Written Answers Nos. 1299-1323
1299. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the status of the 60 bed modular unit under construction at University Hospital Limerick; if a date for completion can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20517/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery and management of healthcare infrastructure.
At present the draft Capital Plan 2020 is being reviewed and revised to take account of the impact of Covid-19 and includes a number of developments at Limerick University Hospital. The HSE has advised that the 60-Bed Ward Block (additional capacity) is expected to be completed for Q4 2020.
It is important to recognise that all capital development proposals must progress through a number of approval stages, in line with the Public Spending Code, including detailed appraisal, planning, design and procurement before a firm timeline or funding requirement can be established.
The delivery of capital projects is a dynamic process and is subject to the successful completion of the various approval stages, which can impact on the timeline for delivery.
1300. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health his plans for Ennis General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20518/20]
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.
1301. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if venesection procedures will be made available free of charge to persons with haemochromatosis who are not eligible for a medical card or GP visit card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20519/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraWhere venesection is classed as a day case procedure and is not carried out in an out-patient setting, the public in-patient charge applies.
The issue of the provision of therapeutic phlebotomy services for hereditary haemochromatosis patients, including the issue of charges, is under consideration by my Department and the HSE.
It is agreed that such services should be provided at the lowest level of complexity that is clinically and operationally feasible. In time it is envisaged that the majority of this work will be done in a primary care setting.
Meanwhile, the Irish Blood Transfusion Service is now accepting hereditary haemochromatosis patients who are eligible to donate blood at their fixed and mobile donation clinics nationwide.
Patients can attend a maximum of four times a year with a minimum of ninety days between phlebotomies. The patient's hereditary haemochromatosis will continue to be managed by their physician, including the monitoring of ferritin levels.
1302. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if persons diagnosed with haemochromatosis will be able to avail of the long-term illness scheme in view of the fact that it is a hereditary lifelong disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20520/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Long Term Illness Scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). The conditions covered by the LTI are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide. Under the scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge.
Haemochromatosis was not included on the above list and there are no plans to extend the list of conditions covered by the scheme at this time. However, I wish to inform the Deputy that it is proposed that the LTI Scheme would be included as part of a review of the basis for existing hospital and medication charges, to be carried out under commitments given in the Sláintecare Implementation Strategy.
For people who are not eligible for the LTI Scheme, there are other arrangements which protect them from excessive medicine costs.
Under the Drug Payment Scheme, no individual or family pays more than €124 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The scheme significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
People who cannot, without undue hardship, arrange for the provision of medical services for themselves and their dependants may be entitled to a medical card. In the assessment process, the HSE can take into account medical costs incurred by an individual or a family.
People who are not eligible for a medical card may still be able to avail of a GP visit card, which covers the cost of GP consultations.
1303. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health when the asthma drug benralizumab will be approved; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20534/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE has statutory responsibility for medicine pricing and reimbursement decisions, 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 licenced 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. The NCPE uses a decision framework to systematically assess whether a drug is cost-effective as a health intervention.
The HSE has confirmed that Benralizumab is approved for hospital use only at this time.
I am advised by the HSE that it has received an application for the reimbursement of a Benralizumab autoinjector under the High Tech Arrangements.
In March 2020, a Rapid Review was commissioned by the HSE. On 28 April 2020, this review was completed with the NCPE recommending that Benralizumab not be considered for reimbursement under high tech drug arrangements at the submitted price.
Commercial discussions are ongoing with the applicant. Strict criteria for use are applied within the hospital setting and these must also be taken into consideration in any proposed transition to the community setting.
The application remains under consideration with the HSE.
1304. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will set up an independent inquiry into the recent deaths of persons from Covid-19 in a nursing home (details supplied) in County Louth; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20535/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 2009 the Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
HIQA, in discharging its duties determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.
During the response to COVID-19, Nursing homes continue to be regulated by HIQA, who under the Health Act 2007 have the legal authority to examine the operation of any facility under their remit. As you may be aware, HIQA conducted an inspection of the nursing home in question. The main objectives of this inspection are to determine the standards of care and support being provided to residents and to assess the registered provider’s statutory compliance with the regulations, as well as the governance, management and risk systems in place. The inspection report will be published in due course on the HIQA website.
The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Homes Expert was established, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort. Separately the Special Committee on COVID-19 was established to consider and take evidence on the State’s response to the pandemic. It is important that we give due consideration to all of the information that we have now and will have in considering whether further analysis of COVID-19 and nursing homes is needed.
1305. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the timeline for the implementation of measures in retail stores regarding the separation of alcohol sales will be extended due to delays in the construction sector and supply line due to Covid-19; if new guidelines will be issued extending out the dates of completion of the necessary works which are costing retailers significant amounts; if direct financial assistance will be given to retailers before the November 2020 deadline in order to comply with legislation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20548/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSection 22 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 provides for the separation and visibility of alcohol products and advertisements in specified licensed premises. Section 22 was commenced by the Minister for Health in November 2018 with a two year lead-in time to ensure sufficient time was available for retailers to comply with its requirements. As the provision was commenced in 2018 an extension cannot now be given. There are no plans to provide financial assistance to retailers to comply with the legislation.
My Department and the HSE have developed guidance for retailers in relation to the provisions of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act due to come into effect on 12 November 2020. That guidance is available on the website of the Department of Health and includes guidance on the separation of alcohol products in mixed retail outlets.
The separation of alcohol in mixed retail outlets is an important public health measure to ensure that it is clear that alcohol is not like other grocery products but is one which if used harmfully has serious health impacts. The measure is also designed to reduce the exposure of children to alcohol products and alcohol advertising in mixed retail outlets.
1306. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the date the order will be signed giving effect to the reduction in prescription charges; and the reason for the delay in establishing a commencement date. [20552/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs part of Budget 2020, the previous Government agreed that GMS prescription charges would be reduced by €0.50c for all medical card holders. Accordingly, the charge would be reduced by €0.50c to €1 per item for persons aged over 70 years, and by €0.50c to €1.50 for persons under 70. The maximum monthly charge would also be reduced to €10 and €15 respectively.
The full year cost of implementing these measures is estimated at €25 million; a cost of €15 million for the under 70 cohort and €10 million for the over 70 cohort.
I am consulting with my government colleagues on these proposals.
1307. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the reason additional funding of €51,000 requested by a disability service for the care of a person (details supplied) has not been approved; and if the decision will be reviewed and the funding made available. [20554/20]
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.
1308. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health further to a previous parliamentary question, if a medical certificate issued to a person (details supplied); the number of times the person's care has been reviewed; the outcome of same; the dates the person was notified of changes to the certificate; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20556/20]
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.
1309. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of psychologists and assistant psychologists employed by the HSE to provide free counselling services in each year since 2016; and the cost by year and CHO. [20559/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1310. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of additional psychologist and assistant psychologist positions for free counselling services provided for in budget 2020; and the number of these posts have been filled. [20560/20]
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.
1311. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the progression towards 24-7 community mental health services; the remaining obstacles to this goal; the estimated outstanding cost which has been identified; and the timeline for delivery. [20562/20]
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.
1312. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of establishing a dedicated advocacy service for mental health service users, including base establishment costs and expected annual budget supports. [20563/20]
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.
1313. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of CAMHS beds operational as of July 2020 by CHO and service. [20564/20]
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.
1314. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of adult mental health beds operational as of July 2020, by CHO and service. [20565/20]
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.
1315. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the estimated annual cost of overtime and agency staff for mental health nursing roles in Cork north Lee, Cork south Lee and north Cork areas for the past 12 months, respectively; and the cost for 2018 and 2019. [20566/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
1316. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of referrals accepted by the community CAMHS teams during the first six months of 2020 by local health office area; and the equivalent figures for 2019, in tabular form. [20567/20]
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.
1317. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the expansion of rehabilitation services to respond to the needs of those with enduring mental illness and challenging behaviour; the location of the additional services; the number of additional staff employed in whole-time equivalent terms; the number of service users in receipt of such services; and the way in which this compares to 2019. [20568/20]
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.
1318. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the model of care for specialist perinatal mental health services; and the number of additional staff in whole-time equivalent terms appointed to date in 2020. [20569/20]
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.
1319. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the way in which he has provided increased access to talk therapies to date in 2020; the number of additional service users availing of the therapies; and the number of persons availing of talk therapies in each CHO area. [20570/20]
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.
1320. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of additional enhanced peer support workers delivered to date in 2020 in line with A Vision for Change recommendations. [20571/20]
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.
1321. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the status of efforts to develop a seven day per week service for CAMHS; the number of CAMHS teams now operating on such a basis; the CHOs in which they are based; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20572/20]
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.
1322. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of additional CAMHS clinical staff in whole-time equivalent terms recruited to date in 2020, by CHO; and the number of CAMHS staff in whole-time equivalent terms who left the service over the same period by CHO. [20573/20]
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.
1323. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of positions in whole-time equivalent terms for children’s mental health intellectual disability teams being advertised for recruitment by CHO. [20574/20]
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.
