Written Answers Nos. 1149-1173
1149. Deputy Chris Andrews asked the Minister for Health the arrangements that have been made with the United Kingdom for residents in Northern Ireland who hold Irish passports in applying for a EHIC card in view of the fact that they cannot apply through the HSE as they do not have a PPS number (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19909/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraArrangements for European Health Insurance Cards remain in place until the end of the transition period. The Government of Ireland continues to recognise the importance placed on continued access to the European Health Insurance Card by residents of Northern Ireland and continues to monitor developments on this closely as part of the discussions between the EU and UK on the future relationship.
1150. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he has considered compensation measures for the families of healthcare workers who die as a result of contracting Covid-19 [19910/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can confirm than work is underway in my Department to develop a compensation scheme for the families of frontline healthcare workers who have died due to COVID-19 that was contracted in the workplace.
When the proposals in respect of the scheme have been progressed to an appropriate stage I will be bringing them to cabinet for discussion. Details of the scheme will be made available once it has been approved by Government.
I am not in a position to provide detailed information in respect of the scheme at this time, however I do wish to confirm it is my intention that the scheme will include everybody who is a front-line worker in the health services, i.e. those who provide direct care as well as those who provide other services through their work in health or care settings where the virus is present, both public and private.
Other features of the scheme as proposed are that it will:
- provide for a lump sum payment,
- apply retrospectively, and
- be in addition to any other death in service benefits that may already be in place.
1151. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to private hospitals charging patients for Covid-19 tests as a requirement to access other treatments; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that health insurers will not cover this cost; the number of private hospitals that are reported to be charging patients for Covid-19 tests; the steps he plans to take to investigate this issue; his plans to prevent private hospitals from making a profit on Covid-19 tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19911/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI refer the Deputy to my response to Question No. 1278 of 14 July 2020 (PQ15888/20). I can confirm that the position as outlined remains unchanged.
In addition, as Minister for Health, I do not have a role to play in the commercial decisions taken by health insurers regarding the treatments or services included in their products, provided that the regulatory obligations set out in Minimum Benefit Regulations and other health insurance legislation are complied with.
1152. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of increasing funding for CAMHS and jigsaw by 10%, respectively [19912/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the Health Service Executive (HSE) for direct reply.
1153. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Tipperary; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19917/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter it has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
1154. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Tipperary; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19918/20]
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.
1155. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting home care support in County Tipperary; the number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in the County; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19919/20]
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.
1156. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting colonoscopy in South Tipperary General Hospital; the number who have been waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19920/20]
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 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.
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 (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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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.
In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy concerning colonoscopies, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1157. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting endoscopy in South Tipperary General Hospital; the number waiting up to 30, 30 to 60, 60 to 90 and more than 90 days, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19921/20]
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 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.
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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
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.
In relation to endoscopy services, a national programme was established in mid-2016 to coordinate several activities to improve endoscopy services. The Endoscopy Programme is housed within the Acute Operations Division of the HSE and the programme is overseen by the National Endoscopy Steering Group. The programme team consists of a Clinical Lead, Training Lead, Nurse Lead and Programme Manager. The team are supported by the National Endoscopy Working Group.
The aim of the programme is to improve the delivery of endoscopy services across all Hospital Groups.
The Endoscopy data requested by the Deputy is outlined in the attached document.
South Tipp General Hospital GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020
|
0-1 Mth |
126 |
|
1-2 Mths |
61 |
|
2-3Mths |
76 |
|
+3 Mths |
342 |
|
Total |
605 |
1158. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families County Tipperary in each of the past 12 months; the number provided each month since March 2020, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19922/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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.
1159. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the total number of day care centres in County Tipperary that have reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; if centres will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19923/20]
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.
1160. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Tipperary which have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19924/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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 8 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.
An information portal that will contain the dates on which the 966 disability day service locations will reopen around the country is being developed. After August 4th service users and families will be able to access this information on www.hse.ie/newdirections.
It has been recognised that additional costs may arise for service providers in providing safe services. To date, Government has approved COVID 19 Pandemic Health service funding of €2bn. The aim of this funding is to support investment necessary to address COVID 19, to mitigate risk of the spread of COVID 19 and to facilitate the provision of health and social care services against the backdrop of COVID 19. The HSE is in the process of reviewing and validating business cases from disability services providers for additional funding to support the reopening of services.
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.
1161. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the estimated full-year cost of purchasing an extra extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine for both the Mater Hospital and Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin [19932/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly in relation to this matter.
1163. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with type 1 diabetes attending the diabetes service at Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19953/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1164. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with type 1 diabetes attending the diabetes service at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19954/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1165. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients with type 1 diabetes attending the diabetes service at University Hospital Waterford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19955/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
1166. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the way in which the commitment of Ireland to the sustainable development goals will be reflected in the Strategy and Work Plans 2020-2025; the way in which progress towards achieving the goals will be monitored and reported annually; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19956/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sustainable Development Goals, and in particular Goal 3 to Ensure healthy lives and promote wellbeing for all at all ages, are very pertinent to the work of my Department and will be incorporated into the Statement of Strategy 2020-2025. As is captured by the SDG Policy Map in the National Implementation Plan 2018-2020, the goals are are implemented through multiple existing policies such as:
- Sláintecare;
- Healthy Ireland;
- The National Maternity Strategy;
- The National Sexual Health Strategy;
- Ireland's National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance;
- The National Cancer Strategy;
- The National Physical Activity Plan;
- The National Suicide Prevention Strategy - Connecting for Life;
- Reducing Harm, Supporting Recovery – a health led response to drug and alcohol use in Ireland; and
- Tobacco Free Ireland.
In an effort to avoid duplication of effort the attainment of the various SDGs are therefore monitored through the existing reporting and governance mechanisms of these policies. Centrally the Central Statistics Office have published ‘Irelands UN SDGs 2019 – Report on Indicators for Goal 3 Good Health and Well-being'. This report is part of a series of CSO publications which will monitor how Ireland is progressing towards meeting its targets under the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The report shows progress on all 27 indicators that are monitored under SDG 3 and can be found at: www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-sdg3/irelandsunsdgs2019-reportonindicatorsforgoal3goodhealthandwell-being/.
1167. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to plans by the HSE to sell the 52 acres of publicly-owned land at a nursing home (details supplied) in the near future; if his attention has been further drawn to local public opposition to the proposed sale; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19963/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of healthcare property estate including St. Brigid’s Hospital, Crooksling. They have advised that the possibility of St. Brigid’s Nursing Home, Crooksling being utilised as a health facility has been reviewed and there are a number of key issues which deem it not feasible to develop the building and site. These issues include the site location, the condition of the building fabric/ envelope and the lack of adequate mains services in the area
The HSE are obliged to apply the Protocol for the Intra State Transfer of State Property Assets and the Protocol for the Intra State Sharing of Property Assets. Under these protocols expressions of interest have been invited from relevant State Bodies/Stakeholders and Local Authorities. The Land Development Agency (LDA) has also been advised. Pending the outcome from this process, the intent would be to dispose of the asset in line with the HSE Property Protocol.
1168. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average pay in the public health service acute hospital sector [19964/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1169. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the staff numbers employed by the HSE by occupation; the number of staff required by the HSE to meet the demands of the Covid-19 pandemic and fully staff the health service by occupation; and the average pay for each occupational category, in tabular form [19965/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe staffing numbers in the HSE are available publicly online here: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/our-workforce/workforce-reporting/national-reports.html.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on the remaining questions.
1170. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the breakdown by occupation of the 3,271 staff brought on by the health service to deal with the pandemic; the average pay for each; and the percentage for each on each applicable different contract, in tabular form [19966/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1171. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 629 of 16 June 2020, the breakdown of the potential recruits referenced which identified approximately 2,000 staff available to work by occupation in tabular form; the number taken on; the number that have full recruitment clearances; and the number in the clearance process [19967/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1172. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average lifespan of a modular unit such as those put in place at UHL; the cost of each; the number of beds per unit; the timeline by stage for these units to be procured and put in place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19968/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly in relation to this matter.
1173. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will bring voluntary hospitals under the Parliamentary Questions remit [19969/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that the Deputy has spoken to the Parliamentary Affairs Unit within my Department and will forward specific details to them of the information which he requires.
