Written Answers Nos. 803-827
803. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the provisions he has made for families that would normally access respite for their young children with special needs during the summer holidays; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6914/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
804. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health if he has given consideration to allowing access to all adults in addition to the children and persons with special needs that already have access to emergency dental services provided by the 38 public health emergency dental centres operated by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6915/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE provides dental care to children under 16 and special needs patients through its dental clinics. Independent dental practitioners provide care to medical card holders through the Dental Treatment Services Scheme; to the self-employed and retired people who have the required number of social insurance (PRSI) contributions through the Dental Treatment Benefit Scheme; and to private patients.
The HSE established 38 emergency dental clinics for children and eligible public patients who may not have been able to access a HSE contracted dentist when care was restricted to emergency care. The HSE has reported that it was not aware of any indications that the private patient group had difficulty accessing dental care when it was restricted to emergency care only.
The necessary legislative amendments have now been made and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has worked with the dental profession and in particular the Dental Council, to provide revised guidance for the profession to allow for the resumption of the safe provision of routine care. This is in line with Phase 1 of the Government's Plan for the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, from 18 May.
805. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the number of contacts traced to date in the test and trace strategy for Covid-19; the number of contacts traced on average each day; the number of staff involved in contact tracing; the number of volunteers that came forward; the number deployed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6958/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
806. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if guidelines have been issued to mental health facilities advising them not to take in new patients under Covid-19 restrictions; if his attention has been drawn to any individual mental health facility no longer taking in new patients due to Covid-19; if there are alternative arrangements in place for patients that cannot access facilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6959/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
807. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if the guidelines provided to mental health practitioners will be clarified; the guidelines available advising mental health practitioners of face-to-face counselling particularly in relation to children; if his attention has been drawn to the need for the provision of mental health supports for at risk individuals particularly for children during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6960/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
808. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health if the measures for PPE for clinical speech and language therapists will be confirmed in view of the fact the lack of full recognition of elements of their work, for example, dysphagia and swallowing disorders are not recognised as an aerosol generating procedure placing them at an increased risk in their work. [7006/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
809. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the deal with a company (details supplied) and other recruitment agencies to recruit healthcare workers to deal with the Covid-19 crisis; the amount the company or other such agencies are being paid; the number of healthcare workers which have been recruited; the reason this method to recruit has been chosen rather than recruiting directly to the HSE in view of the fact a permanent increase in capacity across the health service will be needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7023/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
810. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he will address a series of matters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7024/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that it is critically important for the Irish health service to develop the capability and capacity to project its health and social care workforce requirements to enable more effective and efficient planning.
Work is well underway in relation to implementing the actions stemming from the National Strategic Framework on Health and Social Care Workforce Planning, including cross sectoral engagements between the Health, Children and Education sector. Engagement is also ongoing between my Department, the HSE and the ESRI to build a modern, sustainable, evidence based and fit for purpose projection model. The outcomes from this work, aims to provide the intelligence to support more robust and effective discussions and decisions on health workforce resourcing to meet population health needs into the future.
The implementation of the workforce planning actions link directly with the Slaintecare action to build a sustainable, resilient workforce that is supported and enabled to deliver the Sláintecare vision.
In relation to workforce planning efforts during the current pandemic, there are numerous initiatives taking place to maximise the health workforce to meet the needs of the service during this time. These include increasing the hours of part time staff, rehiring retired clinicians, employment of students and recent graduates, redeployment of staff and encouraging those on career break to return early.
The Be on Call for Ireland initiative is a further means being used to create reserve pools of ‘job ready’ health care professionals’ to use ‘as and when’ they are needed for the response to COVID-19. Those contracted via this initiative are offered a short term contract, which may be reviewed at a later date once the impact of the pandemic on the healthcare system is understood.
Concerning nursing education, between 2017 and 2019 the number of undergraduate training places for nursing and midwifery increased by 260 , from 1,570 to 1,830. I am pleased to inform the Deputy that the first group of these additional students will be due to graduate in 2021 and be in a position to join the nursing and midwifery workforce.
Concerning future nursing pay, the 2019 Nursing Agreement provides for an Expert Review of the Nursing Profession. This Review shall examine those outstanding union claims as detailed in the Labour Court recommendation (LCR21900/21901). Department officials are currently examining how this Review can commence its activities in the current environment and I am looking forward to seeing a date set for this Review in the near future.
Concerning the implementation of the pay measures contained in the Nursing Agreement, in July 2019 the HSE commenced the implementation of those pay measures. The HSE has since issued all circulars to activate these measures including adjustments to allowances and the opening up of the applications process to the new Enhanced Nurse Scale. The HSE has advised that progress has been made in completing the roll out of these measures and many nurses and midwives will have already benefited from these changes. The HSE has also advised that, where it has identified locations where implementation is incomplete, they are working with those locations (including Hospital Groups and CHOs) to complete the process. For the avoidance of doubt, I would like to reassure those nurses and midwives that are due to benefit from this measures that all monies due to them shall be paid to them.
The preliminary data for April indicates that approx. 4,800 / 38% of applicants to the Enhanced Nurse / Midwife role have been appointed in acute operations. Some Hospital Groups have made considerable progress in appointing successful applicants to the new roles (c.50% of successful applicants in two hospital groups and 97% of successful applicants at CHI have been appointed) while at other locations, progress has been slower. My officials have requested the HSE to prioritise the continued implementation of the agreement.
For the latest status on the implementation of these payments, I have referred this matter to the HSE for direct answer and reply.
811. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the details of the deal with the private hospitals and plans for maintaining the capacity to deal with non-Covid-19 related issues over the coming months; his plans for non-Covid hospitals; his views on whether all private healthcare and hospital capacity should be taken permanently under public control in view of the need for permanent increases in capacity needed to deal with Covid and non-Covid healthcare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7025/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government published its Action Plan in Response to Covid-19, on March 16 2020. In anticipation of the projected surge in Covid-19 cases and the expected impact on the health care system, a major part of the Action Plan was to urgently ramp up capacity for acute hospital care facilities. A critical element of the strategy was to put in place an arrangement with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system, to provide essential additional acute hospital services for the duration of the emergency. The terms of the arrangement reflected the expected Covid-19 pandemic at time of signing. It is in place for three months up to the end of June, with an option to extend it. Under the 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 to extend or not. Any decision regarding an extension would have to be considered in the context of the evolution of the Covid-19 pandemic and the most effective use of resources in tackling it. Therefore, while there is an option to extend the arrangement, it is not intended that the arrangement will be permanent.
Acute hospital preparedness for Covid-19 has focused on bed capacity, on protection of non-Covid care, and on a number of other areas including infection control. In line with the Action Plan delivery of essential non-Covid care has continued. In particular, the delivery of cancer care, urgent surgery and trauma services are areas in which care continues to be delivered, including in private hospitals.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, from now on, in regard to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of non-urgent scheduled acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making.
Guidance on patient pathways to mitigate the risks associated with the delivery of non-Covid-19 care, for patients and healthcare workers, to support the safe delivery of care has been developed under the auspices of the NPHET’s Expert Advisory Subgroup and approved in principle by NPHET.
As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 care side by side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid-19 acute care. The trajectory of the disease means that there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of more routine non-Covid-19 care and it is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in the provision of such care.
813. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the status of the guidance and provisions in place to assist family carers that have concerns regarding guidance on Covid-19 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7027/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
814. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Health his views in relation to the ownership of the proposed site for the new national maternity hospital; if the site will be brought into full public ownership in view of the announcement by a religious order (details supplied) that it is to divest itself of St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group which in turn is to transfer to St. Vincent’s Holdings CLG; the information in his possession regarding the structure of the new entity; the principles involved; the proposed governance structure for the new hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7028/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI welcome the announcement by the Religious Sisters of Charity that the Vatican has approved the transfer of the Sister's shareholding in St Vincent's Healthcare Group (SVHG) to a new company, St Vincent’s Holdings CLG. This development will remove any remaining concerns that religious influence might be brought to bear on the new National Maternity Hospital (NMH). It also paves the way for the finalisation of the legal framework which will protect the State’s investment in the new hospital and ensure that the new NMH will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services.
The governance arrangements for the new NMH will be based on the provisions of the Mulvey Agreement. The Mulvey Agreement was an agreement between the NMH and the SVHG which was finalised in November 2016, following extensive mediation discussions. This Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company - NMH at Elm Park DAC - and ensures that a full range of health services will be available at the new hospital without religious, ethnic or other distinction.
My Department continues to engage with the SVHG, the NMH, the HSE and the Chief State Solicitor's Office in relation to the legal framework. The new hospital, which will remain in State ownership, will be built on a site leased from the SVHG. The State will provide an Operating Licence to the NMH at Elm Park DAC and the SVHG to facilitate the provision of health services in the new building.
815. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the use of private hospitals to date; the average bed occupancy of hospitals since beginning of the private hospital deal by total and hospital; the number of surgeries or procedures carried out in private hospitals by speciality since the beginning of the private hospital deal; and the number of private consultants signed up to perform under the private hospital deal. [7032/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government published the National Action Plan in Response to Covid-19, on March 16 2020. In anticipation of the projected surge in Covid-19 cases and the expected impact on the health care system, a major part of the Action Plan was to urgently ramp up capacity for acute hospital care facilities. A critical element of the strategy was to put in place an arrangement with the private hospitals to use their facilities as part of the public system, to provide essential additional acute hospital services for the duration of the emergency.
The HSE have advised my Department that they have been working with National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to establish a mechanism to allow for return of electronic data from Private Hospitals. This data will be submitted to the Hospital Pricing Office (HPO) by the NTPF to allow the creation of a HIPE record. The system was set up on the week ending 18th May with guidance issued to private hospitals around the process for submission of data.
In order to ensure early reporting of activity the HSE put a manual data reporting system in place with private hospitals. This is initial data and is subject to validation. While the current dataset does not provide for the full range of information the Deputy has requested, details regarding bed occupancy and the volume of procedures undertaken by private hospitals from March 30th to 14th May, 2020 are set out in the attached document. This data is subject to validation.
In relation to the number of Consultants signed up to perform under the private hospital arrangement, the latest information from Private Hospitals indicates that as of 19th May 2020, 286 Consultants have signed up.
|
Hospital |
Utilisation |
|
Aut Even |
21% |
|
Beacon Clinic |
36% |
|
Blackrock Clinic |
39% |
|
Bons Cork |
66% |
|
Bons Dublin |
34% |
|
Bons Galway |
39% |
|
Bons Limerick |
1% |
|
Bons Tralee |
83% |
|
Galway Clinic |
16% |
|
Hermitage Clinic |
60% |
|
Kingsbridge |
0% |
|
Mater Private Cork |
42% |
|
Mater Private Dublin |
48% |
|
Santry Sports Clinic |
7% |
|
St Francis Hospital |
0% |
|
St Vincents Private |
80% |
|
UPMC Kildare |
71% |
|
UPMC Whitfield |
40% |
|
Grand Total |
43% |
816. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the terms of reference for the investigation into the 35 page protected disclosure in relation to a nursing home (details supplied); if he will provide details, that is, grade and title of the person carrying out this investigation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7033/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs Minister I cannot make any comment on protected disclosures received that could in any way identify the person who made the protected disclosure. The Protected Disclosures Act (2014) precludes the Department from discussing any matter in relation to the protected disclosures that could identify that person.
However, I can assure you that that all protected disclosures received in the Department are dealt with in the appropriate manner, in line with the legislation and the Departments policy and procedures to ensure appropriate actions are taken.
817. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the engagements he has had with the voluntary disability organisations as part of the response to Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7034/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In response to requests to the Ministers’ office, Ministers (Harris and McGrath) had separate video meetings with Inclusion Ireland and Enable Ireland on 27 April.
Further meetings are scheduled with the Disability Federation of Ireland, the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Coalition and the National Council for the Blind Ireland.
HSE Disability Operations hold weekly telecons with a number of key stakeholders representing the interest of service users and their families, as well as provider organisations. These forums take the form of teams with each having specific and identified work streams. Taking this approach ensures that there is two-way communication as well as working groups with assigned tasks in response to the COVID-19 emergency.
(1) Provider/Service User Organisation COVID 19 Team which has representatives from;
- Disability Federation of Ireland
- Not for Profit Association
- Federation of Voluntary Bodies
- HSE
(2) Family, Service User and Carer Representatives from:
- Inclusion Ireland
- Carers Ireland
- HSE
There is active engagement and joint working between HSE and the above representative bodies in terms of linkage with other essential HSE shared services. For example, HSE is actively supporting their respective “helplines” in response to COVID-19 and have already networked these providers with that of ‘Alone’ and their newly established helpline under COVID-19. HSE advises that all disability providers maintain strong communication links with families. In this regard, where an outbreak of COVID 19 is confirmed families are contacted and kept informed of their loved ones’ medical status.
Under the governance of the HSE’s National Integrated Operations Hub chaired by the Chief Operations Officer, Disability Operations has a team in place with the responsibility for providing supports and capacity building training for the sector in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, a range of guidance material has been developed. The following web link is the central repository for disability specific guidance material during the COVID 19 emergency:
https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/
It contains guidance on:
1. Alternative models of care (non-residential)
2. Streamlined hospital passport for people with disabilities who are admitted to hospital
3. Use of PPE in Disability Services
4. Supporting adults in a community residence/at home
5. Supporting children in a community residence/at home
In addition, a series of “webinar” training modules to assist frontline staff during the COVID 19 emergency period are available.
818. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to address the shortage of PPE in private and public nursing homes in counties Offaly and Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7035/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe global nature of the Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented demand for PPE and certain medical devices. The HSE is working hard to address the health service’s priority needs in the context of constrained supply, long supply chains, and complex delivery and logistics requirements.
PPE stocks are now distributed by the HSE via a central allocation system covering all healthcare settings, including public and private nursing homes. The HSE is also developing an updated PPE requirements and distribution model, in consultation with stakeholders.
As this is a service matter in relation to the specific areas mentioned by the Deputy I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to her as soon as possible.
819. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the engagements he has had with an organisation (details supplied) with respect to the Covid-19 crisis from February 2020 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7036/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTo date, between myself and my colleague the Minister for Health Simon Harris TD, ten meetings have been convened by means of teleconferencing with the organisation referred to in the Deputy’s question. Along with this I have engaged directly with representatives of the organisation throughout this period at various and regular intervals.
My officials and officials from the HSE and the NTPF are undertaking regular engagements and correspondence with the organisation, and ongoing open lines of communication between it and the Department remain in place.
820. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies that exist in mental health services for persons that are homeless in Dublin; when he expects these posts to be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7037/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
821. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if Covid-19 deaths are higher in areas of deprivation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7038/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981, and subsequent amendments, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre is authorised by law to collect information from doctors and laboratories, via Medical Officers of Health, about diagnoses of certain infectious diseases in Ireland. These diseases are referred to as notifiable diseases.
The most recent amendment to the Regulations is the Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Regulations 2020 (S.I. No. 53 of 2020) added COVID-19 to the list of notifiable diseases.
Data is collected on COVID-19 related mortality for both lab confirmed and probable cases, in line with recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control in both hospitals and the community. We committed from the outset to collect the most extensive data possible in order that the information could inform and guide the public health actions necessary to respond to the very serious threat posed by COVID-19. The Deputy might note that the collection of mortality data in Ireland exceeds that of many other countries in the world.
The data on COVID-19 related mortality which is provided to my Department does not differentiate between deprived and affluent areas.
822. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the National Strategy and Policy for the Provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland; if the targets for 2019 have been met; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7039/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
824. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made as to when holiday homes and caravan parks will reopen. [7041/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
In general, with the exception of public health matters, the responsibility for providing guidance and advice in relation to a particular sector or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity.
825. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the reason a person (details supplied) has had an operation cancelled; the reason they cannot have a 45 minute outpatient procedure carried out that will potentially save their sight; the current waiting list for this type of operation; and the length of time this person will have to wait for this sight saving operation. [7042/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraReducing waiting time for patients for hospital operations and procedures is a key priority for Government. In recent years, my Department has worked with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) and made considerable improvements to improve access for patients waiting for high volume procedures, including cataracts. At the end of July 2017, the number of people waiting for a cataract procedure was 10,024. Since then the numbers waiting have improved and at the end of April 2020, they stood at 5,831, a reduction of 42%. In the same period the number of patients waiting over 9 months for a cataract procedure fell by 83% from 4,249 to 705. The ophthalmology Inpatient/Daycase and Outpatient waiting lists, as well as the cataract waiting list for end April 2020, are provided for the Deputy below.
In this context it should be noted that 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.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are currently working together to estimate the impact of COVID-19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address any backlog or pent up demand. My Department continues to ensure that the resources available throughout our health system are best utilised at this unique and challenging time.
Under 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.
The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.
In relation to the treatment for the person concerned, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
826. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter in relation to Covid-19 testing for a person (details supplied). [7043/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
827. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the specific challenges facing community projects that the attention of his Department has been drawn to regarding places for residential addiction supports; the actions taken to alleviate them; and when access will be resumed. [7044/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOfficials in the Department of Health have been working with Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the HSE Social Inclusion Services to ensure that services and supports continue to be provided for those with problem drug and alcohol use.
I have asked the HSE to investigate the issues raised by the Deputy and to reply to him directly.
