Health Services

Tuesday, 5 March 2024

Questions (611, 616, 617, 757)

Fergus O'Dowd

Question:

611. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to respond to follow up concerns in respect of mastectomy supports (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9935/24]

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Ged Nash

Question:

616. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health if a matter in relation to post-mastectomy products will be addressed (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9958/24]

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Holly Cairns

Question:

617. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to provide an update from the HSE on the proposed cuts to allowances for post-mastectomy products for survivors of breast cancer; and what measures he will take to support those financially impacted by these proposed cuts. [9965/24]

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Mark Ward

Question:

757. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health to comment on funding and availability of the post mastectomy grant; if this funding is to be reduced, the reasoning behind this; if this will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10678/24]

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Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 611, 616, 617 and 757 together.

The Health Service Executive (HSE) provide an extensive range of aids and appliances to individuals living with a wide variety of different medical conditions. These support individuals to continue living within their communities and to enjoy a greater quality of life than would otherwise be the case. The Community Funded Schemes (CFS) is the collective name for the provision of these products and services.

The Community Funded Scheme service improvement programme recently published two new national procedures for the provision of an allowance for cancer treatment in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products. The HSE advise that the intention of the new procedures was to standardize provision across the country.

I instructed the HSE to ensure that no patient, either currently availing of the scheme or accessing it in the future, should be at any financial loss as a result of the proposed changes.

The HSE has since communicated to each CHO advising them to revert to the pre-existing level of contributions to patients in respect of hair loss and post mastectomy products until such time as the new procedures can be reviewed in terms of the proposed allowances to be provided. CHOs were also instructed to contact any member of the public who received an email/communication advising them of the new procedure to inform them it has been withdrawn. This communication also reiterated that no person should be disadvantaged in any way in the intervening period.

I want to reiterate that progressing Women's Health is a priority within the Programme for Government, and a top priority for me as Minister for Health. I am proud to have overseen unprecedented levels of funding in women's health services over the last few years. I want to ensure that the necessary supports are put in place so that every woman has the same level of access to appropriate healthcare no matter where they live in Ireland.