Dara Calleary
Ceist:122. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health his plans for using district and community hospitals in the fight against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33454/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraCovid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (122)
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (123)
Eoghan Murphy
Ceist:123. Deputy Eoghan Murphy asked the Minister for Health the protocol and processes in place when the first contact with a positive Covid-19 case does not cooperate with the requirements to provide contacts for tracing. [33174/20]
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.
Disability Services Funding
Ceisteanna (124)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:124. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided for disability services in County Donegal which have been heavily impacted by underfunding and the Covid-19 crisis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30632/20]
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 Provision
Ceisteanna (125)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:125. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the action being taken to reduce waiting times for assessment of need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33452/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (126)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:126. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the growing public concern regarding the competency of Covid-19 testing and contact tracing services here. [24106/20]
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.
Nursing Staff
Ceisteanna (127)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:127. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health when nurses on temporary contracts in the HSE will be given permanent contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33475/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Nurses, and other healthcare professionals, are engaged by the HSE on various contracts. These include permanent, temporary, full-time and part-time contracts. Both the needs of the service and the wishes of the employee are considered when determining the type of contract. Some nurses will wish to accept and keep a temporary contract, depending on their current circumstances. The change from a temporary contract to a permanent contract is not an automatic one.
When applying for a role advertised, it will be noted the type of contract that is on offer. If an employee reaches the end of their temporary contract, they are welcomed to discuss moving to a permanent contract with their human resources team, and this will be considered on a case by case basis, given the needs of the service.
With regards to nurses hired in response to COVID-19, many of these roles are by their very nature temporary. In Budget 2021, I announced the provision of funding for an increase of approximately 15,738 whole-time equivalents, which provides for the retention of posts permanently in 2021. This will allow nurses and all other healthcare professionals currently retained on temporary contracts to apply for permanent positions, if they wish.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (128)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:128. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a report (details supplied) and developments in France regarding the prescribing of epilim, also known as valproate, to pregnant mothers; his plans to progress the issue here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33531/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The issues and risks associated with the use of sodium valproate by women of childbearing age are well recognised by medicines regulators and healthcare professionals in Ireland. I am aware of the recent publication of the Independent Medicines and Medical Devices Safety Review in the UK, and of the French Government’s compensation scheme, and I have agreed to meet relevant patient groups later this month to discuss a range of issues relating to sodium valproate.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (129)
James O'Connor
Ceist:129. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the funding being provided for the restoration of cancer services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33568/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A sum of €12m has been allocated as part of Budget 2021 for the restoration of cancer services, with a further €2.3m committed to as part of the Winter Plan.
Due to the need for physical distancing and related infection prevention and control measures, capacity across many cancer services has been reduced. The funding provided for the restoration of cancer services will support Increased staffing and expanded clinic capacity across diagnostics, surgery and medical oncology. It will also facilitate the continued operation of the Together 4 Cancer Concern initiative, a collaboration between the National Cancer Control Programme, the Irish Cancer Society and Cancer Care West, to deliver the support services cancer patients.
On top of this, €20m is being provided for the further implementation of the National Cancer Strategy in 2021.
National Cancer Strategy
Ceisteanna (130)
Marc MacSharry
Ceist:130. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health the amount of additional funding which will be allocated for the national cancer strategy in 2021; the total funding for the strategy in 2021 on foot of this increase; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33467/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A total of €20m additional funding will be allocated for the National Cancer Strategy in 2021. This brings the total extra funding allocated to the Strategy to €26.3m.
The 2021 funding will facilitate significant progression of key priorities of the Cancer Strategy, including prevention measures, improved access to diagnostics, the further development of medical, radiation and surgical oncology and expanded services to support those living with and beyond cancer.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (131)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:131. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health the proposals being considered to intensify co-operation on an all-Ireland basis in relation to the introduction and implementation of restrictions such as those provided for in the National Framework for Living with Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33479/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There has been significant engagement between the Ministers for Health, the Chief Medical Officers in Ireland and Northern Ireland throughout this pandemic.
All parties recognise that, in terms of public health measures in both jurisdictions, it is of utmost importance to maintain strong North-South collaborative arrangements. A Memorandum of Understanding was formally agreed by the Chief Medical Officers of my Department and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland in April 2020 to strengthen North South co-operation on the public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The MOU ensures timely and responsive communications and decisions in a fast-moving environment and facilitates greater co-operation on areas such as: modelling and data sharing; public health guidance and messaging; testing and contact tracing approaches; development of tracing apps; coordination across health services; and travel measures.
The MOU was noted at the twenty-fourth Plenary meeting of the North South Ministerial Council (NSMC) in Dublin Castle on the 31 July 2020, where the close and productive cooperation that has taken place between Ministers, Chief Medical Officers and health administrations, North and South, to deliver an effective public health response was welcomed.
On 25 September, the Chief Medical Officers for Ireland and Northern Ireland published a joint statement encouraging continued and enhanced cooperation between the public health agencies in each jurisdiction in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additional, I chaired a Health and Food Safety meeting of the NSMC on 2 October which was attended by Minister Swann and the respective CMOs.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (132)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:132. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that normal medical services, including screening services, pain clinic services and therapies such as speech therapy, physiotherapy and so on are available during the level 5 restrictions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33536/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
To ensure the continued and appropriate delivery of Health Services in a COVID Environment, The HSE have developed the ‘Delivering Health Services in a COVID-19 Pandemic’ Plan. This plan includes the normal winter plan that would incorporate enhancement to services to cope with winter pressures, but also takes a more strategic approach by considering actions necessary to resume services and building capacity such that the system can deal with expected demand and pressures to the end of 2020/21.
This Plan was considered as part of the Estimates process, which concluded with the announcement of over €4billion additional funding for the Health Service in 2021. The HSE will now produce its National Service Plan which will set out the level the type and volume of services that it will provide for the funding allocated.
The Government introduced Level 5 public health restrictive measures to enable a significant suppression of the virus to very low levels of transmission in advance of the winter months. These measures have been introduced to limit the impact on public health while protecting the three core priorities of:
1. Preventing unnecessary disruption to non-COVID health and social care services particularly given the impact on those services in the first half of 2020
2. Protecting medically and socially vulnerable people and
3. Proactively protecting against and averting significant disruption to childcare and education.
Primary and community care service activity has fallen because of general COVID mitigation measures, but also as a result of the redeployment of staff in the sector to support COVID services, and the necessary changes in the methods of service delivery to comply with infection control and transmission reduction measures.
However, it is important to stress that essential services have been maintained, and services have continued to be provided to priority groups and the most vulnerable, using innovative new service delivery channels such as telehealth and video consultations where possible.
The HSE and its funded disability partners will continue to provide therapeutic supports in line with public health guidance and direction and having regard to the availability of staffing resources.
All Community Healthcare Organisations are currently putting appropriate arrangements in place and are resuming children’s therapy services including Speech and Language therapy services, in line with public health guidance.
In relation to screening programmes, I am pleased that all four of the National Screening Programmes have restarted a phased reintroduction of screening services.
The National Screening Service (NSS) is planning to continue screening during the national Level 5 restrictions.
However, this is contingent that screening is planned and safe to protect the clients, providers and staff from the risk of COVID-19 transmission and that end-to-end screening pathway are maintained.
Neuro-Rehabilitation Services
Ceisteanna (133)
Cormac Devlin
Ceist:133. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the neuro-rehabilitation strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33450/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government – Our Shared Future’, includes a commitment for advancing neuro-rehabilitation services in the community. The Health Service Executive is leading on the implementation framework in respect of the recommendations of the National Policy and Strategy for the provision of Neuro-Rehabilitation Services in Ireland 2011-2015.
The focus of the Neuro-Rehabilitation Strategy is on achieving best outcomes for people, by providing safe, high quality, person-centred care at the lowest appropriate level of complexity. This must be integrated across the care pathway and provided as close to home as possible or in specialist centres, where necessary. The framework will guide the reconfiguration and development of neuro-rehabilitation structures and services at national and local level, through a 10-step Framework. It proposes the formation of Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Networks (MCRNs), with the set-up of one demonstration MCRN suggested as the first step. The ultimate goal of this approach is to put in place a national framework of acute, inpatient and specialist community services.
The Managed Clinical Rehabilitation Network (MCRN) model acknowledges that different service users need different input and different levels of expertise and specialisation at different stages in their rehabilitation journey.
The critical point of this model is that, although service users may need to access different services as they progress, the transition between services should be facilitated by appropriate communication and sharing of information between services so that they progress in a seamless continuum of care through the different stages:
- Acute hospital;
- Complex specialist rehabilitation services;
- Post-acute specialist inpatient rehabilitation services;
- Community based specialist rehabilitation services;
- Primary care; and
- Voluntary organisations.
This National Implementation Framework is evidence-based and informed by population needs. It addresses the continuum of care for those in need of neurological rehabilitation services. It describes the requirement for a whole system approach and provides the blueprint for how we should deliver care and services for those who suffer from neurological conditions who require individualised, goal focused rehabilitation
The implementation framework covers an initial period from 2019 into 2021. However, it is recognised that continued investment in and development of neuro-rehabilitation services will need to be prioritised beyond the three-year implementation period of this Implementation Framework.
As the issue raised is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to reply directly to the Deputy.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (134)
Joan Collins
Ceist:134. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when the position of the Director of the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre will be filled with a full-time consultant contract with the relative pay and conditions (details supplied) [33309/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I, my Department and the HSE are committed to the early introduction of a new framework for public healthcare, as recommended in the Crowe Horwath Report on Public Health Apecialists and as provided for in the Programme for Government. The Report recommended the awarding of consultant status to public health specialists who meet defined criteria. Consultant status is also consistent with the roles envisaged for public health specialists in Slaintecare and Professor Scally’s Report on the National Screening Service ('CervicalCheck') under a new public health framework.
I recognise that Public Health Directors and Specialists, at national and regional level, are leading the State’s response to the pandemic and that this has accelerated implementation of many of the Crowe Horwath recommendations. The Department and the HSE are currently working intensively to finalise the body of work necessary in order to engage with DPER on the matter of approval for a public health model that would include consultant posts. This would include the Director of the Health Protection and Surveillance Centre post.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (135)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:135. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health when the disability capacity review was completed; the person or body that carried it out; when it will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33552/20]
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.
The Disability Capacity Review which was prepared by the Department of Health’s Disability Advisor, Eithne Fitzgerald, is currently being finalised by this Department and will be published in due course.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (136)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:136. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the reason rapid testing has not been put in place to be used as part of the fight against Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33474/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE has adopted RNA PCR as the gold standard test for diagnosing Covid-19 cases, as part of the HSE test and trace strategy, consistent with international best practice, and approved by NPHET. This platform is deployed in acute hospitals, the NVRL and HSE’s commercial partners. Given the volumes required, these operate as batch tests and hence take a number of hours depending on the platform and the volume being processed.
The HSE uses rapid tests in key clinical settings, such as in our hospitals for emergency and surgical care. These are rapid PCR tests which give results in short timeframes, for example less than an hour. As part of the HSE’s testing and tracing plan, it is trying to increase the number of these available as there is significant international demand and supply challenges. These tests only work in very small numbers so are not appropriate for large scale community testing.
Many of the rapid non-PCR Covid tests reported in the media, which purport to offer a test result in minutes (for example antigen tests) lack the sensitivity and specificity required for healthcare. However, this issue continues to be monitored by WHO, ECDC, HIQA, and the HSE Laboratory taskforce.
The HSE believes that antigen and other types of testing, such as saliva testing, may well have a role in testing of asymptomatic people. It is constantly monitoring the sensitivity of these tests to ensure that where deployed they will be of appropriate quality and sensitivity. Again, this will not replace the requirement for large scale PCR testing which remains the gold standard for community testing.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (137)
Mick Barry
Ceist:137. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the measures he is taking to ensure that all contacts are traced within the 3 day recommended timeframe of a positive diagnosis; the measures he undertook to ensure all contact tracing operations have adequate resources including telecommunications and IT equipment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33480/20]
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.
Home Care Packages
Ceisteanna (138)
James Lawless
Ceist:138. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the number of homecare support hours will be provided for older persons in 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33461/20]
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.
Drug and Alcohol Task Forces
Ceisteanna (139)
Paul McAuliffe
Ceist:139. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase funding to local drugs and alcohol taskforces to support local projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33472/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Budget 2021 allocated €10m in new developments for drug and alcohol services and inclusion health. This includes €1m for targeted drug and alcohol initiatives through the network of drug and alcohol task forces. This new funding is separate to that previously allocated in 2019.
It is my intention that the new resources should be directed towards new and emerging needs, informed by the mid-term review of actions in the national drugs strategy, and delivered in conjunction with drug and alcohol task forces. I will announce details of the new funding in due course.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (140)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:140. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the status of the opening of a home (details supplied); the role his Department has played in this process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31081/20]
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.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (141)
Dara Calleary
Ceist:141. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the current situation regarding rheumatology treatment in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 HSE has advised my Department that during the first stage of COVID-19 in March, Mayo University Hospital (MUH) maintained services for time-critical rheumatology day cases, while outpatient rheumatology services were at the time suspended and have since resumed. Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols. MUH have advised that while COVID-19 constraints mean there are currently fewer face-to-face attendances, they do have the facilities for virtual clinics and will be progressing the implementation of these clinics in the coming weeks.
MUH have advised that they continue to seek ways to further improve rheumatology services, and to this end are engaging with the HSE to identify staffing resources that would benefit waiting times, such as an advanced nurse practitioners.
The Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology IPDC & OPD waiting lists are outlined in the attached document. According to the latest NTPF figures, there are 28 patients with an area of residence in County Mayo, on the IPDC rheumatology waiting list. This accounts for 6% of the Saolta Hospital Group IPDC rheumatology waiting list. There are 443 patients with an area of residence in County Mayo, on the Outpatient rheumatology waiting list. This accounts for 15% of the Saolta Hospital Group OPD rheumatology waiting list.
Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology IPDC Waiting List
|
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
Grand Total |
|
94 |
64 |
133 |
76 |
44 |
23 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
445 |
Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology OPD Waiting List
|
0-3Months |
3-6Months |
6-9Months |
9-12Months |
12-15Months |
15-18Months |
18-21Months |
21-24Months |
24-36Months |
36-48Months |
48+Months |
Grand Total |
|
454 |
283 |
513 |
458 |
360 |
249 |
174 |
147 |
276 |
82 |
1 |
2997 |
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (142)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:142. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the steps he has taken to provide resources to the HSE to reduce waiting time for pain management services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33537/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 routine 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 urgent time-critical 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.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
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.
In addition, the National Treatment Purchas Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The NTPF have advised my department that they have approved 16 Pain Relief Insourcing Initiatives (12 IPDC & 4 OPD) for funding for 2020 which will facilitate treatment for over 1,500 patients on pain relief waiting lists throughout the country.
The latest available NTPF figures (September 2020) show 4,658 patients on the IPDC Pain Relief waiting list. This list has shown a consistent decrease every month since May 2020, when it peaked at 4,983. The current figure represents a 7% decrease on the May figure.
There are currently 12,289 patients on the OPD Pain Relief waiting list. This compares to a figure of 11,853 for September 2019.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (143)
Catherine Connolly
Ceist:143. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 48 of 15 September 2020, if the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee for Sharing the Vision has been established to date; the membership and terms of reference of the committee; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33551/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On the 10 October 2020, I announced the establishment of the National Implementation and Monitoring Committee structure (NIMC), which will be responsible for driving and overseeing the implementation and roll out of Sharing the Vision – a Mental Health Policy for Everyone. This followed from the Cabinet noting the establishment of the NIMC Structure and Terms of Reference earlier this month. The selection of an independent chair and membership of the NIMC is currently underway.
Establishment of the NIMC is an essential first step to oversee implementation and to monitor the recommendations in Sharing the Vision.
Additionally, a HSE Implementation Group will be established to engage with partners to deliver on the recommendations in the refreshed policy, the majority of which are assigned to the HSE. The HSE Implementation Group will report to the NIMC on progress of implementation of actions in the policy.
The NIMC and the HSE Implementation Group will establish sub-committees to provide advice on the implementation of a range of specialist recommendations in the policy, including the transition from child & adolescent to adult services; assessment of in-patient bed capacity to support population mental health needs; evaluation of data from pilot e-health initiatives, and other recommendations in Sharing the Vision. It is envisaged that the NIMC and sub-committees will include representation from stakeholders who can assist in advising on, and driving, the effective delivery of the policy recommendations, with service user, family member/carer, service provider and voluntary sector representation.
The department will advise the Minister for Health and the Minister of State on ongoing implementation and will report on the progress of the NIMC at Cabinet Committee level, on a regular basis as outlined in the policy.