Written Answers Nos. 1-29
13. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the progress to date with the provision of a new community nursing unit in Clifden to replace both St. Annes Nursing Home and Clifden Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19743/24]
View answer14. Deputy Alan Farrell asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on progress being made to deliver a primary care centre in Swords, County Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19788/24]
View answerI wish to thank the Deputy for allowing me to update the house on this matter.
The provision of a new Primary Care Centre in Swords is a priority for both this Government and the HSE. These centres play a vital role in delivering integrated care by enabling closer cooperation between health professionals from across different disciplines and sectors, while making services more accessible and supporting people to live more independently in the community.
The PCC in Swords is to be delivered via the Operational Lease Mechanism. Negotiations with the preferred provider had reached an advanced stage and planning has been granted for a site in the Airside region of Swords, north of the R125 road.
However, recently, the preferred provider for the new centre in Swords has indicated a potential issue regarding the economic viability of the project. Subsequently, engagement has taken place between the HSE and the developer, to understand the nature and extent of same. The HSE has in the last week written to the developer to seek a final view as to the viability and failing that the project will be imminently re-tendered.
Deputy, I recognise the frustration of people in the local area who have been awaiting the development of this new centre. However, should the preferred provider be unable to proceed, the HSE has reassured me that it will be exploring all options to deliver a new Primary Care Centre in the area.
I wish to assure you that both I, and officials in my Department, are actively engaging with the HSE in order to progress the further development of Primary Care Centres throughout the country including the new centre in Swords.
15. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health if he will report on treatment for adults with eating disorders; how it was envisaged that 20 new beds would be provided with no new additional funding; if he is aware of the issues raised in a documentary (details supplied) that aired on 25 April 2024; how many children are on a waiting list for treatment for an eating disorder in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and to date in 2024 in tabular form; how he plans to address these issues; how he plans to increase treatment services for children and adults with eating disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19725/24]
View answerAs you are aware, eating disorders are very complex, very individual and can be one of the most serious mental health illnesses.
Historically there has been a lack of publicly funded services for people with eating disorders in Ireland. This is now changing, with the Model of Care for the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders launched in 2018. Since I have come to Office in July 2020, I have prioritised the roll out of the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders.
90% of eating disorder services are now delivered within the community which research shows is the most effective treatment. It is recognised that a small number of people, mainly with restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia, will require inpatient care for short periods for stabilisation and refeeding.
The National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders is being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. There are now 11 teams in place: 6 Adult and 5 CAMHS teams. It takes 12-18 months to set up a multi-disciplinary team, led by a Consultant Psychiatrist. While funding to roll out teams has been in place for several years, recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic was very challenging. Six new teams started in 2023. There are now 100 people working across eating disorder teams, including 80 eating disorder Clinicians with 10 Consultant Psychiatrists. It is my stated intention to continue to deliver expanded services for people with eating disorders, through reaching the planned 16 specialist teams. One additional team of specialist eating disorder Clinicians has been funded under Budget 2024.
In 2023, 385 people had an eating disorder diagnosis. It is important to note that in the same year, 343 people with an eating disorder diagnosis were discharged from specialist services back to their GP.
The HSE works hard to meet the needs of people with eating disorders in the setting most appropriate to their needs, whether that be community eating disorder teams, beds in the public system, specialist beds from private providers (funded by the HSE) or under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. Since 2020, 14 people have availed of the Treatment Abroad Scheme.
Adults who have an eating disorder diagnosis and require inpatient care can be referred to any of the HSE’s 66 acute in-patient mental health approved centres around the country. I do accept that not all of these approved centres may have the specialist expertise available and in situ as required for all cases. New pathways have been developed between the 6 specialist Adult eating disorder teams and the relevant approved centres in their particular area to provide liaison supports.
Eating disorders affect a relatively young section of the population, with over two-thirds of referrals to the National Clinical Programme last year involving young people under 18. There are currently 20 dedicated eating disorder beds across the four 4 CAMHS in-patient units. As of today, 25% of these beds were unoccupied.
Following increased demand for services and the recent preliminary Census 2022 data showing an overall increase in population, a review of the Model of Care for Eating Disorders is planned during 2024. The outcome of this review will inform the eating disorder teams’ staffing requirements from 2025 onwards. In addition, a review of bed capacity across all mental health facilities – including adult eating disorder beds – has taken place and is under consideration by the HSE. I am of the opinion that there has to be a geographical focus on adult eating disorder beds.
A dedicated investment in eating disorders continues, and last year the HSE spent €8.1m on eating disorder services, with a further €4.5m spent on specialist treatment through the Treatment Abroad Scheme. In addition, €750,000 has been allocated since 2021 by the Department of Health Women’s Health Fund to provide for consultant medical/paediatric and hospital dietitian sessions. This core funding is in place for each year.
I want to reassure you that I remain firmly committed to enhancing specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists.
In relation to your enquiry regarding details of children historically on waiting lists for Eating Disorders, the HSE have advised it does not have an ICT system which can track this information on waiting lists numbers within Eating Disorder Teams. The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE to improve data collection across the health system, including within mental health services.
16. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the details of the investment and enhancement in services at a hospital (details supplied) since becoming Minister; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19494/24]
View answerAs Minister for Health I am committed to the development of regional hospitals such as Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals. There has been a significant increase in investment in recent years in these hospitals. In 2020 the combined budget was €115m. In 2024 the budget was €139m, an increase of 21%.
Staffing across the hospitals has grown by 348, from 1,161 in 2020 to 1,509 in 2024, a 30% increase.
Since 2020, 28 new beds have been opened across Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals, an 8% increase from 345 to 373 in 2024.
In addition to the expansion of hours for the Minor Injury Unit at Monaghan Hospital, which now operates 12 hours a day 7 days a week, there are a number of developments underway at Cavan and Monaghan hospitals, including:
• A new three storey extension block at Cavan is at detailed design stage, proposed to house a new endoscopy unit and an 18-bed ward.
• A further three storey extension for Oncology and Asceptic Units is at design feasibility stage for Cavan.
• At Monaghan Hospital, there is ongoing development of pain services, Haemochromatosis Services and early supported discharge teams along with expansion of cardiology services.
These new developments will enhance the services available at Cavan and Monaghan Hospitals, for the benefit of patients.
17. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 578 of 23 April 2024, if funding will be allocated via the estimates process this year considering that the implementation model was approved in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19419/24]
View answerAmyloidosis is a rare disease and covers a group of conditions that occurs when a protein called amyloid builds up in organs.
There are a number of challenges with the diagnosis and treatment of Amyloidosis in Ireland due to the disparate range of ways those with queried amyloidosis present. Patients will often attend a wide variety of specialities before receiving appropriate testing and a formal diagnosis.
Currently, patients with queried amyloidosis can travel to the National Amyloidosis Centre in London under the treatment abroad scheme for diagnosis and treatment. Obviously, it is our preference that patients would not have to travel abroad and the Model of Care seeks to establish a National Amyloidosis service in Ireland.
I have been advised by the HSE that the Model of Care was approved by the Chief Clinical Officer’s Clinical Forum in October 2022. The Deputy will be aware that a new National Rare Disease Strategy is currently under development which will support the development of rare disease services in Ireland for those living with amyloidosis as well as other rare diseases.
18. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on South Doc services in Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bandon. [19963/24]
View answerSouth-West Doctor-on-Call Limited, known as SouthDoc, provides OOH GP services for Counties Cork and Kerry. It has a membership of over 500 GPs and a network of 26 treatment centres including those at Skibbereen, Clonakilty and Bandon. SouthDoc dealt with over 212,000 patient contacts in 2023.
I would like to assure the Deputy, that the HSE is in regular contact with SouthDoc to ensure appropriate service provision as per their Service Level Agreement. The HSE has advised that SouthDoc continues to provide the level of service agreed under the SLA at its Treatment Centres, and there are no plans to make any changes. The HSE are to be engaged with in advance of any review of service that would impact patients.
The SouthDoc service is available on an appointment basis only. When an individual contacts SouthDoc all relevant information is taken. The nature and the clinical condition of the patient then determines the service provided. A GP consultation may be provided, depending on the circumstances, remotely, in-person at a suitable treatment centre or through a home visit.
I am aware that concerns have been raised regarding the level of service provided at certain treatment centres, these concerns have been shared with the HSE. As with other providers, SouthDoc reviews the allocation of their doctors and continually evaluates service provision to ensure effective service delivery. SouthDoc have advised there has been no reduction in the services provided at their treatment centres.
19. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he will consider funding an organisation (details supplied) for patient services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19293/24]
View answerThanks to continued investment in Health Services, Ireland has seen a decline in the number of deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Since 2012, the mortality rate from heart disease has been reduced by 38%, mortality from stroke has been reduced by 48%.
• However, CVD remains a significant challenge claiming 9,000 lives annually.
• The Government acknowledges the vital support, education, and advocacy offered by the Irish Heart Foundation and other patient support groups.
• Many patient services are embedded in policy, including the National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 for which the government has provided over €7m to date.
• Partnerships and collaboration are and will continue to be, enablers of our commitment to promoting the cardiovascular health of our nation.
• In 2022 and 2023, the HSE's National Heart Programme, supported through the Enhanced Community Care Programme, sponsored two CVD risk prevention projects with the IHF.
• The State, via the HSE, provides funding to the IHF, and other cardiovascular support agencies of approximately €530,000 through Service Level Agreements and Grant Aid Agreementsof which €380,000 was allocated to IHF in 2024.
• In 2024, the HSE advise that an additional once-off sum of €400,000 has been allocated to the Irish Heart Foundation's for a High-Risk CVD Prevention Programme which has demonstrated its effectiveness by enhancing healthcare provision, clinical outcomes, and health behaviours in patients living in deprived communities.
20. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the embargo on recruiting HSE staff has been completely lifted; if nurses are being hired for hospitals; the number of nursing jobs that are currently advertised by the HSE in the Cork, Kerry and Limerick areas; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18956/24]
View answerThere has been an unprecedented level of investment by this Government in the health service workforce in recent years. We have seen consistent growth in the workforce each year since 2020, with the growth in the number of staff recruited in 2023 being the highest since the foundation of the HSE.
There are 28,480 more staff working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020. That’s a 24% increase in this period and includes an additional 9,614 nurses and midwives.
As of the end of December 2023, there were 145,985 staff working in our health service, which includes an increase of 8,239 staff in 2023, 2,200 more staff than the HSE were funded to recruit for the year.
While the increase in our workforce has been incredibly positive and has enabled significant improvements in service delivery and reductions in waiting times for patients, it is important that the HSE operate within budgeted levels and that prudent controls are in place to ensure the workforce growth is managed in an affordable and sustainable manner.
The level of recruitment in excess of agreed limits seen in 2023 was neither affordable or sustainable. Therefore, in November 2023 the HSE CEO introduced a temporary recruitment pause.
It is important to note that the hiring of Graduate Nurses and of qualified Nurses / Midwives committed to, and coming through the international recruitment pipeline, were exempt from this recruitment pause, and recruitment of nurses continued with an additional 3,168 Nurses / Midwives recruited across the country since May 2023, which includes an additional 450 Nurses / Midwives in our Acute hospitals in Cork, Kerry and Limerick.
The region has seen multiple investments with the launch of major Trauma Services, Menopause Specialist Clinic, a Regional Fertility Hub is now operational, further expansion of hub services for Endometriosis patient and post-natal hubs that have been established in Cork and Kerry in 2023.
I have secured funding for the recruitment of an additional 2,268 healthcare staff in 2024, which is outlined in the HSE National Service Plan approved and published on 14 February 2024. I have approved the allocation of the resources outlined in the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2024 and plans to recruit these 2,268 additional staff are now in motion.
21. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the degree to which he and his Department continue to concentrate on waiting lists in respect of health procedures in general throughout the country; the extent to which adequate success is being achieved in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19769/24]
View answerAs part of the multi-annual approach to reducing waiting lists an times, I published the 2024 Waiting List Action Plan on 27th March. Total funding of €360 million has been provided this year which continues to encompass the two-pronged approach of short-term actions to increase capacity and activity in the immediate term, and longer-term reform measures to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists and times. This approach is having a positive impact, with each of the WLAPs to-date having achieved a reduction in the overall waiting list numbers (5.4% reduction from September to December 2021, and 4.1% and 2.7% annual reductions for WLAP 2022 and 2023 respectively).
The 2024 Plan builds on the work of previous plans which have achieved significant progress in overall waiting list reduction and in addressing long waiting times, against a backdrop of significantly increased demand for scheduled care services. This year’s plan aims to achieve a 6% reduction in the overall number of patients on waiting lists while three of the four overarching targets in the Plan are specifically focused on improving waiting times.
As at the end of March, we are broadly on target. Whilst higher than year end 2023, the profiled trajectory of referrals is in line with projections, and waiting list always increase in Q1 due to the impact of ED pressures over the winter.
23. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when the HSE will approve the appointment of staff to operate the MRI scanner at the Midland Regional Hospital, Mullingar. [19837/24]
View answerAs the Deputy is aware, the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar has undergone an extension to the Radiology Department to accommodate a new MRI scanner, generously provided by the Friends of the Hospital. The project, with a full project cost of €8.3m, was included in the HSE Capital Programme for 2023. Currently, demand for MRI services at Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar is being fulfilled through a private provider, Charter Medical, and the regional MRI service at Midland Regional Hospital Tullamore.
Following handover of the building to the HSE, the unit was prepared for staff and patients, a process that was completed in early March. A Clinical Specialist Radiographer has been on site for several months, ensuring the completion of the preparatory work for the service’s commencement. A Consultant Radiologist post has been approved and the recruitment process is currently underway. For all other staff grades, recruitment has reached the stage where panels are in place.
In terms of broader staffing, I have secured funding for the recruitment of an additional 2,268 healthcare staff in 2024, which is outlined in the HSE National Service Plan approved and published on 14 February 2024. I have approved the allocation of the resources outlined in the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2024 and plans to recruit these 2,268 additional staff are now in motion.
24. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health what progress has been made on outcomes for people who suffer stroke over the past 15 years; if he will provide a detailed breakdown of data, by region or county where available; what measures are being taken to reduce instances of stroke, intervene early for patients suffering stroke and what after care is available to rehabilitate people after stroke; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19819/24]
View answerSince the establishment of the HSE National Clinical Programme for Stroke in 2010, there have been significant improvements in stroke care. Overall mortality from stroke has reduced significantly. Just over a decade ago, two in every ten people died after they had a stroke in 2010. Today, that has dropped to 1 in every ten. The number of acute stroke units has climbed from 1 to 22 units, and the use of a clot dissolving therapy (called thrombolysis) as well as clot removing procedures have increased. The number of people having strokes each year has fallen by about 25% from 10,000 to 7500. It’s evident that significant progress has been made and this government is fully committed to supporting further improvements and advances in stroke services.
The HSE National Stroke Strategy 2022-2027 provides a blueprint for required investment in stroke services over the five-year period from 2022-2027. The stroke strategy focusses on the entire pathway of patient care under four key pillars; stroke prevention; acute care and cure; rehabilitation and restoration to living; and education and research.
Progress is being made with this Government allocating over €7 million in additional funding to the HSE National Stroke Strategy over the last two Budgets, delivering on our Programme for Government commitments. Under the prevention pillar, instances of stroke will be prevented through the expansion of the GP Contract to include opportunistic case finding of High Blood Pressure, (a principal risk factor in stroke) in over 45-year-olds with a GMS/GP visit card. The HSE advise that this contract is now in place and the service commenced in Q1 this year. Another key risk factor for stroke, atrial fibrillation, has been screened for through this programme since 2017. A media campaign was carried out in 2023 to highlight the warning signs of stroke and a further campaign is planned for Q4 2024 which will help people get to hospital earlier and save lives.
In terms of recruitment, funding for 25 staff was made available in Budget 2023 for the recruitment of a range of posts including consultants, nurses and health and social care professionals to support the development of the strategy. Prior to the introduction of the HSE Recruitment moratorium, 12 staff were recruited including 3 consultants to support our Specialist Acute Stroke units and our endovascular thrombectomy services. A speech and Language Therapist has also been recruited to support our acute stroke units. The stroke strategy details the health and social care professional staffing gaps in our acute stroke units that are to be filled over the lifetime of the strategy.
A total of 8 staff across a range of health and social care professions have been recruited to expand our Early Supported Discharge Team network, an evidence-based model of care to intervene early following a person’s stroke, and which is proven to reduce hospital length of stay, and may return up to 5500 bed days to the hospital system. There are now 11 out of the 21 teams operational nationally as envisioned under the strategy compared to 6 teams prior to implementation.
In addition, further progress is being made in community services available to survivors of stroke. The roll out of community neurorehabilitation teams in the community will support stroke survivors with recruitment of teams being progressed at demonstration sites in four CHO areas. In primary care, the roll out of the Enhanced Community Care Programme will also support stroke survivors including 27 of the planned 30 Community Specialist Teams for Older People, and 26 of the planned 30 Community Specialist Teams for Chronic Disease now being fully operational.
In summary, while we have made some progress on implementing the stroke strategy, more needs to be done and this government and I as Minister for Health are absolutely committed to working with the HSE to ensure its successful implementation to further reduce mortality from stroke, as well as supporting survivors of stroke to live as independently as possible in their communities.
25. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health how many children from April 2024 with type 1 diabetes to date are awaiting access to technology such a glucose monitors and insulin pumps in the South/South West Hospital region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19915/24]
View answerSouth/South West Hospital Group includes Cork Unversity Hospital, South Infirmary - Victoria University Hospital, Mercy University Hospital, University Hospital Kerry, and Bantry General Hospital. Paediatric diabetes services for the South/South West Hospital Group are provided at Cork University Hospital (CUH) on a centralised basis. There are currently 10 children awaiting insulin pumps at CUH, and no children awaiting access to a glucose monitor.
26. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if he will list the hospitals he has visited since he took office. [18647/24]
View answerI have visited the following hospitals since 17/09/21; (Please note that diary entries prior to this date are unavailable due to the cyber attack in Summer 2021)
Tallaght Hospital 17/09/2021
Our Lady of Lourdes, Louth 24/09/2021
Royal Victoria Eye & Ear 10/11/2021
Tallaght Hospital 15/11/2021
Rotunda Hospital 13/12/2021
Tallaght Hospital 11/02/2022
Cappagh Hospital 11/02/2022
University Hospital Limerick 17/02/2022
Croom Hospital 17/02/2022
University Hospital Galway 04/03/2022
National Maternity Hospital 07/03/2022
St. Luke's Kilkenny 22/04/2022
Wexford General Hospital 22/04/2022
Ely Hospital 22/04/2022
Sligo University Hospital 06/05/2022
National Maternity Hospital 12/05/2022
Mercy University Hospital 26/05/2022
Cork University Hospital 27/05/2022
University Hospital Kerry 03/06/2022
St. James' Hospital 10/06/2022
Cavan General Hospital 17/06/2022
Nenagh Hospital 24/06/2022
Hospital of the Assumption, Thurles 24/06/2022
St. Vincent's Hospital 20/07/2022
Tallaght Hospital 26/08/2022
University Hospital Limerick 13/10/2022
St. Callimus' Hospital 13/10/2022
Rotunda Hospital 18/10/2022
Galway University Hospital 21/10/2022
Cork University Hospital 28/10/2022
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital 28/10/2022
Our Lady of Lourdes, Louth 04/11/2022
Letterkenny Hospital 11/11/2022
Waterford University Hospital 18/11/2022
Midlands Regional Hospital, Portlaoise 02/12/2022
Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore 02/12/2022
Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar 02/12/2022
National Rehabilitation Hospital 16/12/2022
St. Vincent's Hospital 03/01/2023
Beaumont Hospital 03/01/2023
Coombe Hospital 27/01/2023
Mater Hospital 03/02/2023
Wexford General Hospital 02/03/2023
Tallaght Hospital 06/03/2023
St. Columba's Hospital 06/04/2023
Mater Hospital 20/04/2023
St. Columbanas Community Hospital 05/05/2023
Baltinglass Community Hospital 19/05/2023
Galway University Hospital 26/05/2023
Mater Hospital 14/06/2023
Bantry General Hospital 16/06/2023
Clonakilty Community Hospital 16/06/2023
Ennis General Hospital 29/06/2023
Croom Hospital 30/06/2023
University Hospital Limerick 30/06/2023
St. John's Hospital 30/06/2023
University Hospital Waterford 07/07/2023
Wexford General Hospital 07/07/2023
University Hospital Galway 20/10/2023
Letterkenny Hospital 24/11/2023
St. Vincent's Hospital 20/12/2023
St. Vincent's Hospital 26/01/2024
Royal Victoria Eye & Ear 26/01/2024
Midlands Regional Hospital 16/02/2024
Sligo University Hospital 23/02/2024
St. Vincent's Hospital 01/03/2024
Naas Hospital 01/03/2024
University Hospital Limerick 04/04/2024
University Hospital Kerry 05/04/2024
New Children's Hospital 11/04/2024
Naas Hospital 12/04/2024
Coombe Hospital 18/04/2024.
27. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an overview of what teaching roles, in terms of nurse and doctor training, the hospitals in the University Hospital Limerick Group currently have; if he will consider a broadened role in this regard for Ennis General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19780/24]
View answerMedical training is a priority for any health service. The University of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG) is an academic partner of the University of Limerick. University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is a teaching hospital. It plays a vital role in training medical staff.
There are 27.1 Whole Time Equivalent (WTE) Clinical Skill Facilitators across ULHG. These Facilitators support the learning and development of nurses and midwives. These posts are in UHL, Ennis, Nenagh and Croom hospitals.
There are also 12.27 WTE Clinical Placement Coordinators across these hospitals. This is in line with requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Their roles mainly relate to undergraduate nursing education.
In relation to doctors, consultants across the HSE are obliged to undertake teaching roles. This includes education, training and supervision, as part of their standard contractual commitment.
From July 2024, a clinical educator will take up post at UHL. Their purpose will be to develop teaching for trainees and assist with research.
There is one consultant trainer in place at Ennis Hospital. Two Basic Specialist Trainers rotate through Ennis Hospital every three months. Consultant-led teaching sessions also take place every week in the Hospital.
The deployment of teaching roles is a function of the University and the HSE. This includes deployment across the Hospital group as appropriate.
28. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health when legislation will be brought forward to curtail the selling of "fast gas" nitrous oxide canisters to young people for personal consumption and making them only available to medical and catering industries. [12316/24]
View answer29. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health to outline his Department’s considerations for a new ambulance base in Youghal, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19881/24]
View answer
