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Gnáthamharc

Wednesday, 30 Sep 2020

Written Answers Nos. 222-241

Prescriptions Data

Ceisteanna (222)

Fergus O'Dowd

Ceist:

222. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if a response will issue to concerns (details supplied) in relation prescription dispensing changes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27453/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this question relates to service matters, I have arranged for the question to be referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

Information and Communications Technology

Ceisteanna (223)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

223. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE does not have a single integrated finance and procurement information technology system; his plans for ensuring a system will be put in place; if an integrated system will be expedited due to the failings the current system is causing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27462/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

In the absence of a single integrated financial solution, the HSE has continued to operate multiple legacy financial systems.  The Integrated Financial Management System will be introduced nationally on a phased basis, supporting standardised national processes in a shared services environment for finance and procurement functions.  In addition, it will support the more efficient utilisation of administrative resources.

Commencing in 2016, the HSE initiated an interim Stabilisation Programme to address a number of key areas of operational risk, replacing outdated and vulnerable legacy ICT systems.

The Consolidated Financial Intelligence (CFI) project developed and implemented in 2017 a single system as an interim solution until the rollout of IFMS, which will provide a consistent and consolidated view of finance systems across the health sector for reporting purposes. The implementation of IFMS will further contribute to the standardisation of financial and procurement processes, workflows and shared services.

The project is currently in the design, build and test phase.  This will be followed by a two-phase deployment schedule across the entire publicly-funded health system which will commence in Q1, 2021. Phase 1 is targeted to be complete in Q1 2023, accounting for 39% of overall health system expenditure. Phase 2 coverage is targeted to account for 80% of overall health system expenditure by Q1 2024.

The IFMS progress will be supported by new standard national finance and procurement processes, new operating structures and ways of working and a new national shared services model. 

Once implemented, IFMS will allow improved support to overall efforts to improve health and social care services for the benefit of all health service users.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (224)

Brendan Griffin

Ceist:

224. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will be called for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27465/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.

The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity

The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.

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.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (225)

Neale Richmond

Ceist:

225. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health the plans being considered to allow birthing partners to be present for the full labour and delivery of a child given that we will be living with Covid-19 for some time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27473/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I acknowledge that the current restrictions in maternity hospitals are presenting difficulties and this is hugely regrettable.  However, it is necessary to reduce footfall in order to protect women, babies, staff and our maternity service as a whole. 

Maternity hospitals have performed well during the pandemic and have continued to keep women, babies and staff safe.  The fact that there have been no Covid maternal deaths in this country, and that we have a had a low incidence in pregnant women, suggests that the current approach is working.

However, we must remain vigilant as services resume and higher numbers of people attend hospitals. Maternity hospitals rely on very specialised personnel; should an outbreak of COVID-19 occur in a maternity hospital, the ability to provide safe, quality care would be severely impacted.  It should be remembered that maternity hospitals care for fragile infants at the extremes of prematurity.

All maternity hospitals are challenged by the pandemic, but those challenges vary considerably.  Decisions on any restrictions are therefore made, implemented and reviewed at hospital level.

Decisions to restrict visitors in our maternity hospitals have not been taken lightly.  Management and staff are acutely aware of the very important support provided by partners at the time of birth.  I have been assured that maternity hospitals wish to facilitate this support as far as possible.   In that context, I can assure the Deputy that any restrictions currently in place have been minimised as much as possible and will be subject to ongoing review. 

I note that restrictions have eased somewhat in certain hospitals in recent weeks and I hope this will continue.  However, the recent rise in the numbers of people infected with the virus, including healthcare workers, is very worrying and may impact on the pace of the easing of restrictions.

The Deputy may wish to note that the National Women & Infants Health Programme has developed a guidance document on restrictions in maternity hospitals/units and this issued to all maternity services last week. The paper seeks to ensure a consistent national approach to visitor restrictions, as far as is practicable and having due regard to local circumstances.   Each maternity service/network has been requested to review visiting arrangements on a weekly basis, in the context of the issues and factors identified in the paper.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (226)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

226. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in the Be on Call for Ireland pool; the number who have been assigned or placed in services; the number of staff hired through Be on Call for Ireland with HSE contracts; the number with agency or temporary contracts; the reason staff are being hired as agency or temporary staff when there is a demonstrated need for them to be employed as HSE staff; if his Department is seeking to avoid employer obligations by hiring staff as temporary or agency staff; if all employed to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic are working on valid contracts; the number who are working on temporary contracts which have expired; if he can guarantee that not a single worker brought on to tackle the Covid-19 pandemic is working on an expired contract; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27484/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service related matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply directly to the Deputy, as soon as possible.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (227)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

227. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will advise on an item of correspondence (details supplied); the steps that he or his Ministerial colleagues are taking to ensure compliance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27486/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The public health advice relating to Covid-19, including that relating to face coverings, is kept under continuing review by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET).

A person, without reasonable excuse, must now wear a face covering when using public transport, in retail outlets, shops and shopping centres, in other indoor spaces such as libraries, cinemas and cinema complexes, theatres, concert halls, bingo halls, museums, businesses carrying out cosmetic nail care or nail styling, hair care or hair styling, tattoo and piercing services, travel agents and tour operators, laundries and dry cleaners and licensed bookmakers.

The relevant Regulations are the Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Face Coverings in certain premises and businesses) Regulations 2020 (S.I No. 296/2020)

These Regulations do not apply:

-  to a person under 13 years,

-  to the occupier, manager or person in charge or a worker where there is a screen that separates them from other persons or the person takes all reasonable steps to maintain a distance of two metres

-   to a member of the Garda Síochána in the course of performing his or her duties

The Regulations provide that it is a matter for the occupier, manager or person in charge to take all reasonable steps to engage with persons entering or in a relevant premises to inform them of the requirements to wear a face covering and to promote compliance with the requirement.

The requirement to wear a face covering in the situations described is a penal provision for the purposes of section 31A of the Health Act 1947 (No. 28 of 1947). Enforcement is a matter for An Garda Síochána.

A reasonable excuse includes when a person cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness, impairment or disability or without severe distress; to communicate with a person who has difficulties communicating; to provide emergency help or care to a vulnerable person; to avoid harm or injury or to take medication. In addition, in retail outlets, it is also permitted to remove the face covering to allow for identification when the sales of goods or services have a minimum age requirement, or to assist in the provision of healthcare or healthcare advice.

The current face covering advice is available at:

www2.hse.ie/conditions/coronavirus/face-masks-disposable-gloves.html.

www.gov.ie/facecoverings/.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (228)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

228. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason some community testers and contact tracers and those offered jobs through Be on Call for Ireland and other recruitment pathways to join the health service are only being offered temporary employment through agencies and are not being employed directly by the HSE or his Department; if this is congruent with the objective of employing a dedicated testing and tracing workforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27489/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Funding

Ceisteanna (229)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

229. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the proportion of the €600 million announced as part of the winter plan that will be allocated to University Hospital Limerick; if a crisis response to the overcrowding in the emergency department of the hospital will be sanctioned as a result; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27516/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The HSE published its Winter Plan on 24th September. The HSE Winter Plan aims to reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for hospital admission by 30% and to improve Patient Experience Times, particularly in terms of keeping everyone safe while we respond to Covid-19. It aims to enable patients to be seen in the community wherever possible by providing a better service in community health care settings; to receive timely care in hospital when this is necessary; and to return home or to appropriate care settings when fit to leave hospital by providing more homecare and stepdown options. It aims to deliver 4.76 million more home support hours to facilitate this.

There are additional supports in the HSE Winter Plan for people at greater risk including the elderly, homeless, and those with chronic illnesses to allow them to stay at home. It also provides additional Community Healthcare Networks, 36 more Community Specialist Teams and 11 additional acute hospital ‘Front of House’ Frailty Intervention Teams. This will create the foundation and organisational structure through which integrated care will be provided locally within the community at the appropriate level of complexity.

The HSE Winter Plan aims to deliver 79,000 more diagnostics in the community, again allowing patients to be seen closer to home and avoid going to hospital. The Plan puts in place supports for GPs, particularly those in rural practices, to support service continuity. A key action will be a comprehensive flu vaccination programme. The HSE has placed orders for approximately 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which will be made available to children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (230)

Alan Kelly

Ceist:

230. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the emergency capacity protocols at University Hospital Limerick for winter 2020 in view of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27517/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Government’s determination to meet this challenge is demonstrated by its decision to invest an additional €600m in health services this winter - €200m in 2020 and €400m in 2021 - to support the roll-out of the winter-specific measures.

It aims to enable patients to be seen in the community wherever possible by providing a better service in community health care settings; to receive timely care in hospital when this is necessary; and to return home or to appropriate care settings when fit to leave hospital by providing more homecare and stepdown options. It aims to deliver 4.76 million more home support hours to facilitate this.

There are additional supports in the HSE Winter Plan for people at greater risk including the elderly, homeless, and those with chronic illnesses to allow them to stay at home. It also provides additional Community Healthcare Networks, 36 more Community Specialist Teams and 11 additional acute hospital ‘Front of House’ Frailty Intervention Teams. This will create the foundation and organisational structure through which integrated care will be provided locally within the community at the appropriate level of complexity.

The HSE Winter Plan aims to deliver 79,000 more diagnostics in the community, again allowing patients to be seen closer to home and avoid going to hospital. The Plan puts in place supports for GPs, particularly those in rural practices, to support service continuity. A key action will be a comprehensive flu vaccination programme. The HSE has placed orders for approximately 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which will be made available to children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

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.

Treatment Abroad Scheme

Ceisteanna (231)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

231. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the reason for removing the treatment abroad scheme funding for mesh-injured persons; the reason for removing funding for travel abroad for translabial scans; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that this is interrupting patients' treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27528/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I am aware that in response to concerns raised in Ireland regarding complications associated with the use of mesh devices in late 2017, the then Minister for Health requested the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to prepare a report on the matter. The report was informed by the available national and international evidence and the personal experiences of women who have suffered complications following mesh surgery. 

In July 2018, in advance of publication of the full report, the CMO requested the HSE to pause all mesh procedures where clinically safe to do so. This pause was instigated pending implementation of initial recommendations regarding (i) professional training requirements, (ii) patient information and consent and (iii) the development and maintenance of a national data set for all mesh procedures carried out in HSE funded hospitals. 

The CMO report was published in November 2018. Four of the 19 recommendations relate to data gathering to support the development of information resources to permit long-term research and audit of practice, ensuring the reporting of mesh related complications, and ensuring timely, appropriate arrangements for the management of women with complications.

The HSE published a detailed Implementation Plan for the recommendations in the report in April 2019.  The National Women and Infants Health Programme is leading on this work.

The pathways for women experiencing mesh complications, established by the HSE, have been in place for over a year.  All appointments offered to women through these pathways have been to the public system.  I would strongly encourage all women affected by mesh to engage with the relevant HSE contact points provided, to ensure that their service needs can be identified and provided for.

The Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS) is not available for patients wishing to have mesh related surgery for Stress Urinary Incontinence (SUI) or Pelvic Organ Prolapse (POP) as there is currently a pause on mesh surgeries for these specific ailments.  The TAS scheme is not available for mesh removal, full or partial, as the treatment is available publicly in Irish hospitals.  

I wish to advise that Translabial Scanning has been made available on an interim basis under the TAS until the two scanners which have been purchased by the HSE are operational in the two Mesh Complications Centres.  As Translabial scanning is a diagnostic tool and not a "treatment" it does not normally qualify for this scheme. However, having listened to the requests from women for this specific type of scanning to be made available this interim measure was taken.  

I would assure the Deputy that considerable work has been done to date in this country and continues to progress on patient safety in relation to mesh implants; and the patient voice is central to our understanding of these, and similar, issues.  As part of the ongoing policy response, my department officials are examining options to establish a process for an independent, compassionate engagement for women affected by mesh to have their voices heard; and will make proposals to me in this regard.  Any engagement process will need to take account of the wider context relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Services Provision

Ceisteanna (232)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

232. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the rehabilitative supports being made available to mesh-injured patients; if expedited pain management physio and counselling treatment will be delivered in line with the CMO report on the matter; if this can be accessed privately instead of through the public system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27529/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This question has been referred to the HSE as it relates to the provision of service. 

Speech and Language Therapy

Ceisteanna (233)

Seán Canney

Ceist:

233. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health his plans to deal with the fact that 75% of the available speech and language therapists in HSE community healthcare west are redeployed to either testing or contact tracing, including speech and language therapists from both primary care and social care, and the detrimental effect it is having in the delivery of services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27533/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Disability Support Services

Ceisteanna (234)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

234. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health if he will examine the case of a child (details supplied) who has been on the waiting list for services within the child development team for a considerable amount of time; when the child will be allocated the supports needed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27544/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Cannabis for Medicinal Use

Ceisteanna (235)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

235. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health his plans to ensure that patients who require medicinal cannabis will be in a position to secure it safely here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27545/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

On the 6th April, the Minister for Health announced an initiative to assist patients access to their medical cannabis products during the COVID-19 pandemic period. The Department of Health has so far organised a number of collections from the Netherlands for patients of clinicians in possession of a ministerial licence under the Misuse of Drugs Act owing to the COVID-19 travel restrictions and quarantine requirements and the initiative will continue while these are in place.

Hospital Appointments Status

Ceisteanna (236)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

236. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when a urology consultation appointment will be facilitated for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27546/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.

The resumption of services from June onwards has allowed for increased activity, with the HSE utilising innovative methods including telemedicine to facilitate patient appointments. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity

The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.

The National Treatment Purchase Fund has also recommenced arranging treatment in both private and public hospitals for clinically suitable patients who have been waiting for long periods on public hospital waiting lists.

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.

Departmental Expenditure

Ceisteanna (237)

Matt Carthy

Ceist:

237. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the amount spent on media monitoring services by his Department; if the role is provided by private contract operators or in-house services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27569/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I can confirm that the total amount spent on media monitoring services by my Department in 2020 thus far is €17,280.27. This service is provided by a private contracted company.

Covid-19 Pandemic

Ceisteanna (238)

Paul Murphy

Ceist:

238. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if it is the HSE or an agency (details supplied) that is recruiting for community swabbers and-or contact tracing; the body that will employ persons recruited as community swabbers and-or contact tracing roles; the terms and conditions of employment, that is, if they are employed for either community swabber and-or contact tracing roles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27573/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (239)

John Lahart

Ceist:

239. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health if a breakdown of the acute beds pledged under the HSE winter plan will be provided; the hospitals in which the 409 beds already in place are located; the date on which the beds came into service; the hospitals in which the remaining 483 are to be provided; the timeframe for each hospital in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27579/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Government’s determination to meet this challenge is demonstrated by its decision to invest an additional €600m in health services this winter - €200m in 2020 and €400m in 2021 - to support the roll-out of the winter-specific measures.

It aims to enable patients to be seen in the community wherever possible by providing a better service in community health care settings; to receive timely care in hospital when this is necessary; and to return home or to appropriate care settings when fit to leave hospital by providing more homecare and stepdown options. It aims to deliver 4.76 million more home support hours to facilitate this.

There are additional supports in the HSE Winter Plan for people at greater risk including the elderly, homeless, and those with chronic illnesses to allow them to stay at home. It also provides additional Community Healthcare Networks, 36 more Community Specialist Teams and 11 additional acute hospital ‘Front of House’ Frailty Intervention Teams. This will create the foundation and organisational structure through which integrated care will be provided locally within the community at the appropriate level of complexity.

The HSE Winter Plan aims to deliver 79,000 more diagnostics in the community, again allowing patients to be seen closer to home and avoid going to hospital. The Plan puts in place supports for GPs, particularly those in rural practices, to support service continuity. A key action will be a comprehensive flu vaccination programme. The HSE has placed orders for approximately 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which will be made available to children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (240)

John Lahart

Ceist:

240. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the definition of a sub-acute bed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27580/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

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.

Hospital Services

Ceisteanna (241)

John Lahart

Ceist:

241. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of sub-acute beds pledged under the HSE winter plan; the hospitals in which the 395 beds already in place are located; the date on which these beds came into service; the hospitals in which the remaining 89 are to be provided; the timeframe for each hospital in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27581/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

This winter is expected to be particularly challenging due to the presence of Covid-19 and the uncertainty around the level of Covid-19 and non-Covid-19 healthcare demands. The Government’s determination to meet this challenge is demonstrated by its decision to invest an additional €600m in health services this winter - €200m in 2020 and €400m in 2021 - to support the roll-out of the winter-specific measures.

The HSE published its Winter Plan on 24th September. The HSE Winter Plan aims to reduce the number of patients waiting on trolleys for hospital admission by 30% and to improve Patient Experience Times, particularly in terms of keeping everyone safe while we respond to Covid-19. It aims to enable patients to be seen in the community wherever possible by providing a better service in community health care settings; to receive timely care in hospital when this is necessary; and to return home or to appropriate care settings when fit to leave hospital by providing more homecare and stepdown options. It aims to deliver 4.76 million more home support hours to facilitate this.

There are additional supports in the HSE Winter Plan for people at greater risk including the elderly, homeless, and those with chronic illnesses to allow them to stay at home. It also provides additional Community Healthcare Networks, 36 more Community Specialist Teams and 11 additional acute hospital ‘Front of House’ Frailty Intervention Teams. This will create the foundation and organisational structure through which integrated care will be provided locally within the community at the appropriate level of complexity.

The HSE Winter Plan aims to deliver 79,000 more diagnostics in the community, again allowing patients to be seen closer to home and avoid going to hospital. The Plan puts in place supports for GPs, particularly those in rural practices, to support service continuity. A key action will be a comprehensive flu vaccination programme. The HSE has placed orders for approximately 1.35 million doses of the Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine, as well as 600,000 doses of the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine, which will be made available to children aged from 2 to 12 years old inclusive.

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.

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