David Cullinane
Ceist:1075. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost to increase funding for diagnostic, radiology and laboratory departments, respectively, in tabular form, by 5%. [19053/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Funding
Ceisteanna (1075)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have referred this to the Health Service Executive for direct reply to the Deputy.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1076)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1076. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of oncologists employed in the health service; the number required to meet recommendations for the size of the population and consequent shortfall; and his strategy for achieving that number. [19054/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy's question relates to service delivery matters and, accordingly, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to him.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1077)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1077. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the cost of hiring and retaining one additional oncologist. [19055/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Data
Ceisteanna (1078)
David Cullinane
Ceist:1078. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the lost bed capacity, by type of bed, in acute hospitals due to social distancing and infection control guidelines, by hospital and hospital group, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19058/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The quantification of the level of capacity lost due to social distancing and infection control is being undertaken as part of the planning and actual resumption of services in acute hospital, and the figures requested are not yet available, as they will differ from hospital to hospital based on existing configuration and potential for mitigating actions.
A planning process is underway for the resumption of services which will include the available capacity in the health system.
The HSE published its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a COVID Environment’ in June 2020. The Framework is available at the following link www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/service-continuity-in-a-covid-environment-a-strategic-framework-for-delivery.pdf
The implementation of the Framework aims to ensure that services are resumed in an integrated, standardised, and phased manner. It consolidates new ways of working and builds on international experience. The Framework outlines the approach taken to prioritise the reintroduction of services, which has informed the more detailed planning for individual service areas. The Framework identified key risks to the introduction of services, including reduced capacity, funding, flexibility to increase/reduce services in a COVID environment, the impact on time-limited/time-critical illnesses and associated outcomes and new ways of working. This Framework serves as a basis for a consistent approach to decision making regarding service delivery and sets the parameters for the more detailed operational planning across all care settings at local level that is currently being conducted.
Arising from the above mentioned Framework, the HSE have recently launched a roadmap for the restoration of services, “A Safe Return to Health Services - Restoring health and social care services in a COVID environment” (July 2020 – www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/a-safe-return-to-health-services.pdf ). This document outlines the phased re-introduction of services that were suspended or reduced as a result of COVID-19 and includes plans on COVID testing and screening, COVID and non-COVID pathways, a public information campaign, continuity planning and staffing considerations. Services will be resumed in a three phased approach between now and February 2021. The priority is to ensure that service users who require urgent, time-critical care can access the services they need. These timelines are based on assumptions regarding virus transmission levels and are subject to change as the situation develops.
Work is continuing within the HSE in regard to the more detailed Winter Planning, and the development of a waiting list and resumption plans.
I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly with the additional information, as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1079)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1079. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health if access to assessment in Linn Dara CAMHS inpatient unit will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); if same will be addressed at an early date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19068/20]
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.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1080)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:1080. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when funding will be allocated to persons (details supplied) in County Clare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19076/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
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.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1081)
Bernard Durkan
Ceist:1081. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the status of the development phase of Naas General Hospital, including the endoscopy unit, the new national children's hospital and other similar capital projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19098/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Estates unit in the Health Service Executive has been tasked with the delivery of additional capacity (infrastructure and equipment) nationwide in the effort for the containment and prevention of the spread of the coronavirus - Covid-19. This has resulted in delays to some works and schedules.
The project to provide a new Endoscopy Unit at Naas General Hospital is part of the draft Capital Plan, with funding being provided to go to tender with this project in 2020. At present the draft Capital Plan is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19 delays on projects and the funding of an emergency Covid-19 programme of works.
The NPHDB has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the New Children's Hospital and I have referred this part of your question to the NPHDB for direct reply.
Abortion Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1082)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1082. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if the Chief Medical Officer or the Office of the Chief Medical Officer were consulted prior to the decision in March 2020 to revise the model of care for the termination of pregnancies; if the Chief Medical Officer or the Office of the Chief Medical Officer have been consulted in relation to the same revised model of care since March; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19101/20]
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.
Officials from a range of units and divisions across the Department of Health, including the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, worked to ensure continued access to termination of pregnancy services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.
Crisis Pregnancy Services
Ceisteanna (1083)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1083. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if measures that encourage adoption as an alternative to abortion are being supported; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19102/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy's question refers to a service issue, I have referred it to the HSE for answer.
Crisis Pregnancy Services
Ceisteanna (1084, 1085)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1084. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding allocated to the midlands crisis pregnancy counselling service from 2018 to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19104/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCarol Nolan
Ceist:1085. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the amount of funding provided specifically for post-abortion counselling services on an annual basis from 2013 to 2019 and to date in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19105/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1084 and 1085 together.
As the Deputy's questions relate to service matters, I have referred them to the HSE for answer.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1086)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1086. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if progress is being made on introducing a laboratory information system and national individual health identifier within the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19110/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The national laboratory system, MedLis, when fully implemented will ensure Irish healthcare providers have 24-hour access to complete and up-to-date accurate laboratory data across all sites and will improve the delivery of diagnostic laboratory medicine, healthcare quality, efficiency and outcomes for patients in the Irish healthcare system. Work on MedLIS is progressing but has been impacted as a result of resources being redeployed in response to Covid. The focus now is to deploy MEDLIS to Cavan General Hospital (and region) and use the learnings from that to inform subsequent deployments to other sites.
Progress is also underway in relation to the implementation of the Individual Health Identifier across national systems. The impact of not having national health identifies deployed across the Irish health system, including laboratories used for Covid testing became very apparent during the early weeks and months of the pandemic. We expect this will lead to a renewed sense of urgency to accelerate this project as the health service adjusts to the new normal.
To date the IHI has been seeded into eReferrals and a programme of work is underway to further deploy the IHI into GP practice management systems, iPMS Patient Administration System and a number of other national systems.
In light of service continuity and operational requirements in the context of Covid, further consideration needs to be given to the systems and operational sites that now need to be prioritised for IHI deployment, with a focus on Covid related priorities.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1087)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1087. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health the number of medical scientists employed in public hospital laboratories by hospital, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19111/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (1088)
Carol Nolan
Ceist:1088. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Health if progress is being made on the appointment of an independent facilitator for the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise, County Laois; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19112/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The appointment of an independent external facilitator for the consultation process has not yet been made. I would like to clarify that no decision has been made on the draft Action Plan for Portlaoise Hospital. I would also like to emphasise that I am committed to securing and further developing the role of the Midland Regional Hospital Portlaoise as a constituent hospital within the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (1089)
Violet-Anne Wynne
Ceist:1089. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health when the recommendation by an organisation (details supplied) will be implemented for dupilumab to be licensed under the primary care reimbursement service for the one in five children and one in ten adults with eczema and other skin disorders; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19113/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on pricing and reimbursement of medicines under the community drugs schemes, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013.
In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
Reimbursement is for licensed indications which have been granted market authorisation by the European Medicines Agency or the Health Products Regulatory Authority.
HSE decisions on which medicines are reimbursed by the taxpayer are made on objective, scientific and economic grounds, on the advice of the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE). The NCPE conducts health technology assessments (HTAs) for the HSE and makes recommendations on reimbursement to assist HSE decisions.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received pricing and reimbursement applications for the following indications for dupilumab (Dupixent):
1. Treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adults who are candidates for systemic therapy;
2. Treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
1) The HSE received an application for pricing/reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent) on 10 November 2017 from the applicant company for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy. The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on the 13 November 2017 and the NCPE advised the HSE on 24 November 2017 that a full Health Technology Assessment (HTA) was required for this medicine.
The HSE commissioned a full Health Technology Assessment on 29 November 2017 as per agreed processes. This assessment was completed in December 2019 with the NCPE recommending that dupilumab (Dupixent) be considered for reimbursement if cost-effectiveness could be improved relative to existing treatments
2) The HSE received an application for pricing / reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent) on 13 December 2019 for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy. The HSE commissioned the rapid review process on the 17 December 2019. Following receipt of a rapid review dossier, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) advised the HSE on 17 January 2020 that a HTA was not recommended and that dupilumab (Dupixent) not be considered for reimbursement at the submitted price.
The HSE Corporate Pharmaceutical Unit (CPU) engaged in commercial negotiations with the company in February 2020 regarding both the adult and adolescent populations
The HSE Drugs Group is the national committee which the HSE has in place to make recommendations on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines. The membership of the HSE Drugs Group includes public interest members. The final HTA report was reviewed by the HSE Drugs Group, along with the outputs of commercial negotiations, and the patient group submission received during the HTA process. The HSE Drugs Group considered all the evidence and made a recommendation to the HSE Executive Management Team not to support reimbursement of dupilumab (Dupixent) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis in both adults and adolescents 12 years and older who are candidates for systemic therapy.
The final decision making authority in the HSE is the HSE Executive Management Team. Dupilumab (Dupixent) remains under consideration with the HSE Executive Management Team.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (1090)
Michael Creed
Ceist:1090. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when the resumption of residential facilities for persons with special needs will be facilitated, including, in particular, a residential unit (details supplied) in County Cork. [19117/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is committed to providing services and supports for people with disabilities which will empower them to live independent lives, provide greater independence in accessing the services they choose, and enhance their ability to tailor the supports required to meet their needs and plan their lives.
As the Deputy's question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply to the Deputy.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1091)
Robert Troy
Ceist:1091. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 791 of 7 July 2020, if clear and concise directions will be issued to nursing homes in order that they are clear in relation to guidelines allowing residents day visits to relatives in homes. [19128/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Nursing 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.
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.
During these times there has been a particular emphasis on retaining a holistic view of the wellbeing of residents, remaining person-centred, being cognisant of their rights as citizens, and being vigilant that in seeking to shield them from infection that these rights are not infringed upon in to an extent, or in a manner, that is disproportionate.
In line with the level of disease in the community, the National Public Health Emergency Team has advised that the gradual reintroduction of usual activities while taking public health precautions should commence. This advice is reflected in the latest Cocooning and visiting guidance, issued by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre. This guidance is under constant review, balancing risks with benefit in line with the disease trajectory in the community. The HSPC has completed its most recent update of visiting guidance. It is now available on the HPSC website and is due to take effect from 29th July.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (1092)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:1092. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the enactment of the human tissue (transplantation, post-mortem, anatomical examination, and public display) Bill 2018 which provides the legal basis for an opt-out system of organ donation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19147/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government includes a commitment to "Enact the Human Tissue Bill, providing the legal basis for an opt-out system of organ donation and deliver a public information campaign."
Work is progressing on the drafting of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill in collaboration with the Office of Parliamentary Council.
Pre-Legislative Scrutiny of the General Scheme was undertaken by the Joint Committee on Health on 16 October 2019 and the Committee's report is awaited.
It is envisaged that the drafting process will be complete, and Government approval secured to publish the Bill, by the end of Quarter 4 2020. It is hoped that the Bill will then be progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas.
Maternity Services
Ceisteanna (1093)
Holly Cairns
Ceist:1093. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health his plans for reducing restrictions on maternity services in Cork University Maternity Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19149/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is of course desirable that the impact of Covid-19 on the pregnancy and birthing experience of women and their families is kept to an absolute minimum. The National Women & Infants Health Programme has provided assurance that the midwifery and obstetrical community are acutely aware of the important support provided by partners or companions and that they wish to facilitate this as far as possible.
However, in the context of the current public health emergency, each of our 19 maternity units/hospitals are facing significant challenges. Such challenges may vary considerably between units and, indeed, over time as the situation evolves. In that context, and in line with clinical advice issued by the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, an individual unit or hospital may, under certain circumstances, be forced to restrict access of partners to outpatients appointments, maternity wards and delivery theatres. It is important to remember that these restrictions are put in place to minimise the risk of spread of Covid-19 in the community and to protect hospital staff and patients as much as possible.
Decisions on any restrictions in maternity hospitals are made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level and, while very regrettable, are necessary to protect the safety of patients, the wellbeing of staff and the operability of our maternity services. However, I can assure the Deputy that, in the context of what is a rapidly evolving situation, all restrictions will be frequently reviewed and reversed as soon as possible.
With regard to the restrictions in place in Cork University Maternity Hospital, as this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to you directly.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1094)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:1094. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the stock of PPE held in reserve by his Department and the HSE in anticipation of a second wave of Covid-19 or another health emergency requiring all medical staff to be equipped 24-7 with same. [19169/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As PPE stock levels represent an operational matter for the HSE, I have asked the agency to reply directly to the Deputy on this matter.