Written Answers Nos. 658-679
658. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health to detail in tabular form the staff compliment assigned to cardiology services in University Hospital Waterford listing the last six quarters by individual specialty and number of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10108/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
659. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health to detail any retirements or personnel reassigned from the cardiac service in UHW in the past 18 months; if such posts have been replaced; if the hospital has permission during the health recruitment freeze to backfill any vacant positions occurring as a result of retirement or reassignment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10110/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
660. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in publishing the Nolan Report considering its genesis began in 2016 (details supplied); the core years analysis which the report bases its findings on; what account of additional population increase and additional cardiac procedures activity at UHW as a result of the second cath lab opening is being considered within the context of the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10111/24]
View answerThe National Review of Cardiac Services (NRCS) was established by the then Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, in late 2017. The NRCS commenced in January 2018 and was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic impacted on the progress of the Review during 2020 and into 2021 due to the clinical and service commitments of steering group members and the Chair of the Review played a key role in the COVID-19 response as a member of the National Public Health Emergency. The Review gained momentum in 2022 and is now finalised.
The aim of the NRCS is to recommend configuration for a national adult cardiac service to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive. This aligns with 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 and considered data from University Hospital Waterford (UHW).
The Programme for Government committed to the delivery of a second Cath Lab in UHW. The second Cath Lab opened in September 2023 and operates 5 days per week Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm. The opening hours for the existing Cath Lab were extended to 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) in Sept 2022. 24 WTEs were provided to open the second cath lab. UHW have advised that a business case for the additional staff required to extend emergency cardiac services over 7 days has been submitted to the South/South-West Hospital Group and is currently under consideration.
The HSE has advised that future cardiac developments at the hospital will be guided by the publication of the National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services (NRCS) and its findings.
The Review is finalised and has been presented to Minister Donnelly, the Minister is now considering taking a Memo to Government to facilitate further discussion. The recommendations of the review will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
661. Deputy Matt Shanahan asked the Minister for Health the date by which the Nolan Report into national cardiac care will be published; if the report will be offered in advance of national publication to stakeholders and political representatives in order that the findings may be independently assessed before being publicly announced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10112/24]
View answerThe National Review of adult Specialist Cardiac Services (NRCS) commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to recommend configuration for a national adult cardiac service to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive. This aligns with 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 structural heart disease. The recommendations of the review will inform the future provision of cardiac services nationally.
The Review is finalised and has been presented to Minister Donnelly, the Minister is now considering taking a Memo to Government to facilitate further discussion. As part of the next stage, the NRCS Secretariat will engage constructively with all relevant stakeholders.
662. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the standardised monetary level that all post-mastectomy product supports will increase to, as per his announcement in Dáil Éireann on 21 February 2024 during the debate on the Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10118/24]
View answerThe 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.
663. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason funding has not been continued for the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme, UMAAP, delivered by an organisation (details supplied); if there are any other funding streams available to ensure the continuation of the programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10119/24]
View answerADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general. There is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.
Children can access ADHD assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service. In addition to this, as per the CAMHS Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.
I am aware that prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme for Adults with ADHD which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for Adults in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE’s mental health service provision to ensure an integrated, person-centred response to adults with ADHD. The programme includes both assessment and treatment of the disorder and works collaboratively with voluntary agencies. It envisages a national service of ADHD teams, with each Team comprised of Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, and an administrator.
Enhancement of specialist mental health services such as ADHD is a key priority for myself as a Minister, the Government as a whole and the HSE. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the set-up of 5 ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them.
In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme adults funding of €150,000 was allocated to facilitate a collaboration with ADHD Ireland and the UCD School of Psychology to develop an ADHD app and the UMAAP Programme (Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme). Both the ADHD App and the UMAAP Programme have proven to be two very positive resources for people with ADHD. The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 5-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD.
I am pleased to confirm that further to recent discussions between the Department of Health and the HSE to finalise 2024 mental health funding, ADHD Ireland will be provided with funding for provision of the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. I look forward to launching the UMAAP Programme in April as agreed with ADHD Ireland.
664. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason healthcare professionals who have been self-employed cannot have that experience considered as relevant experience for the purposes of qualifying for HSE funded PhD doctorates in clinical psychology; if this will be rectified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10122/24]
View answerIn 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.
665. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health about an application for a primary medical care cert (details supplied); the status of an application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10125/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
666. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the appointment of a position (details supplied) in County Meath; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10129/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
667. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health for an update on the case of a person (details supplied) who is awaiting an appointment with a HSE service. [10130/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
668. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health for an update on the work carried out for the mental health and wellbeing of LGBTI people since the publishing of The LGBTIreland Report; if there are plans for an updated study; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10140/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
669. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if a course of dialectical behaviour therapy can be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10144/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
670. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if his Department retains responsibility for policy issues concerning Parkinson’s; the amount which has been allocated by the HSE to support an organisation (details supplied); the section responsible for funding this organisation; if he has reviewed and made a determination on the funding application for the freephone nurse specialist helpline which was submitted to the HSE in October 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10148/24]
View answerI am aware that Parkinson’s Ireland (PI) has made an application for new funding under section 39 Grant Aid and Service Arrangement process to the HSE and I wish to confirm that the Department of Health does not have a role in relation to PI’s funding application.
The HSE has confirmed that its Disability Services are the point of contact for such funding proposals and that the HSE funds a range of community services and supports to enable each individual with a disability, including persons with Parkinson's disease, to achieve their full potential and maximise independence, including living as independently as possible. It is a matter for HSE in the first instance, to consider the application having regard to the annual estimates process and its overall budgetary envelope.
The HSE has advised that Community Healthcare Organisation (CHO) 2 Primary Care supported a local initiative with PI with €70,000 in funding to provide a level of Physiotherapy and other supports in counties Galway and Mayo. This was a discrete initiative funded at the local level via the CHO's own funding allocation. It has further advised that PI approached the HSE with a number of business cases to seek funding for the development of services in the other eight CHOs similar to that in CHO 2.
The HSE has been considering the most appropriate way to oversee this type of development, which relates to the overall National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland and associated priorities, which falls within the remit of DCEDIY and HSE Disability Services, whilst also recognising the essential input from acute and primary care services as part of an integrated services approach to both funding and delivery, consistent with the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy.
My Department will work in a collaborative way with DCEDIY to promote such an integrated approach to service delivery for people with Parkinson’s.
671. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if his Department has carried out or discussed any studies about the health impact of excessive use of mobile phones at a young age; if he is concerned about this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10154/24]
View answerMy department funds health research through the Health Research Board (HRB), the largest funder of health research in the state. HRB funding schemes are run as open, competitive calls and all eligible applications are internationally peer-reviewed by experts in the field. The HRB does not ring-fence funding for specific conditions. Therefore, applications in any topic area, including youth mental health and use of mobile phones, are welcome through all HRB grant schemes.
In 2023, HRB provided funding for a large programmatic award of €2.5 million over 51 months, starting in January 2024, entitled VISTA (Vision to Action for promoting Mental Health and Recovery) which is a research programme aimed at supporting the delivery of specific national recommendations outlined in ‘Sharing the Vision’ including a work package focused on social media and youth mental health, and one focused on digital interventions in youth mental health.
While the overarching intent of the programme is to design and evaluate evidence-based social media and digital interventions that can promote positive mental health and resilience and enhance access to and delivery of mental health services, the foundational aspects of the research seek to generate contemporary data on how young people in Ireland use social media and explore the relationship between social media use measures and mental health status.
Furthermore, my department in conjunction with the HRB has a track record of supporting mental health research, including for young people. In 2023, the HRB invested €7M to advance mental health research projects, almost a doubling of investment compared with the previous five years. This was made possible as a result of significant additional funding made available under Sharing the Vision and to advance research aligned with my departments Statement of Research Priorities.
Sharing the Vision emphasises the importance of mental health promotion, prevention, early intervention and recovery. The research projects funded will generate important and actionable evidence in areas such as improving the experience of involuntary care for young people in the Irish mental health service.
Not including the VISTA award above, between 2014 and 2023, my department in conjunction with the HRB invested €4,300,005 in projects linked specifically to youth mental health. This included themes such as informing youth suicidal prevention and mental health promotion and psychosocial supports for youth mental health.
672. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to be called for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10159/24]
View answerUnder 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.
673. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health to detail the cohorts of asylum seekers that are entitled to a medical card; if an entitlement to a medical card guarantees a person a place on a GP list; and if he is concerned that given that many citizens cannot get on to a GP list, this policy could be damaging to social cohesion. [10160/24]
View answerA person seeking International Protection, on a weekly allowance, is entitled to a medical card.
In accordance with the GMS contract, where a person who holds a medical card or GP visit card experiences difficulty in finding a GP to accept them as a patient, having unsuccessfully applied to at least three GPs in the area (or fewer if there are fewer GPs in the area), that person can apply to the HSE National Medical Card Unit which has the power to assign such persons to a GP's GMS patient list.
Persons who do not hold a medical card or GP visit card access GP services on a private basis and can make enquiries directly to any GP practice they wish to register with. As private practitioners, it is a matter for each individual GP to decide whether to accept additional private patients.
The Government is committed to Increasing eligibility for free GP services. In 2023, the financial threshold for eligibility for a GP visit card was increased to the median household income. This will make up to 430,000 people eligible for a GP visit card.
The Department of Health is working to increase the number of GPs practicing in the State and thereby improve access to GP services across the country for everyone. Several measures have been taken to increase GP capacity, including increasing investment in general practice, increasing the number of doctors training to become GPs, and establishing the non-EU GP Training Programme to rapidly bring more GPs to Ireland.
674. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health when an appointment will be offered for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10163/24]
View answerUnder 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.
675. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health who is responsible for drafting/approving the referral/care pathway in the National Gender Service; if the referral/care pathway is based on international best practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10167/24]
View answerAs the Deputy may be aware, the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
As an initial step, the HSE advertised for the post of Clinical Lead for Transgender Services, who will lead the team to develop the Model of Care and Implementation Plan for Transgender Care, and this position has now been accepted by the successful candidate.
Developing a Model of Care for gender healthcare services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and the Department will work closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process. There is a clear and well-established approach to the development of a model of care which will incorporate best available clinical evidence and input from healthcare professionals, patient advocates and those with lived experience.
I welcome the development of a model of care which will deliver a high quality seamless and integrated service for people with gender identity issues.
676. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health when and how puberty blockers and other essential services for trans teenagers will be provided by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10168/24]
View answer677. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if the HSE has a plan in place to recruit more surgeons who are capable of performing gender-affirming surgeries; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10169/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 676 and 677 together.
This is a service matter and I have referred this to the HSE for a direct reply.
678. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the current private gender-affirming surgery options are too expensive and too limited for the needs of many trans people; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10170/24]
View answerThe cost of private healthcare services is set by the health professionals and healthcare companies themselves and usually reflects the full economic cost of the service.
In terms of the public service, the deputy may be aware that the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
Developing a Model of Care for gender healthcare services is expected to be a complex process and the HSE and the Department will work closely together to support the process, ensure transparency and keep the patient at the centre of the process. There is a clear and well-established approach to the development of a model of care which will incorporate best available clinical evidence and input from healthcare professionals, patient advocates and those with lived experience.
I welcome the development of a model of care which will deliver a high quality seamless and integrated service for people with gender identity issues.
679. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health to supply information about the relationship between a public hospital, Connolly Hospital, and a private institution, the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, which has a building in construction (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10191/24]
View answerAs 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.
As the Deputy may be aware, management and administrative grade staff in the Fórsa union in the HSE commenced industrial action on Friday 6th October. As a consequence of this industrial action, members in these grades are not engaging with political forums or processes. As a result, the question asked by the Deputy may be delayed in receiving a response directly from the HSE.
