Malcolm Noonan
Ceist:464. Deputy Malcolm Noonan asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will allow for uniformity of inclusion of partners at c-section births in theatres nationwide (details supplied). [12141/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMaternity Services
Ceisteanna (464)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Programme for Government
Ceisteanna (465)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:465. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if a copy of all briefing documents provided to Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and the Green Party for their programme for Government negotiations will be provided. [12151/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand the Department of the Taoiseach will be arranging for the publication of material provided by Government Departments in accordance with agreed procedures, via the Department of the Taoiseach, to political parties, as part of Government formation negotiations.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (466)
James Browne
Ceist:466. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if the 14-day quarantine for persons travelling abroad applies to persons travelling for business travel to Norway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12156/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 Government's position is clear in advising against non-essential travel to or from Ireland.
The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Persons who travel overseas from Ireland for essential work are advised to follow public health advice when they return.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (467)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:467. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12160/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
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.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Ceisteanna (468)
Stephen Donnelly
Ceist:468. Deputy Stephen Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the relevant programmes and routes to medicinal cannabis for children that may be considered suitable. [12166/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In June 2019, I signed legislation to underpin the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP). This programme will run on a 5-year pilot basis and is restricted to prescribing of cannabis-based products at medical consultant level, for those patients with certain medical conditions who have exhausted all other available treatment options. The 3 medical conditions are:
1. spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis;
2. intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy;
3. severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy.
To date three products have been added to Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and Control of Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use) Regulations 2019, which underpins the MCAP. While the MCAP is not currently operational, engagement is ongoing between the HSE and the suppliers of the three products in regard to progressing same. For more information relating to the Programme please visit the Department of Health's website.
Pending full operation of the MCAP and for medical indications not included in the MCAP, doctors may continue to utilise the Ministerial licensing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so.
In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health, which is endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
Further information on medical cannabis is available on the Department’s website.
It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (469)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:469. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if there is a financial support scheme payment for those that work in nursing homes [12168/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of package of support measures for nursing homes, the Minister established a COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS), which opened for applications on 17th April 2020. The core concept of the scheme is that the State will provide additional funding to those nursing homes that require it, to contribute towards costs associated with COVID-19 preparedness, mitigation and outbreak management. The scheme will operate for a 3-month period to the end June.
However, my Department does not administer such a Scheme as referred to by the Deputy, as this matter appears to relate to employment affairs issues.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (470)
James Browne
Ceist:470. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when employees that are cocooning will be advised to return to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12170/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 2 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 8 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 2 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/7ae99f-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-june-8-phase-2/
The Government also agreed to bring forward actions in the remaining phases of the Roadmap and plan for four phases rather than the five originally indicated. On 19 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, announced the restrictions that would be eased and the measures that will be in place when Phase 3 is introduced on 29 June 2020. This will be subject to continued progressive improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap.
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 Deputy may also wish to note that the HSE’s advice available at https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/cocooning.html and the HSE’s Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) 'Guidance on cocooning to protect people over 70 years and those extremely medically vulnerable from COVID-19' offers practical assistance as we move through a new phase of the roadmap and advises that people who are at very high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should continue to protect themselves and stay at home as much as possible to minimise all non-essential contact with people who are not cocooning themselves.
From the 29 June, 2020, as part of the easing of restrictions in Phase 3, some of this advice will change and those cocooning or medically vulnerable should use their own judgement to decide how best to apply the above guidance to their own personal circumstances.
Further information on the easing of restrictions as part of Phase 3 is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (471)
Dessie Ellis
Ceist:471. Deputy Dessie Ellis asked the Minister for Health if additional HSE staff will be seconded to nursing homes (details supplied) to help with delivering care during the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12171/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (472)
Seán Fleming
Ceist:472. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have a procedure carried out; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12173/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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 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.
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.
Healthcare Infrastructure Provision
Ceisteanna (473)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:473. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the enabling works at Portiuncula Hospital, Ballinasloe will commence; when he expects tenders to be sought for the construction of the 50-bed ward block; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12182/20]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (474)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:474. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he will furnish a detailed reply to correspondence on 18 May and 5, 9 and 11 June 2020 and information furnished on 14 and 15 May 2020 regarding contact tracing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12185/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I understand that responses to this correspondence have now issued from my office.
Ministerial Correspondence
Ceisteanna (475)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:475. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when he will furnish a detailed reply to correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12186/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Arising from the National Development Plan, an Elective Hospitals Oversight Group has been established. This Group has completed a Catchment Area Analysis within Galway, Dublin and Cork.
The Elective Hospitals Oversight Group is currently developing a high-level facilities spatial brief and order of magnitude costs for development in the three locations. It is expected that this will be completed in the Autumn. Any further consideration of the configuration of hospitals in the Saolta Hospital Group area will follow this.
Nursing Home Accommodation
Ceisteanna (476, 477, 478, 576)
Bríd Smith
Ceist:476. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the proposed closure of a centre (details supplied); the reason given by the board for the closure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12195/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:477. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if the funding required by the board of a nursing home to remain open and to comply with all statutory requirements will be examined (details supplied); and if the HSE has considered funding requests from the board of the home. [12196/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:478. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health if a proposal to take a nursing home (details supplied) into the control of the HSE will be examined in order to insure it continues to provide care for a vulnerable cohort of residents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12197/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraBríd Smith
Ceist:576. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health the details of correspondence between his Department, the HSE and the management of a centre on plans to close the centre; when his Department and the HSE were notified of plans to close the centre; and if the HSE has plans to insure the centre continues to operate its services for the current residents. [12673/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 476 to 478, inclusive, and 576 together.
The HSE has had a number of formal engagements with St Mary’s Centre (Telford) over the past year. There were three meetings in 2019 with one of those held on site. There has also been a number of meetings in 2020, the latest of those held via teleconference on the 15th May 2020. A further meeting is scheduled for this week. I understand the General Manager of St Mary's Centre notified staff on 3 June 2020 of the decision of the Board of Management to close the facility. My officials have written to the HSE on the matter with a view to understanding the implications and the ongoing engagement of the HSE with the centre in question.
As this is an operational matter I have arranged for the Deputy’s questions to be forwarded to the HSE for direct reply.
General Medical Services Scheme
Ceisteanna (479)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:479. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if face masks will be included in the GMS payments system. [12202/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) provided guidance in relation to face coverings in its advice to Government in relation to Phase 2 of the Roadmap for Reopening Business & Society on 4 June.
The NPHET advice sets out circumstances under which the wearing of a non-medical face covering is recommended. These are when using busy public transport, when in indoor public areas including retail outlets, by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning, by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning, all visitors to residential care facilities and in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance. The wearing of face coverings in other environments should accommodate individual judgement or preference or where it is difficult to maintain a 2-metre distance.
Medical-grade face masks are not currently recommended for use by members of the general public. The NPHET keeps the position on the wearing of face coverings under continual review. Based on current advice, there are no plans at present to provide medical-grade face masks to medical cardholders.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and to wash hands before putting them on and taking them off. A national communications campaign was launched on 15 June which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and which communicates to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and
- how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (480)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:480. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if a copy will be provided of the contractual obligations the new general practitioner in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, will have to adhere to pursuant to his or her appointment; the number of hours and days per week the general practitioner will have to provide a clinic in Carrigoran, County Clare; the arrangements he or she will have to have in place for the care of patients on a GMS list and times outside of general practitioner hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12203/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (481)
Johnny Guirke
Ceist:481. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health if he will make a roadmap available indicating the plans in place to roll out a return of day services for adults with disabilities; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12205/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations have been closed since March. However priority service users have been identified in each CHO, and individualised supports continue to be provided to many people in alternative models particularly for these individuals with higher support needs, through alternative means such as via online support and/or regular telephone contact with families. Health and social care responses to the current public health emergency are under continuing review, including specific measures such as these to support vulnerable people.
The resumption of adult day services is currently being considered by my Department and the HSE as part of broader planning to prepare for the resumption of non-COVID-19 community and social care services in the current environment, and in line with public health guidance. My Department and the HSE has established a Joint Working Group to develop a plan for Community Capacity.
The HSE is finalising plans to re-establish vital non-COVID supports and services. This includes very careful and detailed work on the part of the disability sector with national guidance and will result in directing how all funded agencies can deliver services on a medium to long-term basis. A national group for the resumption of day services representative of service users and families, service providers and the HSE is working together to prepare for the resumption of day service supports in line with COVID-19 guidance. The Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and Action Plan for resumption of services have been completed. The national group are currently developing guidance to support the day service sector to reopen within the parameters of public health advice.
Community Healthcare Organisations are working with service providers to ascertain the current level of service provision and innovative practises that have developed over the last number of months. The collation and analysis of this data will provide a current national picture which will enable the resumption group to address the challenges of reopening day service locations.
The resumption group plan to have completed the above strands of work by the end of June following which a timeframe for the phased reopening of adult day services will be planned in cooperation with HSE disability services and service providers. In the meantime, service providers continue to contact day service users regarding their support needs and are providing those supports in different ways. Some supports continue to be provided in a number of ways, for example by telephone, online communication and responses to address emergency needs.
The HSE and disability service providers, where identified, will continue to communicate with school leavers and their families to plan and organise for a transition to day services in line with public health guidance.
The safety of service users and staff is of critical importance therefore the attendance at locations will be determined by public health guidance, which may result in some reduction of capacity.
An information leaflet for service users and their families was developed by the national group and distributed widely to all stakeholders on June 9th.
It is expected that a clearer picture will emerge before end of June as to when day services are likely to be reinstated and how the service will be delivered taking account of Public Health Guidance and COVID-19 restrictions.
The Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services and the information leaflet “What’s Happening” is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (482)
Patrick O'Donovan
Ceist:482. Deputy Patrick O'Donovan asked the Minister for Health his plans to publish the findings of the investigation by persons (details supplied) in 2012 into issues relating to the delivery of dental services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12214/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The report to which the Deputy refers was commissioned by the HSE. I have asked the HSE to reply to the Deputy.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (483)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:483. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health when antenatal classes will resume; his plans to allow fathers to participate fully with their partners in maternity appointments and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12225/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.