Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 410-434

Disability Services Provision

Ceisteanna (410)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

410. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when a place will be allocated to a person (details supplied). [12873/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (411)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

411. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health when dental services for children with special needs will resume in St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny (details supplied). [12894/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (412)

Kathleen Funchion

Ceist:

412. Deputy Kathleen Funchion asked the Minister for Health the status of the home share respite project in the south-east; and if the project is on schedule in view of indications by the head of HSE disability services for the south-east. [12895/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (413)

Robert Troy

Ceist:

413. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if a decision on an application for respite by a person (details supplied) will be expedited. [12903/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

414. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to the health service for each hour of delay in time-to-theatre for emergency surgery patients in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12914/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

415. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to the health service of a delay in outpatient surgery if the surgery is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12915/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

416. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to the health service of a delay in a patient's inpatient and day case surgery if the surgery is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12916/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

417. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to the health service of a delay in a patient's outpatient appointment if the appointment is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12917/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

418. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to the health service of a delay in a patient's inpatient day case appointment if the appointment is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12918/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

419. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to society of a delay in a patient's outpatient surgery if the surgery is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12919/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

420. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to society of a delay in a patient's inpatient day case surgery if the surgery is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12920/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

421. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to society of a delay in a patient's outpatient appointment if the appointment is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12921/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

422. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the average estimated economic loss to society of a delay in a patient's inpatient day case appointment if the appointment is delayed by 3, 6, 12, 15 and more than 18 months, respectively in tabular form; if this data is not available, the reason no such economic analysis has taken place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12922/20]

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

423. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if an evaluation or research has been conducted into the social loss in cases in which surgery or treatment is delayed; if so, if details of such analysis will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12923/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 414 to 423, inclusive, together.

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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), 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.

NPHET has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, in relation to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. Application of the essential risk mitigating steps set out in the guidance developed under the auspices of the NPHET Expert Advisory group will have operational implications, which will impact on throughput.

Additionally, in order to continue to provide access for patients there has been a considerable growth and investment in virtual outpatient consultations for many specialties across the system. The HSE advise that a total of 203,510 virtual outpatient consultations took place from March to May, representing 36% of all OPD activity over the three months.

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 with a view to informing activity going forward. As the system continues to deliver Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 care side-by-side over a more prolonged period, my Department and the HSE will continue to work closely together to protect essential non-Covid-19 acute care and progress the provision of more routine non-Covid-19 care.

Evaluating the impact of delayed treatment forms part of two significant research programmes my Department is funding and participating in. In terms of the individual level impact, my Department is a co-investigator of an interim-wave TILDA COVID-19 survey which will seek to understand the experience of delayed healthcare due to the COVID-19 crisis. This project aims to examine the long-term impacts of the public-health led response to COVID-19 on the older population and will collate data on unmet healthcare needs. Findings will be prepared between October and end-January.

With regard to the system level impact, as part of the Department’s Joint Research Programme in Healthcare Reform with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), work is underway to produce a publication by year-end which assesses the potential effects of COVID-19 on acute hospital expenditure projections that are currently being developed. One aspect of this report will investigate the scale of additional hospital activity required to reduce post-COVID waiting lists and maintain them at manageable levels.

Both of the aforementioned work will be published when complete, and therefore will be publicly available.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

Substance Misuse

Ceisteanna (424)

Mark Ward

Ceist:

424. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct the HSE to include information on nitrous oxide under the solvent's category on drugs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12931/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) in the USA considers nitrous oxide as an inhalant which covers solvents, aerosols and gases found in household products.

On the drugs.ie website, nitrous oxide has its own page  in the sedative section as technically it is categorised as sedative/dissociative anaesthetic. A link to the nitrous oxide page has been added to the solvents page.

Some drugs, particularly newer trends, can fall into many categories. The drug category system on Drugs.ie is being reviewed and will be replaced with an a-z list of drugs.  

The HSE alerted young people about the danger of using nitrous oxide through a media release in January.  It has updated Drugs.ie outlining the effects and risks associated with nitrous oxide use, and produced an advice booklet for parents on how to talk to young people about the risks associated with drug and alcohol use.  

Nitrous oxide is a dangerous substance that may lead to serious health effects. It is important that we increase awareness of the health risks associated with nitrous oxide misuse among young people, parents and youth organisations.

Midwifery Services

Ceisteanna (425)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

425. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a review is being carried out in relation to the midwife-led unit in Cavan General Hospital; if so, the terms of reference for the review; the time frame for its completion; and the details of the persons undertaking the review. [12932/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

My Department has requested, and is awaiting, a full report from the National Women & Infants Health Programme regarding the Midwifery Led Unit in Cavan.  The Programme has advised that a review is underway within the RCSI Hospital Group, led by the Group Clinical Director for Maternity Services in conjunction with the Directors of Midwifery from Our Lady of Lourdes, Drogheda and the Rotunda Hospitals.  

Accordingly, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly in relation to the details of that review.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (426)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

426. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the plan that was put in place to deal with the health needs of persons on the islands during Covid-19; if a copy of the plan will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12934/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (427)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

427. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to water shortages for persons on the islands and the difficulties this poses for their health needs during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12935/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Since 1 January 2014, Irish Water has statutory responsibility for all aspects of water services planning, delivery and operation at national, regional and local levels. The Minister for Health has no function in relation to this matter. 

Health Services

Ceisteanna (428)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

428. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the protocol for Dublin City Council to contact the HSE pest control unit. [12937/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

These are matters for the HSE therefore I have referred the questions to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (429)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

429. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the approved contractors used by the HSE for pest control. [12938/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

These are matters for the HSE therefore I have referred the questions to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Health Services

Ceisteanna (430)

Chris Andrews

Ceist:

430. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE pest control unit will not sanction the use of bait boxes for use in the Dublin City Council area in view of the fact it does so in other Dublin local authority areas; the person that makes the decision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12939/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

These are matters for the HSE therefore I have referred the questions to the HSE for attention and direct reply.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (431)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

431. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure sufferers of Parkinson’s disease have access to the necessary services to treat their condition; if he will address concerns outlined in correspondence (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12949/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

In general services for people with Parkinson's Disease are delivered within the context of Primary Care, with referrals into secondary care for specialist interventions, where appropriate. However, people with Parkinson's Disease may also benefit from specialist disability services.

The HSE provides a range of assisted living services including Personal Assistant and Home Support Services to support individuals to maximise their capacity to live full and independent lives.

As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (432)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

432. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the vacancy for registrar position in St. Mary’s Health Centre, Thurles; and his plans for the position to be filled. [12954/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Medical Cards

Ceisteanna (433)

Anne Rabbitte

Ceist:

433. Deputy Anne Rabbitte asked the Minister for Health when he will be increasing the medical card gross income limits for those over 70 years of age which were due to be introduced in July 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12963/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

On 25 June, the Government gave approval for the publication of the Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 or older to €550 (currently €500) for individuals and €1,050 (currently €900) for couples. Publication of the Bill is now being arranged in preparation for its passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (434)

Dara Calleary

Ceist:

434. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the supports available to a person (details supplied) in County Mayo; if the person is in receipt of the maximum level of support available under the HSE personal assistant service; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that additional personal assistant support is the appropriate support in this case and that the application has the full support of organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12965/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.