Pádraig MacLochlainn
Ceist:631. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will urgently prioritise the reinstatement of a permanent palliative consultant to a hospice (details supplied) [16641/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPalliative Care Services
Ceisteanna (631)
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (632)
Pa Daly
Ceist:632. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the Covid-19 tracker application can only be used by residents here with an Irish credit card on store; if he will consider amending this to ensure visitors to Ireland can be required to use the application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16647/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Covid Tracker App is free. No credit card is required for free apps. Any notification from Apple/Google stores regarding Credit Cards are unrelated to the COVID Tracker app.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (633)
Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
Ceist:633. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to provide care for post-Covid-19 patients who may suffer ongoing fatigue or develop post-viral fatigue syndrome and if unable to get the correct advice and support may go on to develop myalgic encephalomyelitis; if appropriate care is being provided for those at risk; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16659/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) / myalgic encephalomyelitis (or encephalopathy) (ME) is a complex debilitating disorder which is characterised by severe fatigue accompanied by a range of other symptoms. There is currently no known, specific, medical diagnostic test to determine or confirm a correct diagnosis of ME and no specific treatment which works for all sufferers is currently available. As a result clinical assessment and the design of care plans need to be tailored to the individual patient. There are assessments and tests which can be carried out in primary care settings by a General Practitioner. Specialised tests may be required when considering and ruling out other diagnoses. Relevant specialists are usually accessed through out patient clinics at secondary care level. The General Practitioner is regarded as best placed to refer patients, if appropriate. Work is under way as part of the implementation of the Strategy for the Design of Integrated Outpatient Services 2016-2020, specifically as regards addressing how and where the patient is treated and the classification of referrals with corresponding clinically recommended time-frames. Consideration is also being given to condition specific referral forms. This work should see significant improvements with respect to access to appropriate services.
Primary Care Services
Ceisteanna (634)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:634. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the services that will be on offer when a primary care centre (details supplied) is completed [16665/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the HSE has responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, the Executive has been asked to reply directly to the Deputy.
Hospital Procedures
Ceisteanna (635)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:635. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when procedures such as gastroscopies will be allowed to proceed [16668/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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 since revised its recommendation on the pausing of all non-essential health services, with a recommendation that the 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.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.
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 ).
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.
Health Services Provision
Ceisteanna (636)
Seán Canney
Ceist:636. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when the development of the community nursing unit in Tuam, County Galway will proceed to tender; when a contractor is expected to be appointed to carry out the works; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16669/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (637)
Seán Canney
Ceist:637. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his views on the financing of regional cancer care groups on a statutory basis; if his attention has been drawn to the regional discrepancies in the funding of cancer care groups nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16674/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026 recognises the important role played by Cancer Support Centres throughout the country in meeting the needs of cancer patients and their families.
The HSE's National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) works closely with a network of Community Cancer Support Centres, particularly in regard to the psycho-oncology model of care and the implementation of survivorship programmes for those living with and beyond cancer. The NCCP are also working with Cancer Support Centres in the development of new guidance for best practice. Some centres and groups currently receive funding resources as Community Health Care Organisations through the HSE.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (638)
Francis Noel Duffy
Ceist:638. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if paediatric Covid-19 units can be set up alongside the current adult Covid-19 hubs; the reason these units were not formed initially (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16678/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (639)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:639. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the position regarding funding for homecare packages; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16694/20]
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.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (640)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:640. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health his plans for the elimination of HPV-related cancers within a generation while acknowledging that there is a national recommendation for HPV vaccination of women treated for CIN2+ lesions to reduce the risk of recurrent disease but no public funding currently exists for this high-risk cohort and in view of the fact that the introduction of such a scheme would achieve the Programme for Government dual aims to support the CervicalCheck screening programme and promote the uptake of the HPV vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16700/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government’s goal is to bring about the eradication of HPV-related cancers in Ireland. A well organised screening programme, when combined with HPV vaccination for boys and girls, will help to achieve that goal. The Programme for Government commits to supporting the CervicalCheck Screening Programme and promoting the uptake of the HPV vaccine.
In 2009, the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in the first year of secondary school. The NIAC recommended that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys. On foot of NIAC’s recommendation, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the current immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school. HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys. This started in September 2019 with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
In relation to cancer screening, CervicalCheck made the technical transition to HPV cervical screening on 30 March. This means that any test taken after this date is an HPV cervical screening test with follow-up cytology if required. The move to HPV Cervical Screening means that Ireland joins a small group of nations that employs the best-in-class testing to screen their populations for cervical cancer. Other countries include Australia, England, the Netherlands and Wales. This improved testing methodology, along with the continued roll-out of HPV vaccinations, means that Ireland can look forward to a significant reduction in the incidence of cervical cancer cases over the next 10-20 years.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (641, 755)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:641. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the status of the governance review of the drugs approval and procurement process which was included in the Sláintecare Action Plan 2019; his plans to publish the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16701/20]
Amharc ar fhreagra
David Cullinane
Ceist:755. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the status of the review of the HSE reimbursement and pricing decision-making process carried out by a company (details supplied); the findings and recommendations of the review; if the review will be made publicly available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17341/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 641 and 755 together.
In 2019, following a tender by the Office of Government Procurement, Mazars conducted a review of the governance structures around the HSE's drug reimbursement process. The report was submitted to my Department in January 2020.
The review made recommendations in respect of the HSE’s systems, structures, processes, governance arrangements and use of specialist resources in respect of the drug reimbursement process.
The report was under consideration by officials earlier this year, however the focus of the Department of Health changed to the immediate public health considerations of the COVID-19 pandemic and the preservation of life. This meant that this work stream was temporarily suspended to reallocate resources to support essential services.
My Department aims to complete its consideration of the report’s recommendations in the near future.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (642)
Robert Troy
Ceist:642. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an operation date will be scheduled for a person (details supplied) [16703/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
HSE Properties
Ceisteanna (643)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:643. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the relocation of a building (details supplied); the plans of the HSE on same; the reason and location for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16707/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (644)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:644. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health his plans for persons returning from abroad and visitors from abroad to go into quarantine for a two-week period to reduce the spread of Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16709/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
At present, the government advises against non-essential travel overseas.
Passengers arriving to Ireland from overseas are legally required to complete a COVID-19 Passenger Locator Form. The information provided on the form may be used to assist with contact tracing in the event that there is a suspected or confirmed case on board a flight or ferry.
Passengers arriving to Ireland are advised in the interest of public health to restrict their movements for 14 days.
Close consideration is being given by Government to policy in relation to overseas travel, including to additional measures being put in place at airports and ports to strengthen existing arrangements.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (645)
Richard Bruton
Ceist:645. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop a new policy to take account of the Covid-19 experience in long stay residential settings; if a consultative process is planned with key stakeholders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16711/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On foot of a National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) recommendation, on 23 May a COVID-19 Expert Panel on Nursing Homes was established, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort.
The purpose of the Panel is to examine the national and international responses to the COVID-19 crisis, and to examine the emerging best practice. Its main objective is to provide immediate real-time learnings and recommendations in light of the expected ongoing impact of COVID-19 over the next 12-18 months. COVID-19 is a new disease, which can present atypically in the frail elderly, and new evidence and best practice in its management are constantly emerging. In June, the Expert Panel undertook rapid consultative processes to engage with a range of key stakeholders through various means.
I expect the Expert Panel to submit their final report to me later this month - the content and any recommendations will be considered in detail.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (646)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:646. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital bed for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16712/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (647)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:647. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the waiting list status of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16728/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
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 is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 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.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide you with a direct response.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (648)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:648. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the revised model of care for the termination of pregnancy which currently permits the use of telemedicine will be maintained beyond the period of the Covid-19 emergency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16731/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the HSE worked together to put new arrangements in place to temporarily allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it will be possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e. before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
The arrangement enabling remote consultation will be reviewed once the public health emergency is declared over.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (649)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:649. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health when the Derg Centre in Nenagh, County Tipperary will reopen; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16742/20]
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.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (650)
Catherine Murphy
Ceist:650. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop guidelines (details supplied) which have been identified as best practice in the UK to be rolled out here instead of each hospital clinical governance board self-selecting which guidelines it uses for multiple births; if he has consulted with UK counterparts on these guidelines; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16743/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.