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Covid-19 Pandemic

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2020

Tuesday, 13 October 2020

Ceisteanna (453, 454)

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

453. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the process by which the members of the Covid-19 expert panel on nursing homes established by his predecessor were selected. [29681/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Louise O'Reilly

Ceist:

454. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concern amongst those that lost a loved one in nursing home (details supplied) that a person from the nursing home was appointed to the Covid-19 expert panel on nursing homes in view of the fact that the nursing home in question had received a number of judgments of being not compliant across a range of areas in a HIQA inspection in October 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29682/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I propose to take Questions Nos. 453 and 454 together.

Both myself and Minister Donnelly have received and responded to correspondence on this matter.

NPHET recommended the establishment of an Expert Panel on Nursing Homes on 14th May 2020, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort. Later that month, the Nursing Homes Expert Panel was appointed by the Minister for Health

All of the available evidence and practical experience shows that older persons are particularly impacted by the virus and nationally and internationally the challenges facing nursing homes has been specifically highlighted. Even in a context where a nursing home remains COVID free, the impacts of necessary safeguards introduced through public health measures, such as cocooning, may have clinical and other impacts. The clinical management of COVID-19 and other matters such as potentially increased frailty and deconditioning in older persons will be important considerations as we learn to live with the virus for an extended period of time.

From both a clinical and a general operational perspective, the day-to-day running and management of a nursing home in a landscape with COVID-19 has required significant adjustment both in terms of preparation and mitigation against the virus, and in circumstances where the virus has appeared. These operational considerations will remain part of the landscape for the time being. Given these issues, it was critical that the package of expertise provided by the expert panel would capture all of the skills and experience required effectively deliver the terms of reference of the group, including: Public Health expertise; track record in research and evidence based review; relevant experience in geriatric medicine; clinical, operational and nursing experience regarding nursing home care. It was also important, in line with normal Departmental policy, that the perspective of the service user was embedded in the process

These were the primary considerations in establishing the Panel. The membership of the Expert Panel reflected the requisite skills and experience.

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