Thomas Pringle
Ceist:535. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the status of the Finglas primary healthcare centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12466/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPrimary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (535)
Freagraí 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.
Health Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (536)
Charlie McConalogue
Ceist:536. Deputy Charlie McConalogue asked the Minister for Health when the BreastCheck unit will be coming to a town (details supplied) in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12469/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
A Vision for Change
Ceisteanna (537)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:537. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the stakeholders consulted during the review and refresh of A Vision for Change. [12489/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A wide range of stakeholders was invited to attend advisory group sessions in order to contribute to the refresh process during the review and refresh of A Vision for Change.
These included other government departments such as the Department of Education & Skills, representative associations such as the Association of Occupational Therapists, Peer Support Workers and non-Government organisations such as Bodywhys and Jigsaw and the Irish Advocacy Network.
Additionally, a national public consultation process engaged with over 1,200 participants at meetings in Dublin, Sligo, Cork and Offaly. The participant profile included service users, family members, carers, peer workers, clinical staff, HSE management and the NGO sector. Invitations to attend the process were issued to all CHO mental health leads and their contact lists. The invitations were widely advertised on Eventbrite, ActiveLink and the Wheel.
In addition, the chair of the Oversight Group, Mr Hugh Kane, met with members of the PNA and inputted its views into the work of the Oversight Group in developing the policy.
All submissions to the Joint Oireachtas Committee, including the interim and final reports, were considered in the development of the refreshed policy Sharing the Vision - A Mental Health Policy for Everyone.
A Vision for Change
Ceisteanna (538)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:538. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason A Vision for Change was never fully realised before it was reviewed and refreshed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12490/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The publication of A Vision for Change (2006) represented an important milestone in the development of mental health policy in Ireland. Many significant changes and improvements have taken place over the lifetime of the policy since 2006. These changes have been implemented as a result of a substantial increase in funding. Since 2012, the HSE Mental Health Services funding base has been increased by €315m, or around 44%. Much has changed, however, over this period. For example, there has been a substantial increase in demand for CAMHS specialist services; between 2012 and 2018, there was an increase of 24% in the number of referrals accepted by Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). To assist in meeting the increased service demands, CAMHS teams increased from 49 to 70 between 2008 and 2019, while CAMHS beds increased from 16 to 74 over the same period. In addition, overall, mental health staffing has increased, with an additional 1,700 new development posts since 2012.
A Vision for Change came to the end of its ten-year term in 2016 and preparations for a review and update of the policy commenced with the commissioning in February 2017 of an Expert Evidence Review by the Work Research Centre to inform the parameters of the planned refresh of mental health policy in Ireland. The approach encompassed a stock-take of recent success in mental health and a review of international developments, innovation, evidence and good practice. The review had a broad brief covering the various dimensions of the mental health terrain that might have relevance for informing the refresh of mental health policy in Ireland.
The key priorities that emerged from the review were:
- The need to prioritise mental health in Ireland as a major societal issue
- The importance of primary prevention and positive mental health
- A requirement to focus on social inclusion and recovery
- Expansion of mental health services to address the spectrum of conditions and needs
- Development of governance and financing to include research, evaluation and quality assurance.
This report assisted in identifying priority areas for the Oversight Group established to update the policy, to consider as it drafted its report for the Department of Health.
Sharing the Vision- A Mental Health Policy for Everyone is therefore grounded in the realities of the challenges and issues that presently exist. The revised policy acknowledges, however, that while considerable change, ongoing reform and re-investment are needed, much of the A Vision for Change policy remains relevant today. Some recommendations remain valid (with minor refinements); others have led to advances which require updates; and others are no longer valid or have already been delivered. Finally, there are many recommendations in this policy that are entirely new, reflecting issues that have arisen during the course of the refresh work.
A Vision for Change
Ceisteanna (539)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:539. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason an association (details supplied) was excluded from having an input into the review and refresh of A Vision For Change. [12491/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national mental health policy, A Vision for Change, ended its ten-year term in 2016, having been the cornerstone of mental health policy in Ireland since its publication in 2006. The Department of Health established the Oversight Group which reviewed this policy, with a view to the development of a successor document which would continue the process of modernising our mental health services and effectively promoting good mental health.The terms of reference for the review did not assume the need for a whole new policy document or a complete examination of policy from first principles, but rather sought to build on the good foundations of A Vision for Change, particularly given that many of its principles remained valid in terms of good practice, but could also be updated and extended to reflect the best of current thinking and evolving practices in the sector. The PNA provided input into those practices as they evolved during the ongoing modernisation of services under A Vision for Change.
In addition to the foregoing, the Oversight Group which revised the policy, and drafted Sharing the Vision - a Mental Health Policy for Everyone, engaged in a national public consultation process whereby over 1,200 participants including service users, family members, carers, peer workers, clinical staff, HSE management and the NGO sector offered input. The stakeholder meetings held as part of the consultation process were open to all, including staff affiliated with the PNA.
The Oversight Group also collected information from submissions, including one from the PNA, to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Mental Healthcare in Ireland and incorporated relevant recommendations into the refreshed policy. In addition, the chair of the Oversight Group, Mr Hugh Kane, met with members of the PNA and took account of its views in the work of the Oversight Group in developing the policy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (540)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:540. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there is updated public health advice for choirs; if they will be allowed to practice singing together outdoors; and if so, the public health advice for them. [12492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government previously confirmed the move to Phase 2 of the 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 http://www.gov.ie/phase2.
The Deputy may wish to note that under The Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 206 of 2020) which came into operation from 8 June 2020 until 29 June 2020, groups of up to 15 people who are not from the same household are allowed to meet outdoors for social, recreational and exercise activities.
These measures also provide that you should not travel beyond your county, or 20 kilometres from where you live if crossing county boundaries, to participate in any social, recreational and exercise activities.
It is also advised that if a person is at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19, they should continue to protect themselves and stay at home as much as possible to minimise all nonessential contact with other people.
The Government 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.
As evidence is emerging internationally of a potential increased risk of transmission of Covid19 linked to group singing, extra public health measures have been developed as part of Phase 3 for choirs and other groups to carry out a risk assessment and ensure that the communal spaces of venues, amenities and activities operate in line with physical distancing and the mass gatherings restrictions applying in Phase 3 and Phase 4. Further information on these specific recommendations is available at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7
Information on the easing of the Covid19 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/
Question No. 541 answered with Question No. 443.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (542)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:542. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if funding will be secured to cover with appropriate staff, the maternity leave of the occupational therapist assigned to a service (details supplied) due to take leave in September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12496/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (543)
Robert Troy
Ceist:543. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the status of the lifting of visitor restrictions at St. Columcille’s Hospital, Loughlinstown, County Dublin. [12498/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly, as soon as possible.
Patient Transfers
Ceisteanna (544)
Robert Troy
Ceist:544. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) will be transferred urgently to a suitable nursing home setting. [12499/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (545)
Mattie McGrath
Ceist:545. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the reason a facility serving food is allowed to reopen; the health grounds this decision is based on; if Covid-19 can differentiate between a person who eats a meal in a facility or a person who does not; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12504/20]
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 http://www.gov.ie/phase2.
The Regulations which currently apply, and are in operation until 29 June 2020, are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A - Temporary Restrictions) (COVID-19) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 (SI No. 206 of 2020).
These Regulations provide that outlets selling food or beverages on a takeaway basis are permitted outlets at this time.
The Deputy may wish to note that the Regulations provide that the occupier, the manager, or any other person in charge, shall take all reasonable steps to ensure that members of the public are not permitted, or otherwise granted, access to a premises or to a part of such premises, where a business or service of a type such as an outlet selling food or beverages whether on a retail or wholesale basis and whether in a non-specialised or specialised outlet, is carried on or otherwise provided other than insofar as they sell food or beverages on a takeaway basis or for consumption off the premises. This includes outlets in relation to which an on-licence (within the meaning of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 (No. 24 of 2018) applies.
These Regulations were introduced on foot of public health advice in order to limit the number of individuals gathering indoors that staff and customers interact with at any one time.
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.
The Deputy may also wish to note that in preparing to re-open from the 29 June, 2020 the hospitality sector, as applicable, should refer to the HPSC COVID-19: Guidance for Food Service Businesses to assist them to carry out a detailed risk assessment and ensure that the communal spaces of venues, amenities and activities operate in line with physical distancing and the mass gatherings restrictions applying in Phase 3 and Phase 4.
Fáilte Ireland has also published updated guidelines for the re-opening of Restaurants and Cafés available at the following link:
https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Restaurants-and-Cafes.pdf
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 (546)
Paul Donnelly
Ceist:546. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to exempt medical professionals travelling between here and the UK for work from the mandatory 14-day self-isolation period when landing here. [12528/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the number of indigenous cases here declines and Ireland eases restrictions, the relative importance of the risk of importation of cases from overseas increases.
The public health advice for passengers arriving into the State from overseas is to self-isolate for 14 days. Self-isolation is not a legal requirement of persons entering the State from overseas. Since 28 May it is a legal requirement for passengers arriving from overseas to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information on the form may be used to assist our contact tracing teams.
The issue of imposing mandatory self-isolation for a 14-day period, to be considered as the situation evolves, was mentioned in the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business.
My Department, in consultation with other relevant Departments, has developed proposals to strengthen the 14-day self-isolation arrangements for passengers arriving into the State from overseas.Exemptions are being carefully considered as part of this work. Any mandatory arrangements, including exemptions, would be kept under regular review.
Special Educational Needs Staff
Ceisteanna (547)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:547. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if the commitment given in 2017 by him to a school (details supplied) that the HSE will not reduce or change the services provided and will not redeploy four clinical staff at the school including disciplines of psychology, speech and language therapy and social work until after a review of the school is complete, remains; if the school will continue to have these skilled professional staff to work with the children and young persons in the school; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12538/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy
Mobility Allowance
Ceisteanna (548)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:548. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in receipt of a payment under the mobility allowance and the motorised transport grant; the status of the consultation review process initiated following the closure of the schemes in February 2013; if a report has been completed and will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12553/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Two schemes, the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant, were put in place in 1979 and 1968 respectively, for operation by the Health Service Executive (HSE) at a time when there was limited availability of accessible public transport. The Government decided to close these administrative schemes in 2013, on foot of the reports of the Ombudsman in 2011 and 2012 regarding the legal status of both Schemes in the context of the Equal Status Acts. The Review Group on Transport Supports for People with a Disability reported to Government in 2013 and the Report informed the deliberative process for proposals for a new Scheme.
In 2013, the Government also decided to continue payment of the monthly Mobility Allowance on an interim basis, to those who were in receipt of the Mobility Allowance at the time that the Scheme closed. Of the 4,700 individuals in receipt of the Mobility Allowance (€9 million per annum) when the Scheme closed in 2013, there were 3,831 people in receipt of the interim payments at July 2019. I have referred the Deputy's question relating to the current number of recipients of the Mobility Allowance to the HSE, for direct reply to the Deputy.
With regard to the Motorised Transport Grant, this scheme operated as a means-tested grant to assist persons with severe disabilities with the purchase or adaptation of a car, where that car was essential to retain employment. The maximum Motorised Transport Grant, which was payable once in any three-year period was €5,020. Following closure of the scheme in February 2013, no further Motorised Transport Grants have been payable.
At the whole of Government level, the National Disability Inclusion Strategy 2017-2021 sets the overall framework for the equal participation of people with disabilities in society. Monitoring of the implementation of the Strategy is being overseen by the National Disability Inclusion Strategy Steering Group which comprises key Government Departments, the National Disability Authority and the Disability Stakeholders Group.
Under the Strategy, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport has responsibility for the continued development of accessibility and availability of accessible public transport and is committed to the continued development of accessible public transport in recognition of the importance of such services to the lives of people with disabilities.
Recent developments which will impact on policy options regarding the provision of transport supports for people with a disability include the following:
The ongoing progress by the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport in providing accessible public transport nationally and that Department's public consultation launched on 14 November last, to review active travel and public transport policy, including accessible public transport;
The Cost of Disability Study currently underway which was commissioned by the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection as part of Budget 2019. The research, when complete, will inform policy direction in relation to the provision of adequate supports to meet the needs of people with disabilities, including transport costs, and
The Working Group established by the Department of Justice and Equality under Action 104 of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy which states that:- 'We will lead a review of transport supports encompassing all Government funded transport and mobility schemes for people with disabilities, to enhance the options for transport to work or employment supports for people with disabilities and will develop proposals for development of a coordinated plan for such provision. This plan will have regard to making the most efficient use of available transport resources.”
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (549)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:549. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the reason partners of persons giving birth by c-section are denied access to the theatres in University Hospital Galway; if a review of the policy will be undertaken; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12554/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Ministerial Correspondence
Ceisteanna (550)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:550. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he has reviewed the letter from a person (details supplied) sent to him on 4 June 2020; his views on the matters raised; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Minister has reviewed the letter from Mr Peter Hughes sent on 4 June 2020, and the following outlines the position.
The national mental health policy, A Vision for Change,ended its ten-year term in 2016, having been the cornerstone of mental health policy in Ireland since its publication in 2006. The Department of Health led the review of this policy, with a view to the development of a successor document which would continue the process of modernising mental health services and effectively promoting mental health.
The terms of reference for the refresh did not assume the need for a whole new policy document or a complete examination of policy from first principles, but rather to build on the good foundations of A Vision for Change, particularly given that many of its principles remained valid in terms of good practice, and simply required updating and extending to reflect the best of current thinking and evolving practices in the sector. PNA staff would have offered vital input into this original A Vision for Change consultation process.
The Oversight Group consisted of volunteers, many of whom had full time responsibilities in their own organisations. The Oversight Group agreed to engage in a national public consultation process where over 1,200 participants including service users, family members, carers, peer workers, clinical staff, HSE management and the NGO sector who would offer input. This way of collecting feedback was considered the most efficient method of gathering data from most people. The stakeholder meetings were open to all, including staff affiliated with the PNA.
The Oversight Group collected information from submissions, including a submission from the PNA, to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future of Mental Healthcare in Ireland and incorporated relevant recommendations into the refreshed policy.
In addition, the chair of the Oversight Group, Mr Hugh Kane, met with members of the PNA and input its views to the work of the Oversight Group in developing the policy. All input received during the consultation on the policy, and any other stakeholder views, will be taken into account in establishing the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) which will oversee implementation of the policy.
As regards the implementation of the new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A National Mental Health Policy for Everyone, the policy proposes that a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) be established to oversee implementation of the policy recommendations. The Committee will be mandated to drive reconfiguration, monitor progress against outcomes and deliver on the commitments made in this policy. It is expected that the Committee will work with partners to evaluate performance against the key performance indicators, check overall progress guided by research and learning from best practice, and gather information on examples of both good and bad practice. It is only when these mechanisms are in place that the system will be in a position to respond effectively to support the mental health needs of the whole population.
It is envisaged that the NIMC will be fully representative of those stakeholders principally involved in ensuring effective delivery of the policy recommendations, including strong service user, service provider and voluntary sector representation. All input received during the consultation on the policy, and any other stakeholder views, will be taken into account in establishing the NIMC. The NIMC will meet regularly and will publish progress reports on the implementation status of Sharing the Vision.
A Vision for Change
Ceisteanna (551)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:551. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health his plans for oversight and collaborative structures to be developed for engaging in critical and supportive discussions regarding the implementation of the refresh of A Vision for Change further to contact to his office from a person (details supplied). [12567/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The new national mental health policy, Sharing the Vision – A National Mental Health Policy for Everyone proposes that a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) be established to oversee implementation of the policy. The NIMC will be mandated to drive reconfiguration, monitor progress against outcomes and deliver on the commitments in the policy. It is expected that the NIMC will work with partners to evaluate performance against key performance indicators, and check overall progress guided by research and learning from best practice, so that the system will be in a position to respond effectively to support the mental health needs of the whole population.
It is envisaged that the NIMC will be representative of those stakeholders principally involved in ensuring effective delivery of the policy recommendations, including strong service user, service provider and voluntary sector representation. All input received during the consultation on the policy, and other stakeholder views, will be taken into account in establishing the NIMC.
Planning for the establishment of the NIMC and associated implementation structures is underway and will be subject to ministerial approval in due course.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (552)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:552. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if assistance can be provided to a person (details supplied) in order to arrange an occupational therapist appointment, in view of the person's change in circumstances as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The arrangement of an Occupational Therapist appointment in this instance is a matter for Cork County Council and, as such, does not fall under the remit of the Minister of Health.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (553)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:553. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health when essential respite services will resume for children and adults in counties Cavan and Monaghan in view of the additional pressures on families due to cessation of such services arising from the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12571/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives. This commitment is outlined in the Programme for Partnership Government, which is guided by two principles: equality of opportunity and improving the quality of life for people with disabilities.
The Programme for Partnership Government states that the Government wishes to provide more accessible respite care to facilitate full support for people with a disability.
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
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (554)
Denise Mitchell
Ceist:554. Deputy Denise Mitchell asked the Minister for Health if a rescheduled date has been identified for the needs assessment of a person (details supplied). [12579/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (555)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:555. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the guidance the HPSC has and is issuing on the provision and usage of PPE to workers in residential care settings such as nursing homes and to home care provision workers; the body responsible for the enforcing of such guidelines within these settings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12581/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE through the Health Protection Surveillance Centre has developed an extensive body of guidance and support tools and these are available on its website.
The 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. 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.
Since the onset of this pandemic, HIQA has put in place a quality assessment process whereby all designated centres, including nursing homes are formally contacted on a regular basis by an inspector of social services to assess how they are coping, the welfare of the residents, any concerns they have, and any deficits identified in their ability to sustain a safe, high-quality service. HIQA has completed a risk assessment of all nursing homes. On 6 April, it commenced a focused COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Hub to provide nursing home providers with guidance and supports; including an escalation pathway, where required, to the HSE.
HIQA has also developed a regulatory assessment framework of the preparedness of designated centres for older people for a COVID19 outbreak. The regulatory assessment framework aims to support those centres that are currently free from COVID-19 to prepare for an outbreak of COVID-19 and put in place the necessary contingency plans. This programme is in line with HIQA’s established Authority Monitoring Approach. As part of the programme HIQA has developed a self-assessment tool for nursing home providers. This self-assessment tool sets out the minimum standard required to effectively respond to an outbreak of COVID-19 in a designated centre. This involves a self-assessment by the registered provider and an onsite assessment by inspectors of social services to verify the provider’s compliance against specified regulations.
Nursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents. All nursing homes, public and private have a duty to ensure continued adherence to the existing regulatory and standards framework in the discharge of their duties.
In relation to home support staff and Approved Providers are asked to keep themselves updated by regularly checking the HPSC as guidance documents may be frequently updated. The provision of standard PPE (i.e. gloves, aprons, sanitising hand gel) to home support staff employed by Approved Providers remains the responsibility of those Providers in accordance with Service Arrangements. Arrangements are being made in each CHO that access to enhanced PPE (including face masks) is facilitated for all healthcare workers and service providers.
The HSE has advised that in the event that home support staff become aware of a suspect or positive case of COVID-19 in a client in receipt of home support services or a family members resident in the same premises, they are advised to contact their respective line manager for guidance and support. It is important that both clients and staff are protected from the spread of COVID-19 and in that regard, enhanced PPE is now being provided to an expanded range of settings, including to support the care of people in their own homes. Every effort is made to ensure appropriate PPE is available to ensure continued provision of home support service, especially to those clients with higher priority needs.