Written Answers Nos. 732-751
732. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will issue revised guidelines to allow fathers-to-be to attend scan appointments and antenatal check-ups with their expectant wives and partners; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17175/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly.
733. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will issue new guidelines allowing new fathers to remain for a longer period with their newborn child and partner after birth and allow for greater visitation of partners to hospitals after the birth of a child; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17176/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly.
734. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the alternatives to medication, such as support interventions, including duration of service offered to children with ADHD or their parents in each CHO area if different approaches and services exist. [17184/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
735. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the average waiting time in each CHO area from referral to assessment for children with queried ADHD. [17185/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
736. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of children in each CHO area referred for queried ADHD in each year since 2016. [17186/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
737. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of downloads of the Covid-19 application; the number of persons who tested positive for Covid-19 who have allowed their close contacts to be notified through the application; the number of persons who have been contacted as a result of being a close contact of a confirmed case; the number of these persons who would not otherwise have been identified; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17189/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
738. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the number of downloads of the Covid-19 application in which the user's location was identified as Brittas, Newcastle, Rathcoole, Saggart, Dublin 20 or Dublin 22; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17190/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has operational responsibility for the Covid Tracker App. Neither the HSE nor the Department of Health has access to data that indicates the locations where the app is downloaded to. This is in keeping with our joint commitment to a providing and privacy preserving solution and in line with the published data privacy impact assessment (DPIA).
739. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health his views on private nursing homes limiting visits to patients to 30 minutes once a week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17229/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraNursing home providers are ultimately responsible for the safe care of their residents and have a range of legal responsibilities under the regulatory framework, including the Health Act 2007 (Care and Welfare of Residents in Designated Centres for Older People) Regulations 2013.
People living in long-term residential care facilities are particularly vulnerable populations in the context of COVID-19 and have been identified by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to be at a higher risk of being susceptible to infection from this disease and for subsequent adverse outcomes. The actions and measures we have taken in Ireland to support nursing homes and their residents have evolved on foot of epidemiological data and guidance from the WHO and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). These measures have been both society wide as well as focused specifically on residential facilities.
In line with the Government's Roadmap for the re-opening of Society and Business, the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has agreed that a phased approach to the recommencement of visiting to long term residential centres would be appropriate at this time.
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 (HPSC). 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 is presently permissible certain criteria are followed, including limiting the time associated with visits. 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. The various criteria are in place having regard to the public health advice.
It is recognised that the impact of COVID-19 on society in general and especially those living in nursing homes has been considerable. Residential settings are people’s homes as well as places where health and social care are provided. The introduction of physical distancing, isolation and restricted contact with family and loved ones has changed the usual dynamic of social interaction.
Visitor guidance is being further refined by the HPSC at present and it is anticipated that updated guidance will be available shortly, once the refinement is complete. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community.
740. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can get a referral expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17235/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organisation 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.
741. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will liaise with the HSE to ensure flexibility for the procurement of catheters from a company (details supplied) as a matter of urgency; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17238/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
742. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for orthodontic treatment in each hospital; the measures being taken to address the significant delays in accessing orthodontic treatment in Mayo University Hospital and Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17239/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organisation 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.
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).
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. 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.
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.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) have advised my Department that neither Mayo nor Galway collate an acute hospital waiting list for orthodontics. However, they have provided the average IPDC and outpatient waiting time for Dental Surgery, Maxillo-Facial and Oral Surgery nationally by hospital. This information is outlined in the attached document.
In regard to the specific queries raised by the Deputy regarding orthodontic waiting times and the measures being taken to address waiting times for orthodontic treatment in Mayo University Hospital and Galway University Hospital, as this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to investigate the matter and provide the Deputy with a direct response.
743. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for the pain clinics in each facility providing such a service; the measures being taken to address the significant delays in accessing this service in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17240/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am conscious that waiting times are often unacceptably long and of the burden that this places on patients and their families. 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 Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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).
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. 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.
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.
The data requested concerning average waiting times nationally for pain relief, is outlined in the attached document. In relation to the service provision for pain relief at Galway University Hospital, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly.
744. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [17242/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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 Organisation 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 the Deputy with a direct response.
745. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to additional personal protective equipment-related charges being applied by dentists to medical card holders when attending appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17246/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental treatments to medical card holders. Services currently available annually include an examination, two fillings and emergency extractions. Other more complex care is also provided, some of which requires prior approval by a Principal Dental Surgeon. Patients with special needs and high risk patients can avail of a broader range of treatments. These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. There is no provision in the DTSS contract for the charging of additional fees for this dental care. Any patient who is charged such a fee should report the matter to the HSE.
746. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health his views on whether it is acceptable for two persons from different households who would normally dance together in a dance studio to create a bubble between themselves that will allow them to continue to dance as partners without socially distancing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17263/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Government confirmed the move to Phase 3 of Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business from Monday, 29 June 2020. Information and advice about the restrictions that have been eased as part of Phase 3 and the measures that are now in place are available on the Government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/d06271-easing-the-covid-19-restrictions-on-29-june-phase-3/.
As part of Phase 3, all remaining community, religious, cultural, social and sport facilities, including dance studios, can now reopen. It is recommended that those responsible for reopening these facilities carry out a risk assessment before reopening to manage the public health risk for their customers, attendees, participants, and staff. The assessment should consider the risk factors for getting COVID-19, that is Distance, Activity, Time and Environment, and include controls such as managed entry, improved hygiene facilities, and regular cleaning to limit these factors. Facilities that reopen should observe physical distancing guidelines and apply the public health checklist to their operation. Further information is available on the government website at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/cf9b0d-new-public-health-measures-effective-now-to-prevent-further-spread-o/#cultural-social-and-sport-measures.
The Deputy may also wish to note that the most important actions that all individuals can take to protect ourselves from COVID-19 are regular hand washing and good respiratory hygiene. Social distancing of 2 metres is also recommended wherever possible. However, as the country reopens and we learn to live with COVID-19, everybody is urged to exercise their own judgement and take personal responsibility for decisions that they make about the risk of infection to themselves and to others in different situations.
In recommencing community, religious, cultural, social and sporting activity, individuals should carry out a risk assessment of the nature of their activity, the particular risks associated with the service, and activities within the overall service, and how they could mitigate those risks for everybody concerned using the Public Health Checklist. Details are available at https://www.gov.ie/pdf/?file=https://assets.gov.ie/77452/39d51b02-5633-4e2f-a070-4551a3521081.pdf#page=7.
747. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a person (details supplied) must wait for 19 months before they can be scheduled for a hearing test; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17275/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
748. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the number of dentists registered under the dental treatment services scheme by county monthly from January 2020 to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17301/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
749. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding the case of a person (details supplied). [17307/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
750. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if a social media campaign on Covid-19 specifically aimed at young persons will be designed and implemented by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17318/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
