Written Answers Nos. 650-674
650. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if public houses that serve food can reopen similar to restaurants under phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business; if not, the public houses which can reopen similar to restaurants at this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9085/20]
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 advice, the responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of our economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity.
651. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his plans to extend the provision of PPE to dentists that treat patients with sufficient PRSI payments under the treatment benefit scheme; if additional support will be provided to dentists to help with the cost of safely disposing of used PPE as clinical waste; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9088/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Protection Surveillance Centre has issued Guidance on Managing Infection Related Risks in Dental Services. It supports the use of the normal PPE used in routine dentistry. The Dental Council has indicated that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. A national approach to the supply of PPE for dentists has been initiated by the HSE.
Dentists are responsible for disposing of their clinical waste in accordance with the Dental Council Code of Practice relating to Infection and Prevention Control.
The Government has put in place a suite of measures to support small, medium and larger businesses that are negatively impacted by COVID-19 including a Restart grant for which application can be made online to local authorities. The Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation has published a Return to Work Safely Protocol, which is designed to support employers and workers to put measures in place that will prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Health and Safety Authority also provides information and advice for employers and employees in this regard.
652. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the recourse available to families when a member of the family has symptoms of Covid-19 or has tested positive for Covid-19 but refuses to self-isolate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9093/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 was signed into law by the President on 20th March 2020.
The provisions of the 2020 Act provide (new section 38A of the Health Act 1947, inserted by section 11) for the detention and isolation of persons that a medical officer of health believes, in good faith, to be a potential source of infection with Covid-19 and a potential risk to public health, until such time as the medical officer of health of the HSE certifies that the person’s detention is no longer required. These provisions recognise the evolving circumstances surrounding the spread of the disease; its high degree of infectiousness; the health sector’s obligations to protect human life and public health; and the resources available to the health service (and the challenges that these all pose).
Section 38 of the Health Act 1947 also applies. This section allows for mandatory detention and isolation of persons who are probable sources of infection with Covid-19 and other named infectious diseases specified in the Infectious Diseases Regulations 1981 (as amended). The section requires inspection by a medical officer or medical practitioner prior to detention and isolation.
Anyone with concerns in relation to issues relating to self-isolation of a person suspected or diagnosed as having Covid-19 is advised to contact their relevant HSE Department of Public Health or the Health Surveillance Protection Centre who can advise as to appropriate measures to be taken and ensure appropriate action is taken, where required.
653. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the protocol in place in a nursing home (details supplied) for the isolation of patients that test positive for Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9094/20]
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.
654. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the way in which the recommended social distance can be reduced to 1.5 metres in line with the European average pending health advice and continuous decreasing rates of transmission. [9113/20]
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.
While the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus is evolving, it is clear now that the risks of transmission of any respiratory pathogens such as the type that causes Covid-19 are lessened when greater distance is maintained between people. This evidence is kept under review by the National Public Health Emergency Team on a continuing basis.
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.
655. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in outfitting private practice dentists with appropriate PPE gear; the steps being taken to outfit them with correct PPE in a timely manner; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9114/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
656. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if the taxi transfer contract attached to University Hospital Kerry and awarded to a company (details supplied) has been terminated; if the hospital management requested as part of that contract that the dialysis unit in the hospital taxi transfers be awarded to a specific third party due to the complex nature of transferring dialysis patients; and if a new tendering process will now take place. [9119/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
657. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [9120/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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 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, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care. It is envisaged that the private hospitals will play an important role in this regard.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
658. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the way in which the €9 million allocation for paediatric orthopaedic services was spent in 2018; and the budget allocations for same for 2019 and 2020, respectively. [9121/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.
CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.
In regard to the specifics of how budgetary allocations since 2018 have been spent, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
659. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the dermatology services available at University Hospital Kerry. [9122/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
660. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health his plans to meet with major bookmaker firms and ensure that they have sufficient safeguards and public health measures in place to safeguard staff and members of the public before reopening in June 2020. [9132/20]
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.
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.
In general, with the exception of public health advice, the responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of our economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity.
661. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1366 of 20 May 2020 to the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government, if his Department and the National Public Health Emergency Team for Covid-19 plan to issue direction, guidance and advice to local authorities in relation to the need for streets and public areas in towns and villages to be thoroughly cleaned and sanitised by means of deep clean to help address the Covid-19 pandemic in view of the fact that local authorities and an association (details supplied) have requested guidance on the matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9149/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no plans to issue guidance of the type described by the Deputy. The services referred to by the Deputy are not matters within the responsibility of the Minister for Health.
The responsibility for providing guidance in relation to a particular sector of the economy or on a specific activity remains with the Government Department with responsibility for that sector or activity. Local authority services are a matter for the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
662. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if there is a written process for issuing Covid-19 sector-specific guidance by agencies (details supplied). [9151/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn line with its Terms of Reference, the role of the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) is to oversee and provide direction, guidance, support and expert public health advice across the health service and the wider public service, for the overall national response to Coronavirus, including national and regional and other outbreak control arrangements, consider the most up to date national and international risk assessments, direct the collection and analysis of required data and information and review on an on-going basis the situational analyses and evaluation using reports received, expert advice and international guidance.
The advices of the NPHET are communicated by letter to the Minister for Health for consideration, and these advices are used to assist Government in informing its decisions in responding to the public health emergency. Furthermore, the NPHET communicates to the HSE and HPSC by letter following its meetings.
The NPHET’s processes are set out in its Governance Document which can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/de1c30-national-public-health-emergency-team-nphet-for-covid-19-governance-/.
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 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. Guidance in relation to business activities in specific sectors of the economy will be provided by the Government Department with responsibility for that sector.
The development of guidance by the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) are operational matters for the HSE and I have referred this part of the question to the HSE for answer and direct reply.
663. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the epidemiological reasons that have allowed physiotherapists to reopen while the BreastCheck and CervicalCheck screening programmes remain paused; if the decision to continue pausing the BreastCheck and CervicalCheck cancer screening programmes due to Covid-19 was made purely based on epidemiological reasons; and if other reasons fed into this decision, the reasons therefor. [9152/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince COVID-19 was categorised as a national public health emergency, and to align with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation and the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), the National Screening Service (NSS) took the difficult decision to pause all four population screening programmes, which includes CervicalCheck and BreastCheck. Of note, a similar pausing of population screening programmes has occurred in Northern Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales.
At the time it was necessary to evaluate and prioritise the services delivered by the health system. The HSE had to ensure that health services were in a state of preparedness for the estimated increase in total patient load during this pandemic. All non-essential surgery, health procedures and other non-essential health services had to be temporarily paused. This was in line with epidemiological factors of COVID-19 which including social distance measures, the rising number of cases detected, an increasing number of hospital admissions, admissions to ICU and deaths. These recommendations had as their goal to minimise the spread of COVID-19, protect patients and staff.
It is important to note, that population screening programmes involve inviting asymptomatic individuals for examinations. This could not continue during the public health emergency because of the need for social distancing and prevention of person-to person spread of this infectious disease. This temporary pause is for community testing (GPs and clinics) and not for symptomatic patients or patients already referred to or in the process of being managed within the acute system.
It is important to emphasise that people who are in-between screening appointments, or waiting for rescheduled appointments, should continue to be aware of and act on any symptoms associated with the conditions being screened for. Any individual who has symptoms should contact their GP immediately who can then refer them for further investigation.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the NSS has monitored the feasibility of restarting their screening programmes and assessing the associated risks. The NSS is participating in a national process, led jointly by the Chief Clinical Officer and the Chief Operations Officer in the HSE to restore services safely across all parts of the healthcare system. The HSE are finalising a framework for the resumption of non-covid healthcare services in the current environment, the recommencement of the screening programmes will be incorporated into this framework.
664. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the consideration he has given to moving medical appointments into health centres during Covid-19 in order that safe social distancing can be maintained in accident and emergency departments. [9153/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThere was a 21.1% reduction in Emergency Department (ED) attendances nationally this year up to the end of April 2020 compared to the same period last year.
The numbers attending emergency departments has shown a steady increase in recent weeks. There were 22,078 ED attendances in Week 21(20 - 26 May 2020), up 4.6% from the previous week. The lowest attendance was 12,908 in week 13 (w/e 25 March). The expected weekly level of attendance at this time of year would be in the region of 25,000 to 26,000.
Presentation at emergency departments are not appointment based and therefore moving medical appointments to health centres would not impact on the numbers attending ED's. Any decision to transfer additional activity to health centres would have to be carefully considered to ensure that health centres were operating in line with public health guidelines in relation to social distancing.
On 5 May 2020, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) agreed that its recommendation of 27 March to pause all non-essential health services should be replaced with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision-making.
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to the arrangement in place to ensure that emergency departments operate in line with public health guidelines.
665. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the number of occasions HIQA raised concerns regarding the lack of clinical oversight in nursing homes with his Department over the past three years; if the submissions made by HIQA received a response; and if so, if he will make the responses available. [9164/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra702. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health if he will address the matter raised in a statement from HIQA at the Special Oireachtas Committee on Covid-19 Response on 26 May 2020 (details supplied) in relation to a concern about the lack of clinical oversight of nursing homes; and if action was taken on foot of these concerns. [9367/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 665 and 702 together.
My Department has continuous and ongoing engagement with HIQA, which since 2009, is the independent statutory authority responsible for regulating residential care services for older people, whether delivered in a nursing home managed by the HSE or a private provider. Services are only allowed to operate if they are registered with HIQA and they are inspected regularly to ensure that they maintain a high level of care. HIQA has significant and wide-ranging powers, up to and including, the cancellation of the registration of a nursing home, where it has significant concerns about the quality of governance and oversight in such services.
My Department engages with HIQA on a regular and ongoing basis on a range of matters related to the provision of high-quality and safe care for people using our health and social care services in Ireland, including the regulatory framework. My Department and HIQA share the view that moving the current national regulatory framework towards a ‘service provider’ model of regulation is an issue which should be examined and progressed over time. This approach is being actively planned for in the context of the forthcoming statutory homecare scheme.
In addition, my Department continues to progress work on the Patient Safety (Licensing) Bill which will, for the first time introduce a licensing requirement for all hospitals, public and private, and certain designated high-risk activities in the community. The drafting of this Bill is on the Government’s legislative programme, the general scheme of the Bill having been approved by Government and subject to Pre-Legislative Scrutiny at the Oireachtas Joint Committee of Health.
Regulation and accountability are not contingent on a commissioning model, since the latter is generally associated with a purchaser/provider split which is a feature of health reforms in some countries, but which is not universal by any means and is subject to ongoing health policy debate.
On 29 and 30 of March 2020, key officials from the Department, HIQA, HPSC and HSE met to discuss nursing homes. It was agreed that representatives from the Department, HIQA, HSE and HSPC would collaborate to prepare a paper, encompassing a framework of necessary information, for consideration by the NPHET at its meeting of 31 March on the specific issues and risks relating to COVID-19 infections in residential healthcare facilities. To inform the development of the paper, HIQA provided an information framework document to the team on March 30. A variety of potential risks were identified. These included the risk of small providers, access to infection prevention and control (IPC) advice, access to PPE and timely access to testing. Following consideration of the paper referred to at the above NPHET meeting of 31 March, NPHET requested HIQA to risk assess all nursing homes and liaise with relevant national and regional governance structures as necessary in light of mitigating actions. This was part of an overall package of public health measures recommended following this meeting.
The risk assessment, amongst other things, outlined that the private nursing home sector has no clinical governance oversight by or relationship with the Health Service Executive. It should be noted that registered providers must provide appropriate medical and health care, including a high standard of evidence-based nursing care in accordance with professional guidelines. Furthermore, regulations provide that a nursing home must have a person in charge. In cases where the person in charge is also the registered provider, that person may be a registered medical practitioner with required experience. Where the registered provider is not the person in charge, the person in charge must be a registered nurse with the required qualifications and experience.
Notwithstanding the fact that the primary legal responsibility lies with individual providers, as recommended by NPHET on 31 March 2020, the HSE has further strengthened its National and Regional Governance Structures to support the response of nursing homes to COVID-19. The HSE has established 23 COVID-19 response teams at CHO level, which are providing nursing homes with medical, nursing, staffing and other supports. The teams are composed of consultant geriatricians, clinicians, infection prevention control experts and senior nurses.
Finally, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, on 23 May 2020, I established a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes. The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to COVID-19 and provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months.
666. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the response from his Department following inspection reports by HIQA on residential centres for older persons on 11 December 2019, 27 January 2020 and 3 March 2020; the steps his Department took to address the non-compliance found in centres particularly in relation to infection control; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9165/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) is the independent authority established under the Health Act 2007 to drive continuous improvement and to monitor safety and quality in Ireland’s health and personal social care services. Since 2009 HIQA has been the regulator for the nursing home sector. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards. These have all been revised and amended since their introduction.
The primary responsibility of managing the risk of infection lies with the residential care facility. In accordance with the Health Act (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations, 2013, as amended, the registered provider must ensure that procedures, consistent with the standards for the prevention and control of healthcare associated infections published by the Authority are implemented by staff. This responsibility is referred to in the 2016 National Standards for Residential Care Settings for Older People in Ireland and the National Standards for Infection Prevention and Control in Community Services 2018.
Services are only allowed to operate if they are registered with HIQA and they are inspected regularly to ensure that they maintain a high level of care. HIQA’s programme of both scheduled and unannounced inspections helps to ensure that standards are maintained, and where issues of non-compliance arise, that these are addressed and rectified through action plans.
HIQA has significant and wide-ranging powers, up to and including, the cancellation of the registration of a nursing home if a nursing home is found to be in breach of the Regulations. HIQA also has discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of registration on nursing homes.
667. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the services that have been removed from Monaghan Hospital since 1997; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9195/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service delivery matter, I have referred the question to the HSE for direct reply.
668. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the status of the group home for persons with disabilities constructed at Drummond Otra, Carrickmacross; if the HSE will be instructed to make the centre operational as a matter of urgency in view of the delays to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9196/20]
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.
669. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the dates from which each Covid-19 testing centre has been open; the number of patients tested on each date; the number of positive results resulting from each centre in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9197/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the HSE has responsibility, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
670. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health his views on whether staff in Beaumont Hospital should be in a position to apply for transfers to HSE hospitals while all hospitals are under the control of the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9215/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
671. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when cancer screening treatments will resume to prevent cancer fatalities increasing during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9216/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
672. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the reason for the breach of patient confidentiality regarding the HSE decision that an employer will be informed of Covid-19 tests before the person that was tested; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9217/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has sought and awaits a report from the HSE on this matter. I will correspond further with the Deputy when the report is received.
673. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason Covid-19 notices in some hospitals request a social distance of one metre while all other public signs are two metres; if one metre is acceptable in a hospital setting, the reason is it not permitted in public and business settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9221/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
674. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health if service level agreements have been completed between each of the private hospitals signed up to the Covid-19 contract and the HSE; if copies of same can be made available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9226/20]
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.
Under the heads of terms of the agreement between the HSE and the private hospitals, the HSE has access to 100% of the capacity of those hospitals for an initial three-month period. The arrangement with the private hospitals was reviewed at the end of May and the Government decided that the existing arrangement should not be extended beyond the end of June. It has however mandated the HSE to negotiate a new arrangement with private hospitals which would provide the HSE with full access to private hospital capacity in the event of a surge of Covid-19 and separately with ongoing agreed access, to enable the HSE to meet essential and elective care needs.
The HSE have advised my Department that they are working with their legal advisers and continue to engage intensively with the private hospitals to finalise the SLAs.
