Thomas Byrne
Ceist:728. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the proposed reopening of disability services and centres. [6167/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraDisability Support Services
Ceisteanna (728)
Freagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (729)
Brendan Howlin
Ceist:729. Deputy Brendan Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he has considered when osteopaths can resume work; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that many patients have been referred by their general practitioners to osteopaths for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6169/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business, published on 1 May 2020, sets out an indicative path to the easing of COVID 19 restrictions and other actions in order to facilitate the reopening Ireland’s society and economy in a phased manner. The Roadmap specifies that decisions in relation to which actions will be taken and which public health measures might be lifted will be made in accordance with the Framework for Future Decision-Making which is as follows:
1. Before each Government consideration of the easing of restrictions, the Department of Health will provide a report to the Government regarding the following on/off trigger criteria:
a. The latest data regarding the progression of the disease,
b. The capacity and resilience of the health service in terms of hospital and ICU occupancy,
c. The capacity of the programme of sampling, testing and contact tracing,
d. The ability to shield and care for at risk groups,
e. An assessment of the risk of secondary morbidity and mortality as a consequence of the restrictions.
2. It will also provide risk-based public health advice on what measures could be modified in the next period.
3. The Government would then consider what restrictions could be lifted, having regard to the advice of the Department of Health as well as other social and economic considerations, e.g. the potential for increased employment, relative benefits for citizens and businesses, improving national morale and wellbeing etc.
4. It is acknowledged that there is also an ongoing possibility that restrictions could be re-imposed and this process will be carried out on an ongoing basis once every 3 weeks.
As is clear from the framework, it is the Government rather than I or my Department that will decide on any modifications to the current public health measures in place and those decisions will be informed by the status of the on/off trigger criteria and the public health advice received at the time that a decision is being made.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (730)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:730. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated for capital works for St. Vincent’s Hospital, Mountmellick, County Laois. [6162/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (731)
Brian Stanley
Ceist:731. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated for capital works for Abbeyleix Hospital, County Laois. [6163/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As 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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (732)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:732. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting for homecare packages in each county in tabular form. [6171/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (733)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:733. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to the use of interpreters as part of contact tracing efforts for workers with different nationalities that are working in meat processing factories to ensure that those workers, their families and communities are protected and that language is not a barrier. [6172/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (734)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:734. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests which have taken place to date at hospitals (details supplied); the average waiting time for test results from the hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (735)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:735. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of the use of a laboratory (details supplied) for Covid-19 testing; if the HSE has reduced its planned or agreed use of the laboratory; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6192/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (736)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:736. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the details of the use of laboratories here for Covid-19 testing; if the HSE has reduced its planned or agreed use of these laboratories; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6193/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Question No. 737 answered with Question No. 672.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (738)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:738. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he has considered introducing a respiratory task force and making rescue packs equivalent to the COPD rescue packs available on the NHS available to those that need them. [6195/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have no plans at present to introduce a scheme such as the Deputy describes. However, these matters are kept under review in my Department.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (739)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:739. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health when he expects private hospitals to reopen for standard medical procedures for patients with private health insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6199/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, the measures set out in the Government’s Action Plan in Response to Covid-19 and the recommendation of NPHET. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group.
A major part of the Government's Action Plan was to substantially increase the capacity of healthcare facilities to cope with the anticipated additional demand. As part of the Action Plan to urgently ramp up capacity for acute care facilities, an arrangement was agreed with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system on a temporary basis, to provide essential services. Under the arrangement, all patients in the private hospitals are treated as public patients and their treatment is prioritised based on clinical need. A Heads of Terms of an Agreement between the HSE and the Private Hospitals was agreed at the end of March 2020 and all 18 of the acute private hospitals signed up to it. The arrangement is in place for 3 months up to the end of June, with an option to extend it. Under the Heads of Terms to the agreement, a decision to extend the arrangement must be notified to the private hospitals by the end of this month. The arrangement is currently under review and depending on the outcome, a decision will be made on whether or not to extend it.
Disability Support Services
Ceisteanna (740)
Colm Brophy
Ceist:740. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health when he expects disability services, particularly day services and respite care, will resume in care facilities, for example, a facility (details supplied) in Dublin 6W. [6200/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (741)
Joan Collins
Ceist:741. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if he is in the process of setting up a taskforce of scientists and industrial and health experts to deal specifically with planning for the 24-hour turnaround for tracking, tracing and isolation of contacts (details supplied). [6206/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A robust process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to Ireland’s public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by the World Health Organisation and the European Centre for Disease Control. A testing and tracing process with sufficient capacity and quick turnaround is one of a number of core criteria in determining when it is safe for countries to reduce restrictive public health measures.
The HSE, together with the Department of Health and other bodies, has worked hard in the last two months to develop Ireland’s testing and tracing process, to expand capacity and to reduce turnaround times.
A designated team, led by a senior manager reporting directly to the CEO, has been established in the HSE to oversee the development, management and operation of Ireland’s testing and contact tracing process. This includes responsibility for the scaling up of capacity and the speeding up of turnaround times with a clear focus on achieving ambitious targets and continuous improvement. On 14 May the HSE launched its Roadmap for testing and tracing with clear targets and arrange of actions to achieve these targets.
The work of the HSE on testing and contact tracing is informed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The NPHET oversees and will continue to provide national direction, guidance, support and expert advice on the development and implementation of Ireland’s strategy to contain COVID-19.
Significant progress has been made over the last two months. 47 community testing centres have been established; over 40 laboratories are processing tests; 9 new contact tracing centres have been set up and some 1,700 public servants have been trained in contact tracing to support the work of public health departments. A quick testing referral pathway for GPs is in place, and new IT systems have been developed or modified.
Ireland's testing strategy has evolved as our testing capacity has grown. A number of changes have been made to the case definition so that anyone presenting with acute respiratory infection comprising the sudden onset of least one of the following symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) can be referred for testing. A mass testing programme across nursing homes, mental health and disability facilities is nearing completion, and, as of this week, all close contacts of someone with Covid-19 will be automatically referred for testing. Our strategy is to target testing at those groups or populations where the virus is most likely to be and where it will do most harm.
The HSE advise that from this week it has the capacity to test 15,000 people a day. Turnaround times have continued to improve and the HSE advise that it is on target to complete the testing process from referral to the completion of contact tracing within 3 days or less in 90% cases.
It is important to recognise these systems and capacity have been developed from a standing start and to recognise the tremendous work which has gone in to getting us to the point we are now at. It is also important to recognise the context in which this is happening: Ireland is already testing at a higher rate than most countries and our targets are ambitious. Data published on 12 May shows Ireland ranks 4th highest out of 25 EU+UK countries in terms of tests completed as a percentage of the overall population.
The HSE continues to work intensively to further develop processes and turnaround times across the testing and tracing pathway and a range of further improvements will be rolled out in the coming weeks.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (742)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:742. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health the number of children with spinal muscular atrophy eligible for treatment with the approved drug Spinraza; the number of those receiving the treatment; the reason for the delay in treatment for some of these children such as a child (details supplied); the way in which and when these issues will be addressed in order that all children can receive this vital treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6209/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. The Act specifies the criteria to be applied in the making of reimbursement decisions which include the clinical and cost effectiveness of the product, the opportunity cost and the impact on resources that are available to the HSE.
I can advise the Deputy that on 11 June 2019, the HSE Leadership Team approved access to the drug Nusinersen (Spinraza) for children with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Type I, II or III on an exceptional and individualised basis.
To date, the total number of patients deemed eligible to receive Spinraza is thirty five. Children's Health Ireland (CHI) has confirmed that 18 patients are currently receiving Spinraza. Due to Covid-19, a number of patients who were due to commence treatment have been put on hold.
Individual applications for each patient are prioritised based on clinical need and a treatment plan and a date for administering the drug is agreed with their treating clinician.
The actual delivery of this drug to approved patients in a safe and sustainable way requires very specific and quite complex service arrangements to be put in place in CHI across all sites.
CHI has confirmed that in order to support the SMA service arrangements, recruitment is underway, as a matter of priority for a number of key positions. A primary focus of CHI is to appoint a physiotherapist and nursing co-ordinator (certified nurse-midwife) as a matter of priority. The nursing co-ordinator will coordinate the service as well as manage face to face communication with patients and their families.
I am advised that CHI is currently engaging with families regarding each child’s individual treatment plan for the administration of Spinraza.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (743)
Chris Andrews
Ceist:743. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health if employees of a company (details supplied) are being treated in a hospital for Covid-19. [6211/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy. My Department does not provide information about individual activations or about individual cases of Covid-19 for reasons of patient confidentiality.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (744)
Joan Collins
Ceist:744. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce legislation to quarantine passengers for 14 days coming into airports and docks; the type of cross-Border arrangements which will be in place for persons that have travelled to Northern Ireland into airports and docks there; and the way in which it will be implemented. [6212/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
NPHET has considered issues in relation to overseas travel, informed by World Health Organisation and European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control guidance, approaches and learning from other countries, and reports of importation of cases in a number of countries following relaxation of restrictions.
As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases some restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases. The impact of any imported cases on disease spread would be all the greater in the context of easing of domestic restrictions and the resultant increased movement and contact between people. In addition, a significant increase in the number of cases in Ireland as a result of importation could have an impact on public compliance with public health guidance and restrictions. Ultimately, the suppression of community transmission which has been achieved and which should allow for greater resumption of social and economic life in Ireland could be endangered.
To date, Ireland has introduced a range of travel related measures including issuing advice against non-essential international travel on 13th March. As of 24th April, passengers arriving into Ireland from overseas are expected to complete the Public Health Passenger Locator Form and to self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation means staying indoors and avoiding contact with other people and is a more stringent measure than the stay at home requirements that apply to the wider public.
Intensive work is underway by my Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments and the Attorney General’s Office, to finalise regulations to come into effect in the coming days that will make it mandatory for passengers arriving to the State from overseas to present a completed Public Health Passenger Locator Form.
My Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments, is also developing proposals to strengthen the 14 days self-isolation arrangements for travellers from overseas. These proposals will include possible enforcement measures. The issue of imposing mandatory quarantine for a 14 day period, to be considered as the situation evolves, was mentioned in the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.
It is intended that self-isolation arrangements will continue to apply to passengers arriving from overseas, irrespective of the country from which they are travelling. Passengers transiting to another jurisdiction and who will not be residing in the State, including transiting to Northern Ireland, will be exempt.
Prescriptions Charges
Ceisteanna (745)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:745. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question Nos. 205 of 4 May 2017, 777 of 6 September 2019 and 501 of 5 November 2019, the consideration being given to the issue raised (details supplied); if this matter will be considered with greater urgency in view of the Covid-19 emergency and the fact that many in the vulnerable category are affected; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6216/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
My Department is aware of the issue raised by the Deputy where a prescribed dosage requiring different medication strengths results in separate prescription charges and it is are currently under consideration. Engagement with the HSE in regard to a solution is ongoing.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (746)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:746. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of residents and staff in nursing homes nationwide; and the number of same that have been tested for Covid-19. [6218/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (747)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:747. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Minister for Health when a homecare package will be put in place for a person (details supplied). [6240/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Health and Social Care Professionals
Ceisteanna (748)
Peter Burke
Ceist:748. Deputy Peter Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will direct CORU to provide clarity and a solution for those participating in placement hours as part of their accreditation process (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6241/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of CORU’s key functions as our Regulator of Health and Social Care Professionals is to assess education courses and provide assurance to the public that graduates of those courses meet the minimum regulatory standards and are safe to practise.
Each registration board at CORU has set a minimum hours practice placement requirement for a student to meet the standards of proficiency for registration. However, CORU’s regulatory requirements are principle based, and there is scope for flexibility in how an education provider can meet these as long as any changes do not prevent learners from attaining the standards of proficiency for the profession. This means that education providers have flexibility to determine what constitutes a placement bearing in mind at all times the need for placement to support the achievement of the standards of proficiency.
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, CORU has been engaging in dialogue with a number of education providers who are encountering difficulties delivering and assessing elements of approved programmes, particularly practical placements.
CORU issued guidance to the education sector on 13 March 2020 as the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Ireland. I understand that CORU have continued to engage with the QQI and the National Steering Group on Quality, Integrity and Reputation in Higher Education during COVID-19. CORU have advised that they are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and are continuing to engage with education providers to ensure the timely and safe graduation of this year’s cohort of students.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Health and Social Care Professionals
Ceisteanna (749)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:749. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health his views on the situation that as part of the applied social care education process students are required to do placement hours in social care settings and that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the ability of students to complete placements; the steps he will take in relation to the perceived stalemate between third-level social care course providers, CORU and students that have been informed that they will not pass the 2020 term and year due to the premature ending of student placements in social care settings and may not be awarded degrees as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6262/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
One of CORU’s key functions as our Regulator of Health and Social Care Professionals is to assess education courses and provide assurance to the public that graduates of those courses meet the minimum regulatory standards and are safe to practise.
Each registration board at CORU has set a minimum hours practice placement requirement for a student to meet the standards of proficiency for registration. However, CORU’s regulatory requirements are principle based, and there is scope for flexibility in how an education provider can meet these as long as any changes do not prevent learners from attaining the standards of proficiency for the profession. This means that education providers have flexibility to determine what constitutes a placement bearing in mind at all times the need for placement to support the achievement of the standards of proficiency.
Since the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, CORU has been engaging in dialogue with a number of education providers who are encountering difficulties delivering and assessing elements of approved programmes, particularly practical placements.
CORU issued guidance to the education sector on 13 March 2020 as the first cases of COVID-19 were detected in Ireland. I understand that CORU have continued to engage with the QQI and the National Steering Group on Quality, Integrity and Reputation in Higher Education during COVID-19. CORU have advised that they are treating the matter with the utmost urgency and are continuing to engage with education providers to ensure the timely and safe graduation of this year’s cohort of students.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (750)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:750. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if clarity will be provided in relation to the measures that need to be taken by restaurants, cafés, publicans and hotels in phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business from 20 July 2020 onwards (details supplied). [6319/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 9 May the “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” was published. It provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
The Protocol is not static. There will be ongoing engagement at a national level between stakeholders on its implementation and it is subject to change in line with the latest public health advice or other developments in order to maximise the protection it will afford in our workplaces.
In the first instance it is the responsibility of individual businesses to determine whether they are in compliance with the requirements of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business and the Return to Work Safely Protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. If specific guidance is required in relation to a business activity in a particular sector of the economy that advice should be sought from the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.
Health Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (751)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:751. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the full resumption of BreastCheck and cervical smear tests for those in need; and if his attention has been drawn to the concerns regarding the cessation of these assessments. [6359/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In line with public health advice, the National Screening Service’s population-based screening programmes BreastCheck, CervicalCheck, BowelScreen and Diabetic RetinaScreen were paused due to the situation with COVID-19.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the National Screening Service has monitored the feasibility of restarting the four programmes, and assessing the associated risks. They are developing separate roadmaps for the recommencement of the four programmes. The programmes will restart as part of the HSE’s overall plan to resume its paused health services as soon as it is deemed safe to do so.
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (752)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:752. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the imminent annual junior doctor rotation at hospitals is causing significant concerns for staff during the Covid-19 pandemic (details supplied); if the rotations will be postponed for a number of months to minimise the impact on frontline staff that are working very hard to manage the public health crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6367/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The decision to proceed with the NCHD changeover on 13 July this year was taken after detailed consideration and consultation, in particular with the Forum of Postgraduate Medical Training Bodies and clinical sites.
It was heavily weighted on the interests of trainees and training, whilst be cognisant of the Public Health advice and patient care. This decision has been communicated by NDTP and also individual Training Bodies. Many Specialist Registrars will be completing training and new Specialist Registrars must rotate into these vacant posts.
Rotating positions is always a challenge. It was for this reason that NDTP HSE have aimed to provide certainty regarding the changeover date to NCHDs as early as possible. With regard to accommodation challenges, there is temporary accommodation available for healthcare workers and information on same is available on the HSE's website. Induction is extremely important when commencing a new job and NDTP, HSE are aware that local employers are preparing to deliver as much as possible of this on-line and by utilising resources such as HSE Land.
This decision is being monitored, and obviously should there be a significant deterioration in relation to Covid-19, the decision will be reviewed accordingly. It is noted that the HSE intends that closer to the NCHD changeover, advice will issue from the National Health and Well Being Unit to NCHDs who are required to rotate and also to local Occupational Health Departments. Also, the early commencement for interns this week, rather than July, and Senior House Officers rotating primarily within their geographical area will assist the transition. Whilst it is acknowledged that none of these measures is a perfect solution, they will mitigate challenges and assist NCHDs during this time and through changeover.