Written Answers Nos. 1237-1260
1237. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to provide a timeline as to when the remaining two maternity hospitals are due to be in a position to offer full termination of pregnancy services, as prescribed in the 2018 Act; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11644/24]
View answerCurrently 17 of the 19 maternity hospitals are providing full termination of pregnancy services, as prescribed in the 2018 Act, which includes termination in early pregnancy (i.e. under 12 weeks).
In the remaining two sites, Cavan and Clonmel, the introduction of the service is dependent on the recruitment of additional consultant obstetrician gynaecologists, which is progressing, as is the establishment of the appropriate referral and care pathways within those hospitals.
The HSE envisages that termination services in early pregnancy will commence in Cavan and Clonmel this year.
1238. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to provide an update in relation to the progression of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023; and can he confirm that this bill will be completed in the lifetime of this current Dáil term; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11645/24]
View answerI am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services.
I secured Cabinet approval to legislate for the designation of safe access zones around healthcare premises to safeguard access to termination of pregnancy services in July 2022 and published the General Scheme of the Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones) in August 2022. Since that time officials have worked with the Office of the Attorney General and other relevant stakeholders to draft the text of a bill. This Bill was published at the end of June 2023, and initiated in the Dail in early July. It has now passed all stages in Dail Eireann and is currently at Committee Stage in Seanad Eireann. It is my intention that the Bill will be enacted as expeditiously as possible.
1239. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to clarify if the mandatory three-day waiting period before being able to access abortion services will be abolished; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11647/24]
View answerThe final Report of the Review of the operation of the Health(Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was submitted to me at the end of February 2023. It made a range of recommendations, most of which are operational in nature, with some proposing legislative change.
The Report was considered by Cabinet on April 25th 2023. The HSE, as agreed by Government, has established an implementation group to progress the operational recommendations. The proposals recommending legislative changes, including changes to the three day wait, were referred to the Joint Committee on Health for consideration.
In December 2023, the Joint Committee on Health issued a report on the proposed legislative recommendations. This is now being considered in my Department.
1240. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to clarify whether there are any penalties or complaints procedures in place in relation to healthcare workers causing wilful delay or obstruction to women seeking to access abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11648/24]
View answerComplaints in relation to the provision of health services in Ireland, can be made through the HSE complaints procedure where the service falls under the auspices of the Executive, or in the case of healthcare professionals to relevant regulatory body such the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the Medical Council or CORU.
1241. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 147 of 28 February 2024, the date on which he last requested this advice; in what format that advice was given; who gave the advice; and if he will publish this advice (details supplied). [11667/24]
View answerI requested advice from the HSE Chief Clinical Officer on the opening of 24 hour Emergency Departments in Ennis, Nenagh and St John's Hospitals on 28th November 2023. In this request, I asked the Chief Clinical Officer to confirm that the current position reflects the most up-to-date expert medical view, and reflects what is in the best interest of patients.
The advice was received from Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry on 4th December 2023. The advice was given in the format of a letter, which I have shared with the Deputy for information.
1242. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of the provision of a device to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11668/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1243. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of public health nurse vacancies, by health centre in Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11698/24]
View answerI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1244. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of developmental checks children in Dublin are missing due to a shortage of public health nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11699/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1245. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health what steps have been taken to date to establish the grade of advanced practice physiotherapist, following his commitment to do so at a conference 2020 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11700/24]
View answerHealth and Social Care Professionals (HSCPs) work autonomously in 26 different professional disciplines in therapy, diagnostic and psycho-social domains through the lifespan in both acute and community settings. This includes Physiotherapists.
The HSE National HSCP Office published the HSCP Advanced Practice Framework in 2023. It defines Advanced Practice, as adapted from the NHS England Health Education England definition for Advanced Practice from the Multi-Professional Framework for Advanced Clinical Practice in England (2017). Establishing advanced practice roles is of importance for the retention of highly trained and skilled HSCP across the health service.
The Chief Health & Social Care Professional Officer was appointed to the Department of Health in May 2023 to have the specialist knowledge required for policy development in this area. The development of an evidence-based policy is progressing, with work underway by officials in the Department of Health, in collaboration with the HSE National HSCP office.
The policy will build on the definition of the intended roles as outlined in the HSE Framework and place them in the wider context of the vision of Sláintecare. It will align with the current and emerging population health needs to ensure improved patient care and measurable outcomes, initially targeting identified health service priority areas where significant challenges with access to care exists. Consideration must be given to the most appropriate regulatory framework for the Irish context, education and training, grades and legislative changes if necessary.
The Department met with HSE Clinical Design and Innovation and National Lead for Integrated Care in November 2023, in regard to the implementation of this policy decision in clinical services.
The Policy Oversight Group was established in November 2023, consisting of representatives of relevant units in the Department. It will provide high level guidance and governance on the development of the Policy.
1246. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the relevant bodies to conduct a review of the management structure for physiotherapists (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11701/24]
View answerAwaiting reply from Department.
1247. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will work with the relevant bodies to establish a defined career pathway for clinical physiotherapy tutors to include recognition of specialism and further to advance the establishment of clinical academic posts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11702/24]
View answerThe role of tutor posts across the Health and Social Care Professions (HSCP) is to support practice placements for HSCP students. These roles are generally at senior level and may be based in the health services or in the universities. Physiotherapy practice tutors are not in a specific academic or clinical career pathway, however, this does not preclude tutors from applying for career progression opportunities in either area.
The Chief HSCP officer had an initial meeting with the Chief Academic Officers in February 2024. The establishment of joint clinical academic posts was a topic of discussion, as well as the provision of clinical placements and a career structure for practice tutors across the health and social care professions. It is proposed that further meetings will occur to explore these areas of mutual interest and enable more detailed discussion, collaboration and support where relevant.
1248. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will engage with the relevant bodies to restore the placement allowance for clinical staff providing physiotherapy students with clinical placements; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11703/24]
View answerIn 2006, the HSE HR Circular 004/2006 introduced an annual allowance of €250 for Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Speech and Language Therapists, and Dietitians who were in employments which cater for the clinical/practical training of undergraduate therapy students during their clinical placements. The payment was backdated to 2003 for staff who had been in situ in the interim period.
This payment was abolished to new entrants from the 1st of February 2012, as a result of the DPER 2012 review of allowances across the entire civil and public service.
Anyone who had been in receipt of this allowance is still entitled to this payment. On the HSE salary scales, the payment is identified as ‘Co-ordination and Overseeing of Undergraduate Student Therapists during clinical placements’ and amounts to €274.67 at present.
The Chief HSCP officer had an initial meeting with the Chief Academic Officers in February 2024. The establishment of joint clinical academic posts was a topic of discussion, as well as the provision of clinical placements and a career structure for practice tutors across the health and social care professions. It is proposed that further meetings will occur to explore these areas of mutual interest and enable more detailed discussion, collaboration, and support where relevant.
1249. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will be providing funding to a centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11704/24]
View answerThe National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises cancer support centres as a valuable resource, providing access to support to cancer patients and their families outside of the acute care setting. The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works closely with a network of Community Cancer Support Centres, particularly in regard to the psycho-oncology models of care and the implementation of survivorship programmes for those living with and beyond cancer.
Community cancer support centres are voluntary and charity organisations delivering services directly to cancer patients and their families that emphasise the importance of quality of life during and after cancer treatment. These services can be availed of free of charge and in local communities. The NCCP Revised Best Practice Guidance for CCSCs was published in March 2022. The Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres was also established in 2022. The Alliance is a HSE initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. This programme promotes participation in capacity-building activities and communication and networking forums aimed at ensuring that community-based cancer support services are integrated.
The NCCP operates an activity-based funding model for organisations who have joined the NCCP Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres & Services. Funding for current expenditure, including cancer services, is allocated on an annual (single-year) basis through the Estimates process with future levels of funding considered as part of the national estimates and budgetary process. I have allocated additional funding of €3 million in 2024, which will support members of the NCCP Alliance of CCSCs. This funding will be allocated by the NCCP this year.
1250. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Health his plans to include pharmacists in the MMR catch-up programme, given the current GP shortage, which may delay the provision of the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11705/24]
View answerAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct replay.
1251. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health to establish a clear clinical pathway for assessment of babies with suspected Pierre Robin sequence between the maternity hospitals and the ENT teams in the paediatric hospitals to ensure children with Pierre Robin sequence are rapidly identified and treated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11711/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1252. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase investment in audiology services in Beaumont Hospital, specifically in relation to operative aftercare for patients accessing surgical intervention abroad; if there are plans to further resource and fund audiology services to allow increased surgeries to happen in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11715/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1253. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to increase the level of financial support and practical transport provision for cancer care patients who have to travel significant distances to access specialised care; the measures his Department proposes to rectify this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11717/24]
View answerThere are two services, funded by the National Cancer Control Programme and administered by the Irish Cancer Society, which offer financial supports towards travelling for cancer treatment.
The first of these services is the Travel2Care Scheme, which is a limited transportation assistance fund. This is available to patients travelling distances above 50km to a designated cancer centres, approved centre, or an approved children’s hospital and will cover part of the associated costs for said travel.
The second scheme available aiding those travelling for cancer treatment is the Volunteer Driver Service. This is a volunteer delivered transport service wherein patients are driven to and from treatment in designated partner hospitals and centres. Drivers are interviewed, trained, Garda-vetted and must attend annual Support & Supervision sessions run by the Irish Cancer Society to participate in the service.
The service is free to the patient, with all costs paid by the Irish Cancer Society, and applications are conducted by approaching a healthcare professional in a partnered hospital who will then discuss the suitability of it for the patients' needs and make a decision on referral. Once referred, the patient must book appointments in advance with the Irish Cancer Society to arrange transport.
Further information on both schemes can be obtained from the Irish Cancer Society, via cancer.ie, emailing travel@irishcancer.ie, or by calling 01 231 6643 / 01 231 0522 to request information. I am advised that the Irish Cancer Society is happy to receive requests outside the guidelines on an exceptional basis.
1254. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of respite places available in Cork from 2018 to date for patients aged over 65 years, in tabular form. [11730/24]
View answerAs this question refers to service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible. The Deputy will likely be aware that the industrial action by certain Forsa grades in the HSE has been suspended. The HSE has indicated that they have recommenced issuing replies to questions but there is a significant backlog of PQs and Reps to be responded to and has advised that they are working to get through these as soon as possible while at the same time managing the volume of current PQs and Reps.
1255. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of people on the National Gender Service waiting list currently; the number waiting for an initial appointment; and the length of time individuals have been waiting, in tabular form. [11737/24]
View answer1256. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the end of year waiting list numbers for the National Gender Service from inception to date, in tabular form. [11738/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1255 and 1256 together.
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1257. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to detail the funding provided to the National Gender Service; and to detail the measures being taken to reduce waiting times. [11739/24]
View answer1258. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to detail the current staffing of the National Gender Service, by role and grade, in tabular form. [11740/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1257 and 1258 together.
As this is an operational matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
1259. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health whether he or his Department have engaged with representatives from trans organisations in relation to concerns about the national gender service and the formulation of a new model of care; if so, to provide a list of organisations they have engaged with; and if not, whether he will commit to doing so. [11741/24]
View answerI wish to advise the Deputy that I have met with stakeholders previously on the matter of transgender healthcare and I am happy to meet with these groups again, but ultimately these stakeholders need to talk to the people who are designing the Model of Care, which is the HSE.
As the Deputy may be aware, the HSE is developing 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.
In this regard, the HSE has recently appointed a Clinical Lead for the multi-disciplinary team that will develop the new Model of Care for transgender healthcare under the auspices of the National Clinical Programmes. My department has provided €100,000 funding for the establishment of this team.
A key part of the work will see the HSE consulting with a wide range of stakeholders including those who provide and use these services, and advocacy groups. There is a clear and well-established approach to the development of this model of care which will incorporate best available clinical evidence and incorporates input from healthcare professionals, patient advocates and those with lived experience.
I am happy to continue meeting with stakeholders on this matter, however, as I said, it is crucial that stakeholders engage fully with the HSE as it is they who are designing and developing this new Model of Care.
Below is a list of relevant groups that I / Minister Butler have met with since 2022:
|
Minister |
Year |
Groups |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2024 |
Member of the public |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
Belong To |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
Outhouse |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
Shoutout |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
LGBT Ireland |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
National LGBT Federation |
|
Minister Stephen Donnelly |
2023 |
TENI |
|
Minister Mary Butler |
2022 |
HSE |
|
Minister Mary Butler |
2022 |
LGBT Ireland |
|
Minister Mary Butler |
2022 |
Belong To |
|
Minister Mary Butler |
2022 |
LGBT Ireland |
|
Minister Mary Butler |
2022 |
TENI |
1260. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health whether the National Gender Service has engaged with representatives from trans organisations in relation to concerns about the national gender service and the formulation of a new model of care; if so, to provide a list of organisations they have engaged with; and if not, whether he will commit to doing so. [11743/24]
View answer1261. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to detail the level of stakeholder engagement conducted by the National Gender Service; and to provide a list of organisations they have met with. [11744/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 1260 and 1261 together.
As this is a service matter I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
