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Gnáthamharc

Tuesday, 30 Jun 2020

Written Answers Nos. 496-520

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (496)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

496. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the additional resources and supports that will be implemented through Sláintecare to assist persons living with Parkinson’s disease and their families. [13253/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE National Clinical Programme for Neurology Model of Care provides a framework for neurology services, including for Parkinson's Disease patients, using international best practice and describes care provision using an integrated service approach. The model is fully aligned with the objectives of Sláintecare and proposes a hub and spoke model, with services provided as close to home as possible but with access to specialist services where required. The HSE has clarified in the Model of Care for Neurology, it is intended that multidisciplinary services will be provided to Parkinson's Disease patients using an outreach model.  

The enhancement of community care, the further integration of care and the establishment of multidisciplinary teams for those with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's disease is a key vision of Sláintecare. As part of Budget 2020, Sláintecare has been allocated €10 million in 2020 (rising to €60 million in 2021) for a Sláintecare Enhanced Community Care Fund. We know that our hospitals are under too much pressure and the way the system is currently set up doesn’t work for staff or for patients, particularly those with chronic disease.  Moving care to the community setting allows us to reduce pressure on hospitals and support our healthcare professionals to do what they do best – provide world-class care for patients.     

The Enhanced Community Care Fund is committed to delivering up to 1,000 community workers. Specifically, this fund will support initiatives such as:

1. The hiring of additional dementia advisors and therapists in the community. This includes the recruitment of Speech & Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Dieticians etc., who will provide much needed treatment to those suffering with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease;

2. Prioritisation of initiatives that will have a positive impact on waiting lists, and in the first instance on community waiting lists. The reduction of waiting times for access to community therapists will be targeted to deliver more timely care for patients with chronic conditions such as Parkinson's Disease; and

3. Maintaining and scaling successful Integration Fund projects into 2021, which will likely include initiatives that will improve the care for older persons and people with chronic disease.  

A HSE business plan, setting out a model for a reformed approach to primary and community care, has been issued to the Department of Health. As we move towards service recovery, it is intended to finalise the Enhanced Community Care business case to ensure that recruitment of staff can be in place before year-end.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (497)

Verona Murphy

Ceist:

497. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health when he expects more normal visitations with physical contact to resume for residents of public and private nursing homes and their families that have experienced long periods of loneliness and lack of physical contact with their loved ones; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13258/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time. The advice is that a co-ordinated and standard national approach to the recommencement of visiting is taken.

In light of the above , and on the basis that the COVID-19 disease status in the country remains in its current stable condition , the NPHET recommended that from 15th of June, the phased resumption of indoor visiting of residents in residential care facilities may commence in accordance with guidance issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. The guidance which is published and available on the HSPC's website advises that indoor visiting in residential care facilities where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak will be permissible from 15th of June in circumstances where certain criteria are followed. During an ongoing outbreak of COVID-19 within a residential care facility, the guidance advises that all but essential visiting is suspended in the interests of protecting residents, visitors and staff.

I am aware of how difficult the restrictions on visiting have been for both nursing home residents and their families. Therefore this phased approach is much welcomed as it will both facilitate visits to loved ones across the country , whilst also keeping some of our most vulnerable members of society protected during this challenging time.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (498)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

498. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health when guidelines will be issued regarding the reintroduction of services and supports for persons with dementia; the reason consideration in the phases and roadmaps has not included such persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13269/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

My Department and the HSE have ensured that there has been a continued focus on meeting the needs of people living with dementia throughout the period of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Through the Dementia Understand Together Campaign, led by the HSE and working with the Alzheimer Society of Ireland (ASI), a range of initiatives and resources have been developed, to ensure that people living with dementia stay safe, well and connected, during this time of crisis.  This includes a collection of online resources, at-home activities and a weekly activity planner, which can be found at https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/partner-resources/

In addition, as part of the Government response to the Covid-19 crisis, local authorities have established a Covid-19 Community Call Forum. Each local forum works with State agencies and community and voluntary groups to provide supports or services to any vulnerable person or person at a higher risk of getting Covid-19 who needs such supports. The forum brings together different organisations to provide important services such as collection and delivery of essential items such as food, “Meals on Wheels”, household items, fuel or medicine (in line with guidance) and support for those experiencing social isolation. More details on the Forum can be found at  https://www.gov.ie/en/service/5fd9fe-view-the-covid-19-community-call-forum-dashboard

As the Deputy will be aware, community services such as day care play an important role in enabling people with dementia to continue living in their communities.  My Department and the HSE are undertaking work to determine the current level of service delivery in the community and to set out plans, including associated required capacity, to resume services, including day services, in line with the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business and the ‘Return to work safely’ protocol. This process will take on board the learning of the current period, including the possibility of delivering services in a new way, and the requirement to adhere to public health guidance. This means that services, whilst being delivered in new ways, will gradually be restored to older people, including people with dementia.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (499)

Eoin Ó Broin

Ceist:

499. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to orthodontic practices implementing a surcharge on patients of up to €6 per visit for PPE; his views on whether this is an acceptable practice; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13277/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE  provides orthodontic treatment free of charge to children who have the greatest level of need once assessed and referred for treatment before their 16th birthday.

My Department has no role in the setting of fees charged by private dentists to their private patients. The Dental Council has a Code of Practice relating to the display of private fees in dental practices.  

The Dental Council advises that dentists should take a case by case assessment when deciding if additional PPE is warranted. The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has advised that regular PPE, which has always been used, is generally sufficient for usual orthodontic procedures.

Hospital Complaints Procedures

Ceisteanna (500)

Emer Higgins

Ceist:

500. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the options available to a public hospital patient to make a complaint; the role of agencies outside the HSE and his Department such as the Ombudsman; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13291/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The public health services recognise and value that it is the right of service users to comment, compliment or complain about any of the services provided by the HSE and its funded bodies. Responding effectively to comments, compliments and complaints received and learning from them is key to providing high quality customer focused services.   

Outlined below is a short summary of the options available to patients of public hospitals.  More detailed information can be found on www.healthcomplaints.ie, https://www2.hse.ie/services/hse-complaints-and-feedback/your-service-your-say.html ,

Complaints options for public hospital patients

For nearly all types of complaint, you should complain locally as a first step.  The hospital is responsible for your care and treatment.

Option 1: Complain locally

All publicly funded hospitals have produced complaints procedures which are available in the hospital or on their website.  All public hospitals’ complaints procedures follow the same procedures as those outlined in the HSE’s complaints procedure called Your Service Your Say, https://www.hse.ie/eng/about/qavd/complaints/ysysguidance/ysys2017.pdf .

Option 2: Request a review

If you are unhappy with the initial response, you can request an internal review from the Complaints Officer in the hospital or take your complaint directly to the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children.

Option 3: Complain to the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children

The Ombudsman and the Ombudsman for Children are independent organisations which can investigate complaints about services provided by or on behalf of the Health Service Executive (HSE) or agencies, such as charities and voluntary bodies, that deliver health and social services on behalf of the HSE.  If you were treated as a public patient and you are not happy with how the service is handling your complaint, you should contact the Ombudsman or the Ombudsman for Children.

Option 4: Contact a regulator

Regulators have responsibility for protecting the quality and safety of health and social care services. Regulators can regulate different things, for example, they can be responsible for health professionals, for health service quality or for medicines.

You may wish to make a complaint to a professional regulator if you are concerned about the behaviour, conduct, practice or health of a registered professional.  Professional regulators include the Medical Council, The Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland, the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland, the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) and CORU.   Most of the regulators can take a complaint from a member of the public, but there are restrictions on how some of the regulators can handle that complaint.

Service quality regulators include the Mental Health Commission (MHC) and the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA).  Medicines and healthcare product regulators include the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) and the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI).  HIQA and MHC cannot investigate individual complaints. However, if you have a concern about a particular service, you can contact HIQA or the MHC to alert them to an issue. 

Option 5: Get legal advice

If you feel your complaint is particularly serious, you may wish to get legal advice on your complaint. It is recommended to always get legal advice before you begin legal action.

Support for people who wish to make a complaint about the care or treatment they received

The Patient Advocacy Service was established by the Department of Health in 2019 and is an independent, free and confidential service that provides information and support to people who want to make a formal complaint about an experience they have had in a HSE-funded public acute hospital. 

For those needing assistance in making a formal complaint about the care they have experienced in a public hospital, the service has more information on its website; provides an online contact form and can also be contacted by phone at 0818 293003.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (501)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

501. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if medical card holders should not be charged by their general practitioners for blood tests; and the steps persons that have been incorrectly charged should take. [13295/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Persons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly. I am aware that some GPs are charging GMS patients for phlebotomy services in some circumstances.  I understand also that this issue was discussed during GP contract negotiations in 2019 but that it did not prove possible to achieve agreement that no charges for blood tests would be applied in any circumstances.  The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in from this year will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients’ condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.

However it remains a matter of concern to me that a GMS and GP visit card patient might be charged for blood tests which are clinically necessary and I have asked my officials to discuss with the HSE what further solutions to this issue may be possible.  If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (502)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

502. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the reason County Kerry does not have emergency dental cover at weekends (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13303/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (503)

Peadar Tóibín

Ceist:

503. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health if children awaiting hospital procedures that had surgery cancelled due to Covid-19 and have turned 16 years of age during this period will still be treated under the child health services and maintain their position on the waiting list such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13305/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.  

The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has approved a number of recommendations relating to protecting and maximising the delivery of essential time-critical non-Covid-19 care alongside Covid-19 care. On 5 May, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-essential health services should be replaced, 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.   

Where possible, hospitals are working to find innovative ways to enable service provision, which include virtual clinics for some outpatient department appointments. The HSE website provides details on services currently available and operational in each hospital on its website. This information is reviewed frequently and provides up-to-date announcements on services available at each site (https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html ).

Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) advise that, patient, family and staff safety is paramount to CHI as they respond to the challenges of COVID-19. CHI have advised that they regret cancellations of any in-patient and day case procedur that patients and their families have had to endure due to national guidance on COVID-19.  

Children are booked firstly by clinical prioritisation and then chronologically for completion of in-patient and day case procedures.  All surgical procedures are booked as a result of an outpatient consultation with the appropriate clinical team.  CHI can advise that where a young person has turned 16 years of age during the COVID-19 pandemic they continue to be booked for completion of their procedure in CHI, following the above standardised criteria at the earliest opportunity.  Parents/Guardians will be contacted with scheduled dates by CHI as soon as they are available.

A post-operative review will then be scheduled at which time a clinical decision will then be taken as to whether the young person can be discharged or if they require transition to the relevant adult services and families will be advised of this.  

Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.  

The National Waiting List Management Policy, a standardised approach to managing scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures, since January 2014, has been developed to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care. This policy, which has been adopted by the HSE, sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists.  

In relation to the particular patient query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.

HSE Expenditure

Ceisteanna (504)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

504. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied that the HSE has been achieving value for money on medicines through the agreement with an association (details supplied) and bilateral negotiations with biopharmaceutical companies over the past two years. [13310/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The current Framework Agreement on the Supply and Pricing of Medicines, signed in July 2016 between the Department, the HSE, and the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA) is due to expire at the end of July 2020.

This Framework Agreement is a key cornerstone in this country’s national pharmaceutical policy, and it has been instrumental in helping to support sustainable access to medicines for patients. The savings provided for under the agreement are essential in creating headroom for new medicines. 

Between 2016 and 2019 the Agreement is estimated to have delivered savings in the order of €600 million.

The COVID-19 Pandemic has disrupted the planned business of the Department and the HSE for 2020, including preparations for a successor Agreement. In the circumstances, my Department and the HSE are in discussions with IPHA on a potential extension of the duration of the current Agreement.

Health Services Staff

Ceisteanna (505)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

505. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 439 of 9 June 2020, the reason the HSE is refusing to give permanent contracts to all fully qualified staff working in the health service; if the issue will be addressed; his views on a situation in which fully qualified staff working in the health service are not being given the option of permanent employment; and his further views on whether the refusal to employ these persons on a permanent basis represents a lost opportunity to properly staff the health service into the future. [13311/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It remains difficult to quantify what the public health sectors permanent workforce requirements will be going forward, as we are still in the process of managing the crisis.  As such, temporary employment contracts being utilised for the management of the pandemic may be reviewed at a later date as per the needs of the public health service, once the full impact the pandemic is having on the healthcare system is understood.  The service requirements and available resources will determine the extent to which permanent contracts can be offered for required roles.

Hospital Facilities

Ceisteanna (506)

Jack Chambers

Ceist:

506. Deputy Jack Chambers asked the Minister for Health the action taken or arrangements put in place following the submission by the management of Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown on the urgent need to increase capacity in the intensive care unit due to the experience of Covid-19 on the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13314/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a matter for the Health Service Executive in the first instance, I have asked them to respond directly to the Deputy.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (507)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

507. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hearing aid for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13318/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (508)

Christopher O'Sullivan

Ceist:

508. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if provision will be made for expectant and new fathers to be able to visit their partners in hospital after they have given birth; if uniform rules will be implemented for such visits across hospitals; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13328/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (509)

Michael Healy-Rae

Ceist:

509. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an operation for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13329/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (510)

Jim O'Callaghan

Ceist:

510. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when non-essential travel to France will be permitted by which travellers will not have to quarantine on their return. [13360/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.   

From 9 July it is intended that there will be a gradual opening up of international travel, through a Roadmap for Safe Overseas Access, as announced by the Government. It is intended that reciprocal travel arrangements (air bridges) will be established with a number of countries with broadly comparable epidemiological situations to Ireland’s, based on an agreed EU method for comparing countries.

Cancer Services

Ceisteanna (511)

Pádraig O'Sullivan

Ceist:

511. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when screening services such as CervicalCheck, BreastCheck and BowelScreen will resume; if there is a timeline in place for same; if so, if the detail of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13370/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Respite Care Services

Ceisteanna (512)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

512. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that the testing of service users under the testing mechanism for all service users as part of respite care packages for service users returning for respite care to take place 72 hours before they avail of respite will be carried out in their own homes; and if the results will be confirmed to the families to share with the facility in order that these vulnerable persons do not have to travel to a hospital or testing centre to have their Covid-19 test carried out. [13372/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí 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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (513)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

513. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the roll-out of instructions supposedly being given to drivers on public transport by management to allow family groupings to sit together on buses creates health concerns; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13375/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As the Deputy is no doubt aware public transport should only be used for essential journeys and it is advisable to avoid peak-time travel whenever possible. It is also important to note that you should not use public transport if you are experiencing any symptoms of Covid19. You should self-isolate and contact your GP immediately.

The Deputy may wish to note that when travelling on public transport with people who are not from the same household, current public health measures such as keeping 2 metres apart from other people when boarding, alighting and while on board and observing proper cough and respiratory etiquette should be adhered to.  When travelling on public transport with people from the same household, however, it is not considered feasible that the 2 metre physical distancing measure be observed.

On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign 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 will communicate to the public about:

- who should wear face coverings

- in what settings, and

- how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.

Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and on the HSE website https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html

Further information on  public transport and Covid19 is available on the Department of Tourism, Transport & Sport at the following link: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/ed29dc-irelands-response-to-covid-19-transport-measures/#public-transport-rail-and-bus and from the National Transport Authority's website https://www.nationaltransport.ie/news/covid-19-service-information-update/

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (514)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

514. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the reason Ireland has one of highest Covid-19 infection rates among health workers in the world; if a lack of personal protective equipment and lack of clear guidance on mandatory wearing of face masks in the early days of the crisis has contributed to the huge rates of infection amongst healthcare workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13379/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Data on cases in healthcare workers is published by the HPSC and is available here:  https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/covid-19casesinhealthcareworkers/COVID-19_HCW_weekly_report_19062020_v1.0%20for%20website.pdf

The Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group has developed a methodology to determine the recovery rate by considering the number of hospitalisations, ICU admissions, deaths and the dates of confirmation for each case. They have advised the Department that as of 3rd June, our recovery rate in healthcare workers is 93%. This is a higher recovery rate than in the general population, because relatively few healthcare workers have been hospitalised and very few admitted to ICU. 

It is worth noting that Ireland, in contrast with many other countries, maintains a very wide definition of a healthcare worker for surveillance purposes and hence international comparisons should be interpreted with caution.  In Ireland, a healthcare worker is anyone who works in any area of healthcare across community and hospital settings. It includes, for example, administrative staff, catering, maintenance, IT etc whereas in many other countries it is a considerably narrower definition of frontline workers or even just doctors and nurses. Our very broad definition of healthcare worker along with extensive testing contribute to our proportion of all COVID-19 infections that have been in healthcare workers.

There have been several studies worldwide of healthcare worker COVID-19 infection rates which have shown an infection rate of 5 to 10% of HCWs, whereas in Ireland this rate is close to 3-4% of HCWs based on estimates from the CSO Labour Force Survey of between 225,000 and 250,000 people working in Ireland who would identify as healthcare workers or as working in a healthcare setting.

In an article published by Hunter et al in the Lancet, on 2nd of May 2020 referred to a study in Newcastle (UK) on the 10th and 11th of March, where a random sample of hospital healthcare workers were tested and 5% were COVID-19 positive. This random sample testing was repeated on the 30th and 31st of March and 20% of healthcare workers were COVID-19 positive.

In a Dutch study (Eurosurveillance, Reuskin et al,26/03/2020), 400 healthcare were tested between the 27th of February and the 6th of March 2020 and 2.5% were positive for COVID-19. Between the 6th and the 8th of March 2020, 1,100 HCWs were tested and 4.1% were COVID-19 positive.

As such, it would not appear that the rates of infection among Irish healthcare workers are out of line with the experiences of comparator countries.

Patient Deaths

Ceisteanna (515)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

515. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the case of the death of a person (details supplied) in a nursing home will be examined; and if a person will be contacted in relation to the matter. [13382/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I would like to thank the Deputy for bringing this to my attention and I would be grateful if the Deputy would pass on my deepest condolences to the family.  I would like to reassure the Deputy that I have referred the matter to the HSE for direct reply to both him and the family.

Home Help Service

Ceisteanna (516)

Seán Fleming

Ceist:

516. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Health when the three hours of home help support will be provided to a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13383/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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

Maternity Services

Ceisteanna (517)

Cian O'Callaghan

Ceist:

517. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when partners and spouses will be able to resume visiting maternity hospitals before and after the delivery of their children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13389/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.

Medical Aids and Appliances

Ceisteanna (518)

Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire

Ceist:

518. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if he will release the findings of the Review of the FreeStyle Libre glucose monitoring system undertaken by his Department in 2019; and if he will consider extending the availability of the FreeStyle Libre to all persons with Type 1 diabetes [13403/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The review referred to by the Deputy was undertaken by the HSE. Under the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for the administration of the community drug schemes; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (519)

Jennifer Murnane O'Connor

Ceist:

519. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if dental patients on medical cards can access the National Treatment Purchase Fund to have pressing procedures undertaken; the waiting list time in the HSE schools programme for children under 16 years of age awaiting approved braces or HSE dental procedures; and if a breakdown of the procedure is unavailable, the timeline for these procedures to take place in view of the Covid-19 restrictions by county on waiting list numbers. [13406/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an inpatient/day case waiting list for surgery in an acute hospital, having been referred on to such a list following clinical assessment by a consultant/specialist at an outpatient clinic.

While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on the Inpatient/Daycase Waiting List of an acute public hospital. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.

As the waiting list times for the HSE schools programme for children is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.

Legislative Measures

Ceisteanna (520)

Róisín Shortall

Ceist:

520. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the status of the national research ethics committees Bill; the persons or bodies consulted during the drafting of the Bill; if input from patient advocate groups or representatives was sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13426/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The General Scheme of the National Research Ethics Committees Bill was approved for formal drafting by the government on 25 July 2019.  At the same meeting, the government approved the drafting of an amendment to the Clinical Trials of Medicinal Products Regulations 2004 (as amended) (S.I 190 of 2004) to similarly reform the REC structure for such clinical trials. 

The reason for the twin track parallel legislative process was that the clinical trials of medicinal products legislation derives from an EU Directive and the reform of the Research Ethics Committee (REC) system in that area was, therefore, most appropriately retained with the 2004 Regulations which deals with all aspects of those clinical trials, for example authorisation to carry out the trial by the Health Products Regulatory Authority. 

The government also decided, in terms of drafting, that priority should be afforded to amending SI 190 because of new EU legislation in that area that is expected to take effect in 2021 that necessitates the type of REC reform envisaged.

As a result of the need to deal with urgent COVID-19 related legislation, drafting of the above measures has been temporarily paused in the Office of Parliamentary Counsel.  However, I am committed to progressing them and in that regard wish to assure the Deputy that there will be engagement on the Bill with patient groups. 

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