Imelda Munster
Ceist:201. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number on outpatient waiting lists at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda, by department or medical specialty in tabular form. [17473/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (201)
Freagraí 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 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 NTPF currently collects and collates information in respect of the Inpatient, Day Case, Planned Procedure (IDPP) and Outpatient (OP) Waiting Lists. National waiting lists data by hospital site and by specialty is published by the NTPF on their website (https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm. ) and is publicly available.
The Outpatient Waiting List by specialty at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda at end June 2020 is outlined in the attached document.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (202)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:202. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting lists in counties Louth and Meath for dental appointments by each local area in tabular form. [17474/20]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (203)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:203. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting lists in counties Louth and Meath for orthodontic appointments by each local area in tabular form. [17475/20]
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.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (204)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:204. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the health centres in counties Louth and Meath that provide therapeutic phlebotomy services for patients suffering with haemochromatosis; the number on the waiting lists for this service in each healthcare centre; and the average and longest waiting times. [17476/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this question relates to a service matter, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (205)
Imelda Munster
Ceist:205. Deputy Imelda Munster asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 cases and deaths in each nursing home in County Louth and east County Meath in tabular form. [17477/20]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (206)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:206. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17481/20]
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 Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
To ensure services are reintroduced 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (207)
Jim O'Callaghan
Ceist:207. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health when the reopening guidelines for non-food pubs will be published; the reason for the delay in the publication to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17509/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Government deferred the move to Phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business to Monday, 10 August 2020, subject to improvements in the health indicators identified in the Framework for Future Decision-Making described in the Roadmap. Phase 4 was to see the easing of the current restrictions in place as they apply to pubs, bars, and nightclubs and casinos. Information and advice about the current restrictions under Phase 3 and the measures that remain 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/.
At present there are no plans to provide further specific guidance in relation to non-food serving pubs. However, I have asked my officials to consider whether such guidelines should be developed.
Comprehensive public health advice has been published by my Department and available at https://www.gov.ie/en/organisation/department-of-health, by the HSE available at www.hse.ie and by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC), published at https://www.hpsc.ie/. In particular, the HPSC has published considerable guidance for the effective suppression of the spread of COVID-19 disease in various environments. The Deputy may wish to refer in particular to the HPSC COVID-19: Guidance for Food Service Businesses which provide guidance for business owners in the hospitality sector at the following link: https://www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/guidance/employersemployeesguidance/
The Deputy may also wish to note that Fáilte Ireland has published guidelines for the reopening of public houses which is available at the following link: https://failtecdn.azureedge.net/failteireland/Guidelines-for-Re-opening-Pubs.pdf. This draws heavily on the guidance of the HPSC.
The “Return to Work Safely Protocol - COVID-19 Specific National Protocol for Employers and Workers” provides clear guidance to employers and to workers on the measures that must be taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. The Protocol was developed through the cooperation of the Health and Safety Authority, the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation, the HSE and my Department. It is designed to be used by all workplaces to adapt their procedures and practices to provide protection against the threat of COVID-19.
Furthermore, the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is tasked with providing advice and support to employers and employees on what and how COVID-19 measures are applied in the workplace. If you would like any further guidance on the Protocol, the HSA Helpline can be contacted at 1890 289 389 or wcu@hsa.ie.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (208)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:208. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter regarding Covid-19 clusters (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17512/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, Phase 4 of the Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business, due to commence on 20 July has been paused and is now planned to start on 10 August 2020, subject to Government approval.
As part of Phase 4 it is planned that all remaining pubs, bars, and hotel bars may reopen. Given the current evidence of the spread of infection associated with social gatherings, the reopening of pubs and bars represents an increased risk due to the consumption of alcohol and the challenge that represents when trying to encourage patrons to maintain social distancing and practice hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and on an ongoing basis. NPHET has provided advice to me as Minister relating to concerns about pubs re-opening. The Government decision to delay the start of Phase 4 Reopening was not based on evidence of cases or clusters in pubs or restaurants in this country, as these pubs have not been open for some time. However, the NPHET is aware of significant evidence of such cases and clusters internationally in countries such as South Korea, the United Kingdom, Australia, Spain, the United States and Canada. These outbreaks have all occurred as restrictions were eased. That evidence combined with the data showing the increase in incidence of the transmission of the virus in Ireland and the ages of recently confirmed cases over the past few weeks led to the Government decision, based on NPHET advice, to defer the opening of pubs until at least 10 August.
The Deputy may wish to note that pubs and bars operating as restaurants which opened during Phase 3 can remain open once they are fully compliant with the public health guidance.
Audiology Services
Ceisteanna (209)
Seán Canney
Ceist:209. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health when audiology services will be provided in Tuam primary care centre, County Galway; when an audiologist will be appointed to provide this vital service for persons in Tuam and north County Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17532/20]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (210)
David Cullinane
Ceist:210. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the entitlements of medical card holders for dental treatments; his plans to extend or expand same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17533/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The 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.
Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy, published in April 2019, includes proposals for the introduction of packages of oral healthcare for adult medical card holders at different intervals during their life course. The packages will focus on prevention and will include examinations, advice, and preventive therapies such as scale and polish. The timeframe for the delivery of the Policy is up to 2026 and the roll-out of these packages of care will take place incrementally over the next number of years. Routine care including fillings and complex care will continue to be available.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (211)
David Cullinane
Ceist:211. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the Department that has responsibility for the funding, delivery and commissioning of treatment and prevention services for gambling addiction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17534/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Justice and Equality has responsibility for gambling regulation. In March 2019, the Government published the Inter-Departmental Working Group Report on Future Licensing and Regulation of Gambling. This report refers to the introduction of a modern licensing approach to all gambling activities, including enhanced protection of consumers and vulnerable individuals.
The report addresses the social impact of gambling, including the issue of problem gambling. It notes the social and health impacts of problem gambling and acknowledges that problem gambling can lead to social breakdown, with devastating financial losses and alienation of family and friends. Problem gambling can be associated with a range of harms including higher risk of psychiatric disorders, alcohol and drug misuse, physical and mental health issues, separation and divorce, unemployment and insolvency.
The 2014/15 Drug Prevalence Survey provides the first comprehensive set of data on the extent of gambling in Ireland. The results indicate that 64.5% of the population report some form of gambling in the 12 months prior to the survey, with 41.4% gambling on a monthly basis, or more often. The survey further found that prevalence of problem gambling in the general population was 0.8%.
The survey is being repeated for 2018/2019 under the auspices of the Health Research Board (HRB) with initial findings expected to be published in 2020.
The Working Group recommended that:
- funding be made available for research, training, and community interventions into treatment of gambling addiction.
- funding of public education and awareness raising programmes and the production of relevant information materials be supported.
- assistance be given in the provision of additional services to treat gambling addiction.
In order to meet these objectives, the Group recommended that a Social Fund, managed by the gambling regulatory authority should be established.
The Health Service Executive has responsibility for the provision of addiction treatment services.
People who present to the HSE for addiction treatment for gambling are offered the same range of interventions as those who present with a drug and alcohol addiction, or a mental health concern, including an initial assessment, a comprehensive assessment, and individual counselling.
Figures produced by the HSE show that the number of cases where people presented with problem gambling were 208 in 2015, 195 in 2016 and 219 in 2017.
Although some cases of problematic gambling have been provided with treatment, services have not been funded to develop a programme or intervention for problematic gambling.
To provide additional services for gambling addiction would result in significant capacity issues and lengthening of existing waiting lists for people with drug and alcohol problems.
The HSE also provides funding to a number of voluntary sector providers who treat gambling addiction, along with drug and alcohol addictions.
I support the recommendations of the working group report to address the social impact of gambling and to establish a social fund, managed by the gambling regulatory authority.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (212, 213)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:212. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests being carried out daily by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17536/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraMichael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:213. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the number of Covid-19 tests each facility can carry out daily by county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17537/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 212 and 213 together.
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (214)
Michael Fitzmaurice
Ceist:214. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health the capacity of laboratories that carry out the Covid-19 analysis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17538/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (215)
James Browne
Ceist:215. Deputy James Browne asked the Minister for Health the position on the increased income thresholds for medical card applicants over 70 years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17550/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020 was published on 1 July. This Bill provides, amongst other things, for the necessary legislative amendments to increase the weekly gross medical card income limits for those aged 70 and over to €550 per week for a single person (currently €500 per week) and to €1,050 for a couple (currently €900 per week). The Bill is expected to proceed through the Houses of the Oireachtas this week.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (216)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:216. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when an adult day service facility (details supplied) in County Donegal will resume services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17558/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of the overall effort to contain the spread of COVID-19 and in line with public health advice, day service locations closed in March.
Since then, HSE Disability Services have been working to develop national guidance on the part of the disability sector to direct how all day services can be delivered. The Guidance to support the Framework for the Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services was published by the HSE on 9 July 2020.
In developing the guidance document to guide providers, the HSE worked closely with service providers through representative organisations such as the National Federation of Voluntary Service Providers, Disability Federation of Ireland and the Not for Profit Association, in addition to Inclusion Ireland, who represent people with intellectual disabilities and their families.
The guidance document seeks to support the safe return of services in the context of ongoing public health guidance. It also recognises that the impact of public health guidance will result in services being provided at a reduced level and will require changes in how people are supported, increased use of technology where appropriate and more use of outreach supports.
Day services will gradually resume during the month of August. Service providers are already working to get day services ready to reopen safely, and in line with public health guidance. Service providers will be in touch with all families and service users during the month of July to discuss when they may expect the resumption of their service and what that service will consist of.
I want to acknowledge the many challenges experienced by individuals and their families over this difficult time. Families across the country have had their routines upended due to the impact of COVID-19 and I hope that this will be the first step towards returning to some sense of normalcy.
The Guidance to support the Framework for Resumption of Adult Disability Day Services is available on the New Directions website: www.hse.ie/newdirections. The HSE have also issued monthly communications updates for service users and their families, the latest leaflet “Adult Disability Day Services and COVID-19 - What’s Happening? July 2020” is available at the above link.
With regard to specific service locations, service providers can provide this information directly. 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.
Podiatry Services
Ceisteanna (217)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:217. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when HSE chiropody and podiatry services will resume in County Donegal; if his attention has been drawn to the impact on service users while services have been suspended; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17559/20]
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.
Health Services Access
Ceisteanna (218)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:218. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount of time patients in the health service are waiting for treatments, grouped in six-month groups in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17568/20]
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 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 NTPF currently collects and collates information in respect of the Inpatient, Day Case, Planned Procedure (IDPP) and Outpatient (OP) Waiting Lists. National waiting lists data by hospital site and by specialty is published by the NTPF on their website (https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm.) and is publicly available.
The information requested by the deputy concerning the amount of time patients in the health service are waiting for treatments, grouped by six month intervals, is outlined in the table below.
Inpatient and Daycase National Waiting List - June 2020
|
0-6 Mths |
6-12 Mths |
12-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
48+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
42805 |
25857 |
8488 |
3374 |
2659 |
857 |
183 |
84223 |
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (219)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:219. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the amount of time persons are waiting in emergency departments by number of hours, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17569/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Unscheduled care is the predominant driver of activity in acute hospitals and this has continued during the Covid-19 crisis. In 2019, there were over 1.3 million attendances at our hospital emergency departments, 3% higher than the previous year. While there was a substantial reduction in the overall number of patients attending EDs from March this year, ED attendances and admissions are now returning to pre-Covid levels.
My Department is working closely with the HSE to identify mitigating actions to bring down trolley numbers and waiting times in EDs in the face of growing demand and the additional challenges brought by Covid-19. The HSE is developing a comprehensive Winter Plan for the forthcoming winter that will set out how Emergency Departments can keep patient experience times to a minimum, reduce the number of patients waiting on hospital trolleys, and operate dual Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 pathways.
Regarding the specific information requested, I have asked the HSE to provide this to Deputy directly.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (220)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:220. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants employed in public hospitals; the number on a public-only contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17570/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy with the data sought.