Pat Buckley
Ceist:1324. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the implementation of the CAMHS advocacy model; and the CHOs in which it is available and utilised. [20575/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraChild and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1324)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1325)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1325. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the roll-out of the agreed minor capital fund to enhance mental health facilities and infrastructure; the projects undertaken in 2020, by location; and the funding allocated to each in 2020. [20576/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Counselling Services
Ceisteanna (1326)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1326. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a counselling appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting up to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [20577/20]
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.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1327)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1327. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a child and adolescent mental health services appointment at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting up to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [20578/20]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1328)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1328. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in each LHO area waiting for a psychology appointment in primary care at the end of June 2020 or the latest date available; and the number waiting up to 12, 12 to 26, 26 to 52 and more than 52 weeks, respectively. [20579/20]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1329)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1329. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of children admitted to adult mental health units between 1 January and 30 June 2020. [20580/20]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1330)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1330. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of mental health beds available in each LHO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20581/20]
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.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (1331)
Pat Buckley
Ceist:1331. Deputy Pat Buckley asked the Minister for Health the number of children presenting at emergency departments here with self-harm injuries, suicide attempts and-or overdoses in each of the years 2018 to 2019 and to date in 2020; the location of same in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20582/20]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (1332)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:1332. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health his plans to provide face coverings to vulnerable immunocompromised persons or persons with underlying health conditions. [20583/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) continues to examine all emerging evidence as it arises and has provided advice relating to face coverings on an ongoing basis.
NPHET advises the wearing of a non-medical face covering in a number of circumstances which include:
- when on public transport
- when in indoor public areas including retail outlets
- by people visiting the homes of those who are cocooning
- by people who are being visited in their homes by those who are cocooning
- all visitors to residential care facilities and
- in indoor work environments where it is difficult to maintain a two-metre distance.
Individual judgement or preference should be used to consider the wearing of face coverings in other environments.
It is important to emphasise that the wearing of face coverings is an additional hygiene measure and should not take the place of good hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette and other personal protective public health measures. Face coverings should be used properly, in line with the guidance and hands should be washed before putting them on and taking them off. I do not have plans to provide face coverings at this time. They are readily available in retail outlets and online. Guidance on how to make and safely use face coverings is available on gov.ie/facecoverings and the HSE website.
On 15 June, the Government and the National Transport Authority launched a national communications campaign which outlines best practice for the use of face coverings in retail outlets, on public transport and in other public locations in which it is difficult to maintain social distancing or where this distance cannot be guaranteed, and are communicating to the public about:
- who should wear face coverings
- in what settings, and how to wear and remove face coverings correctly.
As the Deputy is aware, on Friday 10 July 2020, having consulted with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport and the Minister for Justice and Equality, I signed the Health Act (Covid-19)(Face Coverings on Public Transport) Regulations 2020. The regulations provide that, from 13 July 2020, members of the public shall not, without reasonable excuse, travel by public transport without wearing a face covering.
Reasonable excuse includes where a person:
- cannot put one on, wear or remove a face covering because of any physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress
- needs to communicate with another person who has difficulties communicating
- removes the face covering to provide emergency assistance or to provide care or assistance to a vulnerable person
- removes the face covering to avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury
- removes the face covering to take medication.
The Regulations do not apply to children under the age of 13 years.
The Government has now also agreed to the mandatory wearing of face coverings in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres. Retail staff will also be obliged to wear a face covering unless there is a partition between them and members of the public or where there is a distance of 2 metres between them and members of the public. Work on the development of relevant Regulations has commenced and it is likely that similar “reasonable excuse“ provisions will apply .
As I am sure the Deputy can appreciate, the evidence relating to the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the discussion around face coverings, masks and shields is constantly evolving. I can assure you that the public health advice relating to Covid-19 is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET). The Expert Advisory Group (EAG) of the NPHET has also been proactively examining all relevant evidence relating to the virus and the issue of face coverings. The EAG has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority to prepare a revised and updated evidence synthesis on face coverings and I have been informed that this paper is expected to be finalised shortly.
The latest public health advice on face coverings is available at the following links and is updated on a regular basis:
https://www.gov.ie/facecoverings
https://www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (1333)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1333. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the dental appointment waiting list in County Kerry; the average waiting times for appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20584/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (1334)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1334. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of children and adults on the orthodontic waiting lists in County Kerry; the average waiting times for appointments; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20585/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1335)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1335. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on the CAMHS waiting list in County Kerry; the average waiting time; the number waiting more than six months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20586/20]
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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (1336)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1336. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of people who are waiting for home care support in County Kerry; the total number of hours allocated in each of the past 12 months in County Kerry; the average number of hours granted to each successful applicant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20587/20]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1337)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1337. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a colonoscopy in University Hospital Kerry; 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. [20588/20]
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. 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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1338)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1338. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an endoscopy in University Hospital Kerry; 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. [20589/20]
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. 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 table.
|
UHK GI Scopes Waiting List June 2020 |
|
|
0-1 Mth |
239 |
|
1-2 Mths |
58 |
|
2-3Mths |
62 |
|
+3 Mths |
683 |
|
Total |
1042 |
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1339)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1339. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at University Hospital Kerry; the grade of each vacancy; the length of time of each vacancy in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20590/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to you directly as soon as possible.
Disability Services Data
Ceisteanna (1340, 1347)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1340. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a needs assessment in counties Cork and Kerry; the number waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20591/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:1347. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in County Kerry awaiting an appointment for early intervention by therapy; the number that are waiting less than six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20599/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1340 and 1347 together.
The Programme for Government, Our Shared Future, recognises the need to improve services for both children and adults with disabilities through better implementation and by working together across Government in a better way.
The Government commits to prioritising early diagnosis and access to services for children and ensuring that the most effective interventions are provided for each child, to guarantee the best outcomes.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Speech and Language Therapy
Ceisteanna (1341)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1341. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting a speech and language appointment in counties Cork and Kerry; the number waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20592/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Occupational Therapy
Ceisteanna (1342)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1342. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting an occupational therapy appointment in counties Cork and Kerry; the number waiting less than three, three to six, six to 12 and more than 12 months, respectively, tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20593/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (1343)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1343. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of respite hours provided to families in County Kerry over each of the past 12 months; the number provided in each month since March 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20595/20]
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.
Disability Services Data
Ceisteanna (1344, 1345)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1344. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres in County Kerry that have now reopened; the number that will be reopened by September 2020; the number that will not be in a position to reopen by September 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20596/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraPa Daly
Ceist:1345. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of day care centres for persons with intellectual disabilities in County Kerry that have submitted applications for funding in order to reopen; the amount required; the amount allocated to date by his Department; the amount that will be allocated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20597/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 1344 and 1345 together.
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 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 4 August 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.
Ophthalmology Services
Ceisteanna (1346)
Pa Daly
Ceist:1346. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for ophthalmology in County Kerry; the average waiting time for an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20598/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 1347 answered with Question No. 1340.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (1348)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:1348. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20601/20]
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 re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24th June 2020. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system. My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund are currently working together to evaluate the impact of Covid 19 on Scheduled Care waiting lists, in order to be prepared to address pent up demand.
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
The National Waiting List Management Policy is a standardised approach used by the HSE to manage scheduled care treatment for in-patient, day case and planned procedures. It sets out the processes that hospitals are to implement to manage waiting lists and was developed in 2014 to ensure that all administrative, managerial and clinical staff follow an agreed national minimum standard for the management and administration of waiting lists for scheduled care.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.