Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018
1348. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health his plans to implement one point of contact for the women and families affected by CervicalCheck; the number of medical cards that have been provided to the women affected and their dependants; the number of families who have been offered counselling; and the number who have been offered support in addition to the services available from the public health system. [32509/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn the 11th of May, I announced the establishment of a primary and social care support package for women and families affected by the CervicalCheck issues. These measures include:
- The provision of a discretionary medical card for each woman affected, or their next-of-kin in cases where the woman has, sadly, died;
- Meeting of out-of-pocket medical costs incurred;
- The provision of primary care supports, including counselling, to the women affected;
- The provision of counselling services, including bereavement counselling where appropriate, to the immediate family members of these women; and
- The provision of other health and social care supports, including travel costs and childminding, where appropriate.
A team of specially designated Liaison Officers has been appointed to work with individuals and put in place the required supports. I am advised by the HSE that, as of 13 July, Liaison Officers have held 210 face-to-face meetings with women and families to discuss their needs. This includes 158 initial meetings and 42 follow-up meetings.
As of 11 July, the HSE had issued 557 new medical cards to women and family members or next-of-kin where the woman has, sadly, died. This includes the amendments that have been made to the terms of existing medical cards or G.P visit cards in 87 cases to recategorise these as medical cards under the terms of the CervicalCheck support package.
Some 58 individuals have so far availed of counselling through either the Primary Care Counselling Service or private counselling for which they will be reimbursed. None of the affected women or family members are currently waiting for counselling services, although some have expressed an interest in utilising counselling services at a later date and will be accommodated accordingly.
A range of other health supports are being provided including in response to requests for physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dental, ophthalmic and nursing services among others, while arrangements are also in place to reimburse women and families for costs such as travel and childcare. This is very much a client-driven process and requests for supports will differ from individual to individual.
It is important to note that every individual’s circumstances will be unique to them and thus the HSE has taken care to respect the wishes of the women and their families regarding the timing of contacts and subsequent meetings. Where meetings have not yet been held, this reflects the wishes of the individuals concerned either to meet at a future date that suits them or, in some instances not to take up the offer of support.
