Stroke Strategy (2022-2027) underpins the work of the National Stroke Programme.

In 2020/2021, the National Stroke Strategy was developed by the multi-disciplinary Clinical Advisory Group (CAG) under the clinical governance and leadership of the National Clinical Programme for Stroke and underwent extensive consultation with internal and external stakeholders. The remit of the CAG was to produce a number of key objectives for the Stroke Strategy over the next 4 years that were; of high impact for patient care, realistic to achieve and required to ensure stroke services were adequately resourced to provide safe and effective urgent stroke care and prevention.

The HSE National Stroke Strategy was published on the HSE’s website on World Stroke Day 2022 (29th October). The strategy includes the right goals and targets and improved outcomes for patients including survival, reduced disability and the delivery of efficient and effective services that support people to live longer and in their own communities. It recommends the strategic development of the service over 5-year period 2022-2027. Four key pillars for stroke care outlined in the strategy are: 1. Stroke Prevention 2. Acute Care and Cure 3. Rehabilitation and Restoration to Life 4. Education and Research.

The recent Irish National Audit of Stroke (INAS) Report - A critical review of national stroke data for Ireland from 2013 to 2021 by the National Centre of Clinical Audit (NOCA) provides an overview of key trends in stroke care from 2013 to 2021.

The INAS is a clinically led, web-based audit that measures the care provided in hospital with a stroke against Irish and UK guidelines. The Report highlights the many positive changes in stroke care nationally. Our emergency care processes have improved considerably during the reporting period (2013 to 2021), mortality for patients with ischaemic stroke has decreased by 29%, median total hospital length of stay decreased from 11 days to 8 days and the proportion of patients seen by a medical team within 10 minutes of hospital arrival has more than doubled. Moreover, the median time to patient assessment decreased from 2.5 hours to 12 minutes so patients are being seen much faster and the thrombectomy (mechanical removal of the blood clot contributing to the stroke) rate increased from 4.8% in 2016 to 9.5% in 2021.

The report also highlights some challenges; an increase in delay from stroke onset to hospital presentation was found, therefore there is the consequent importance of highlighting public education regarding the symptoms of stroke.

INAS allows hospitals to examine their own data and promotes continuous quality improvement. Such an approach is at the heart of the delivery of safe, high-quality care. It demonstrates a commitment by hospitals to using and analysing available data, such that individual hospitals, through their clinical governance or quality and risk processes, can identify areas of concern that warrant improvement or review.

This report provides evidence of year-on-year performance improvement in our hospitals, and I look forward to this continuing into the future.