Written Answers Nos. 521-545
521. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he has engaged with Beaumont Hospital and a company (details supplied) regarding the publicity campaign for the extended brain tumour study opt-out period; if a new deadline has been confirmed; if the company will be required to carry out a more robust campaign to ensure patients and family members are informed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13427/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm that my Office made contact with the office of the CEO of Beaumont Hospital and the hospital subsequently issued a statement that, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the study opt-out period and associated publicity campaign is extended from June 12th, to September 14th.
522. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to a scheme by which vulnerable or elderly persons can avail of a badge type identification for use at retail and other outlets during the Covid-19 pandemic which would make such persons easily identified for priority access and additional support when required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13442/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no plans to introduce a scheme of the type described.
523. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the position of a person (details supplied) on the waiting list for services within the child development team; when the person will be allocated with the supports they need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13443/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
524. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health the range of services that will be provided in the primary care centres in Grange and Drumcliffe, County Sligo. [13447/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
525. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health further to his response to the contribution in Dáil Éireann of 11 June 2020 by this Deputy, when the number of days since a positive Covid-19 will be released by county and if possible, by electoral division; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13451/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have no plans to start publishing data in the manner requested by the Deputy at this time. As the numbers of confirmed cases is low, and while it remains so, it is possible that publishing data as cases arise in the manner described could potentially lead to identification of individual patients and to raise concerns relating to patient confidentiality.
A robust and real-time process of testing, isolation and contact tracing is central to our public health strategy for containing and slowing the spread of COVID-19, as advocated by the WHO and ECDC. In the context of cases arising now, the Deputy will be aware that the HSE is able to respond rapidly and trace known contacts of newly confirmed cases to ensure appropriate action is taken as a matter of urgency.
Aggregated data are published on an ongoing basis by my Department, available on the Department’s website, and by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre and on the website of the HPSC, www.hpsc.ie. Furthermore, comprehensive national statistics, information and data about COVID-19 in Ireland is published on a daily basis on the Covid-19 Data Hub and Dashboards which can be accessed at http://www.gov.ie/covid19dashboard/ .
526. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the details of the contracts which the HSE has with medical device companies; the devices covered under the contract; when the contract commenced; the duration of the contract; the value of the contract if possible; if the company or supplier is still in business; and if not. when they ceased operating in tabular form. [13457/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
527. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to instances in which the HSE has contracts with medical device companies that went out of business, but due to the nature of the contract hospitals cannot acquire new medical devices and have to persevere with devices which are obsolete, damaged or pay disproportionate amounts of money for their repair which often ends up being well in excess of the cost of a new device or machine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13458/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy.
528. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of scoliosis surgeries relating to children carried out in 2020; and the way in which this compares with 2018 and 2019, in tabular form. [13459/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.
CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.
In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
529. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting for scoliosis surgery; and the length of time they have been waiting for surgery by 3, 6, 12, 15, 18, 24, 32 and more than 48 months in tabular form. [13460/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.
CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.
In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
530. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the plan being put in place to ensure that children with scoliosis will have access to surgery and care over the course of 2020 to ensure children have access to timely scoliosis care; if a plan has been put in place for children with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13461/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraImproving access to scoliosis services is a key commitment of government. In recent years there has been increased investment in paediatric orthopaedics and scoliosis services, which has improved access to surgery and outpatient appointments. In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland (CHI; previously the Children’s Hospital Group) was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. As a result of this additional funding since 2018, CHI advise that there have been many improvements in paediatric scoliosis services, with increased activity and improved waiting times to access appointments and procedures.
CHI advises that it continues to develop sustainable solutions to reduce waiting times for children attending its orthopaedic and scoliosis services. The additional investment from the HSE in recent years and the implementation of the Scoliosis 10 Point Action Plan has increased orthopaedic activity levels across CHI. My Department continues to engage with both CHI and the HSE in relation to paediatric scoliosis services.
In relation to the particular queries raised and the specific breakdown of information requested, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
531. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the capital expenditure projects planned for Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13469/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive has advised that there are a number of capital developments both in progress or under consideration for delivery at Mayo University Hospital. The following is a brief summary of the status of these projects.
Electrical Upgrade Works at Mayo University Hospital - A Design Team was appointed for the project in May 2019 and the design of the electrical and civil works has progressed in the intervening period. The project includes the provision of a new energy centre in the general proximity of the existing energy centre at the hospital. It includes the installation of new switchboards and the segregation of electrical load between two new transformers along with installation of additional generator capacity and associated civil engineering and building works. A planning permission application has been submitted to Mayo Co. Council and a decision is expected imminently.
HSSD (Hospital Sterile Services Department) Reconfiguration & Upgrade - A feasibility study has been completed for the reconfiguration of the HSSD Department at Mayo University Hospital and detailed design is now being progressed for the project. The current facility was constructed circa 2000 as part of Phase two works and requires upgrading. The scope of works includes the replacement of the existing autoclave equipment and building reconfiguration works to achieve compliance with the latest decontamination standards. The existing HSSD facility will need to be kept operational during the duration of the upgrade works.
ED Expansion & Reconfiguration at Mayo University Hospital - A proposal has been developed to provide a new extension in the courtyard area at Mayo University Hospital. This extension would primarily facilitate the expansion and reconfiguration of the emergency department at ground floor level, while the Medical Assessment Unit could be relocated to first floor level. The exact scope of this proposal is currently being finalised with a view to being in a position to progress approval of the project and the subsequent procurement of a design team subject to funding availability and overall project prioritisation in 2020.
Bed Capacity at Mayo University Hospital - The options of the provision of single room en-suite bed capacity at Mayo University are currently being reviewed and appraised with a view to preparing a formal capital investment proposal.
Ward Quality at Mayo University Hospital - A proposal has been developed to address a number of identified quality issues with regard to the current inpatient ward accommodation namely to upgrade en-suite facilities and ward bathrooms along with a window replacement programme for the wards. Progression will be subject to both funding availability and the ability to vacate areas prior to the winter period.
Interim Modular Treatment Space at Mayo University Hospital - A proposal for temporary treatment / assessment rooms is current being scoped as part of potential further Covid-19 emergency works at Mayo University Hospital to support the segregation of patients during the forthcoming winter period at the hospital.
532. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the status of the proposed extension to the emergency department at Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13470/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the HSE Estates that a proposal is being developed for the expansion and reconfiguration of the Emergency Department in Mayo University Hospital, with the Medical Assessment Unit possibly relocating to first floor level. This proposal is at an early stage with the scope of any development to be finalised in advance of its further consideration for approval before design work could commence.
533. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health the alternative mechanisms CORU and the Social Care Workers Registration Board plan for students of social care that have been unable to complete full placement hours to complete course requirements due to the outbreak of Covid-19 and the associated restrictions (details supplied). [13471/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraOne of CORU’s key functions as our Regulator of Health and Social Care Professionals is to assess education courses and provide assurance to the public that graduates of those courses meet the minimum regulatory standards and are safe to practise.
Each registration board at CORU has set a minimum hours' practice placement requirement for a student to meet the standards of proficiency for registration. In that context, CORU advise that the education providers have flexibility to determine what constitutes a placement. CORU issued guidance to the education sector in this regard on 13 March 2020 and continue to engage with education providers to ensure the timely and safe graduation of this year’s cohort of students.
CORU advise that many education providers are availing of this flexibility regarding Placement Criteria and are implementing other mechanisms to ensure placement hours are met, without compromising the standards of proficiency required for the profession. CORU have informed me that they have been made aware of many students who are successfully completing their placements.
CORU advise students to stay in close contact with their education providers who can best advise them as to the changes they are making to their programmes to ensure they graduate with the appropriate training and qualifications.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
534. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health when therapeutic horse-riding may resume for children and adults with disabilities which involves an instructor standing closer than the advised social distancing two metre rule; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13475/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
535. Deputy Martin Heydon asked the Minister for Health the status of the restart of smear tests and other cancer screening programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13480/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
536. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health if large darts tournaments involving as many as 600 persons will be permitted in November 2020; the way in which event organisers can best prepare for these events in line with public health guidance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13482/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is no doubt aware, on 25 June 2020, the Taoiseach, on behalf of the Government, confirmed that it is safe for Ireland to proceed to Phase 3 of the Roadmap for Reopening Business and Society from Monday, 29 June 2020. Under Phase 3 and from 29 June 2020, the measures and public health advice that are in place are described at http://www.gov.ie/phase3/.
The Deputy may also wish to note that during Phase 3 indoor gatherings of up to 50 people and outdoor gatherings of up to 200 people when conducted in line with public health advice are permissible. If the presence of the COVID-19 virus remains low, this will rise to 100 people indoors and 500 people outdoors in Phase 4 from 20 July 2020, subject to Government approval.
The exact numbers of persons which can attend events and mass gatherings in the future has not been determined in advance. As with all other decisions, this will be informed, at the time that the decision is being made by the Government, by the public health advice received from the National Public Health Emergency Team.
537. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health the current policy regarding the issuing of exhumation licences; if a condition is imposed on exhumation licences prohibiting the cremation of unidentified remains or remains for which there is no death certificate; and if so, when the policy was implemented. [13487/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have been advised by the HSE that exhumations are carried out under licence granted under Section 46 of the Local Government (Sanitary Services) Act, 1948 (as amended by the Local Government Act 1994) or pursuant to an order of the Minister for Justice under section 15 of the Coroners (Amendment) Act 1927.
The policy and legislation regarding exhumations is not a matter for my Department. The granting of such licences is a function of Local Authorities.
Where Local Authorities engage with the HSE in advance of issuing the licence, the Environmental Health Service would consider the licence application solely on the grounds of public health. Such consideration would ordinarily include the reason for the exhumation, length of time of the present interment, location of the grave, soil type, etc. This information is ordinarily provided to the HSE by the Local Authority.
A death certificate is not normally sought by the HSE and would not be a pre-requisite for the HSE in providing its final advice to the Local Authority.
538. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if an association (details supplied) was consulted when developing the Sharing the Vision mental health policy; and if not, if he and his officials will meet with the organisation to discuss the policy. [13488/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
The policy proposes that a National Implementation and Monitoring Committee (NIMC) be established to oversee implementation of the policy. 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 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.
539. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when he will publish a roadmap for the reopening of dementia services; if the roadmap will include guidelines for the reintroduction of services and supports for persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13489/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy 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.
540. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the date that the BreastCheck, BowelScreen and CervicalCheck screening programme appointments respectively, will be reintroduced in County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13492/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
541. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if provision will be made for expectant 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. [13500/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
543. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health when women will have access to full prenatal, maternity and postnatal services; and when family visits to maternity hospitals will resume. [13503/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
544. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his views on advising local authorities to ensure that public toilets are kept open and regularly maintained to ensure people have access to hand-washing facilities. [13504/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe services described in the Deputy’s questions are not matters within the remit of my Department. The operation of public facilities such as those described is a matter for Local Authorities which are under the remit of the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government.
545. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the number of additional ICU nurses employed in each hospital group between March and June 2020, in tabular form. [13505/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
