Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:833. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the number of deaths by suicide in 2020; the number in each year since 2016; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44970/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSuicide Incidence
Ceisteanna (833)
Freagraí scríofa
Based on the official Vital Statistics publications of the Central Statistics Office (CSO) the total number of deaths assigned an underlying cause of death of ‘suicide and intentional self-harm’ in 2020 is 97 (72 registered in Quarter 1 2020 and 25 registered in Quarter 2 2020).
Legally, in Ireland, a death can be registered up to three months after the date of occurrence. In addition, all unnatural deaths, including deaths from intentional self-harm must be referred to the Coroner's Office. This can result in the registration of such deaths being delayed. As the Coroner's Court did not hold public hearings as a consequence of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this delay may have been even greater in 2020 which would impact on the number of deaths registered and subsequently assigned an underlying cause of death of intentional self-harm.
Table 1 below shows the number of deaths by suicide published by the CSO in each year 2016-2019, as well as Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 2020. Prior to 2019, official statistics were based on the year of occurrence of the death, from 2019 onwards deaths are based on the year the death was registered.
The total number of suicides registered in 2019 are provisional and as noted above the number registered for 2020 is likely to be an underestimate.
Table 1: Number of suicides 2016-Q2 2020
|
Year |
Published Suicide Data |
|
2016 |
437 |
|
2017 |
383 |
|
2018 |
437 |
|
2019 (Provisional) |
421 |
|
2020 Q1 (Provisional) |
72 |
|
2020 Q2 (Provisional) |
25 |
Note 1: Legally, in Ireland, a death can be registered up to three months after the date of occurrence.
Note 2: All unnatural deaths, which includes deaths from intentional self-harm must be referred to the Coroner's Office. This can result in the registration of these types of deaths being delayed and the number of deaths by suicide in 2020 will be an underestimate. As the Coroner's Court did not hold public hearings as a consequence of the restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this delay may have been greater in 2020 which would impact on the number of deaths registered and subsequently assigned an Underlying Cause of Death of intentional self-harm.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (834)
Robert Troy
Ceist:834. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [44985/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (835)
Robert Troy
Ceist:835. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be scheduled for a person (details supplied). [44992/20]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (836)
Joan Collins
Ceist:836. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health if pay restoration applies to posts established by the drug and alcohol task forces and funded through the HSE with interim funding for the purpose of its costing exercise for pay restoration; if the HSE included all the posts and projects as section 39 funded (details supplied); if the HSE and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform are committed to providing the additional funding needed to pay for pay restoration; if not, if the HSE is expecting the projects to find the funding from elsewhere; and if pay restoration is part of the deal as described in the media recently. [44993/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As we are aware, an agreement was reached by parties at the Workplace Relations Commission in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by 50 pilot agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance would be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021, if due.
The agreement reached at the WRC noted that some of the organisations (approximately 250) which did not form part of the pilot phase are also likely to have pay restoration issues. It stated that a process of engagement to address this would commence in 2019. It is the organisations who were identified in that initial agreement reached at the WRC in 2018 that are included in this final phase of pay restoration. I have asked the HSE to advise you directly if the drug and alcohol task forces are included within this group.
Since late 2019, there was a number of meetings between the parties at the WRC, in relation to this final phase. The HSE have been costing this next phase of pay restoration and have asked those eligible 250 organisations, who were included as part of the WRC agreement, to submit an application which will be subject to assessment and verification by the HSE.
In addition to the costing exercise, engagement has been taking place with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regarding a proposal to resolve these pay restoration issues.
I can confirm that following engagement at the Workplace Relations Commission in early December, the parties reached an agreement in relation to the 250 organisations. A payment arrangement consisting of three phases was agreed with the first two payments to be made in 2021.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (837)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:837. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when respite services will resume in Killybegs Community Hospital, County Donegal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44995/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Respite Care Services
Ceisteanna (838)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:838. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health if a person (details supplied) in County Donegal will be provided with respite for 24 and 25 December 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44996/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (839)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:839. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will have urgent surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44997/20]
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.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (840)
Michael Creed
Ceist:840. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health if a decision has been made on an appeal by a person (details supplied) in County Cork. [45008/20]
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.
Health Screening Programmes
Ceisteanna (841)
Robert Troy
Ceist:841. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health when patients awaiting CervicalCheck and mammogram appointments will be accommodated (details supplied). [45009/20]
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.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (842)
Robert Troy
Ceist:842. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health his plans to remove the pay and increments freeze from employees at St. Christopher’s Services, Longford (details supplied). [45010/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE provides financial assistance to organisations to provide services similar or supplementary to a service that the HSE may provide. Staff in these organisations are not public servants and were not subject to the provisions of FEMPI legislation. They did not automatically receive the cuts that were applied to the pay of public servants. These employees differ to those employed by organisations who provide services under section 38 of the Act who are public servants and are therefore paid in line with the Department of Health consolidated salary scales.
As we are aware, an agreement was reached by the parties in October 2018, in relation to a process of pay restoration for staff employed by the 50 pilot agencies. Pay restoration commenced in April 2019 with an annual pay increase of up to €1,000. Any outstanding balance would be paid in two equal amounts in 2020 and 2021, if due. I can confirm that St Christopher's services were included in this pilot group and are in receipt of the appropriate pay restoration.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (843)
Martin Browne
Ceist:843. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the amount spent annually on medical devices and products that are purchased from the UK; if arrangements are in place to continue purchasing such items and products; if his attention has been drawn to potential issues with such purchases that may arise due to Brexit; the consequences of these impacts for patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45011/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health, the HSE and the Health Products Regulatory Authority, together with the makers of medicines and medical devices, wholesalers and pharmacists, are continually working to review the supply of medicines and medical devices to Ireland to anticipate and respond to, in so far as is possible, any potential vulnerabilities in medical device supply as a consequence of Brexit.
As part of this coordinated response, all stakeholders are committed to developing approaches and implementing contingencies to address any identified concerns. The HSE, the Department of Health and the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) are working together to assess the supply of medical devices to Ireland, identify any potential vulnerabilities, and take appropriate steps to mitigate any potential risk posed by Brexit.
The HSE has been working directly with suppliers of medical devices to develop approaches and implement contingencies to address any identified concerns.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (844, 845)
John Lahart
Ceist:844. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the way in which home care will be defined in any forthcoming legislation on regulating home care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45012/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraJohn Lahart
Ceist:845. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the way in which it is planned to fund future home care legislation; if he has completed costings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45013/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 844 and 845 together.
A high-quality, consistent home-support service, focused on keeping people well in their homes and communities for as long as possible, is a key enabler to ensuring that people across a continuum of care get the right care, in the right place, at the right time. In this regard, my Department is in the process of developing a statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support.
Work is on-going within the Department to determine the optimal approach to the development of the new scheme within the broader context of the on-going reform of Ireland’s health and social care system, as envisaged in the Sláintecare Report (2017). This work encompasses the development of the regulatory framework for the new scheme; the examination of the options for the financing model for the scheme; and the development of a reformed model of service-delivery.
The aim of the development of a regulatory framework for home-support services is to ensure that all service-users are provided with a standard, high-quality level of care, which is safe, effective, and person-centred. It is intended that, subject to Government approval, this framework will comprise primary legislation, minimum standards, and national standards. Work is ongoing within the Department to determine the definition of home-support which will underpin the legislation. This will be informed by stakeholder consultation.
The options for the financing of the new scheme are being examined through work with the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) on the projected demand for, and cost of, home-support services in various scenarios. This work is ongoing.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme
Ceisteanna (846)
Robert Troy
Ceist:846. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if, as part of the fair deal scheme, a family or person can choose which nursing home will be availed of; and if the family has the final say on this matter. [45018/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Nursing Homes Support Scheme, (NHSS) commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings.
During the NHSS application the Health Service Executive supplies applicants with a list of approved nursing homes. Applicants are free to choose their preferred home from this list. The nursing home must have a place and be able to cater for the particular needs of the applicant. A resident in any nursing home also has the option of moving Nursing Home if they wish to do so.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (847)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:847. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if he will publish a letter from his Department to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, ECDC, seeking assurances that processes are in place to ensure continued quality and consistency in the provision of advices; if a reply has been received to the letter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45019/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Deputy is advised that the relevant correspondence, which issued from my Department to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) on 9th December 2020, has been published on the Department of Health website and can be viewed here:
https://www.gov.ie/en/news/7e0924-latest-updates-on-covid-19-coronavirus/
A reply to this correspondence was received. It is being prepared for publication and will be published on the Department of Health website in the coming days.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (848)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:848. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health the other EU and EEA member states that share the concerns of his Department regarding recent advices given by ECDC and European Union Aviation Safety Agency, EASA, on testing and quarantining for air travellers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45020/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
On 11 December, Ireland through our representative on the management board of the ECDC wrote to the Chair of the management board of the ECDC to outline serious concerns held by national public health experts with the following publications:
- COVID-19 Aviation Health Safety Protocol Operational guidelines for the management of air passengers and aviation personnel in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic Issue
- ECDC/EASA Guidelines for COVID-19 testing and quarantine of air travellers –Addendum to the Aviation Health Safety Protocol
- Risk of COVID-19 related to end of year festive season
These publications have been discussed by Member States through a number of EU fora including among health experts at the Health Security Committee. Member States have not been surveyed for positions on the concerns expressed by Ireland, but I note the published summary reports of recent HSC meetings, available on the Commission website, and that revised guidelines are anticipated.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (849)
Robert Troy
Ceist:849. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [45024/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (850)
Robert Troy
Ceist:850. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if an appointment for surgery will be expedited for a person (details supplied). [45031/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (851)
Robert Troy
Ceist:851. Deputy Robert Troy 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. [45032/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
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.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (852)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:852. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce SouthDoc services in the Listowel area of County Kerry (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45041/20]
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.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (853)
David Cullinane
Ceist:853. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the PTSD supports provided for members of the National Ambulance Service; if a review has been conducted into the effectiveness of same and whether there is a need for further supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45047/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly on this matter.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (854)
Michael McNamara
Ceist:854. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health if a support and recovery workshop for persons with addiction, abuse and relationship problems can continue to operate under current Covid-19 restrictions; if so, if he will clarify the maximum number of persons who can attend such a workshop; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45048/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Restrictions on social interaction, the requirement for self-isolation and the restructuring of services, are particularly difficult for those accessing drug and alcohol services and supports.
Drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes play a vital role in reducing the harms of substance use and supporting rehabilitation and recovery. They help individuals to build their recovery capital and to avoid relapse into harmful patterns of substance use.
The Department of Health has published guidance for drug and alcohol support groups and treatment programmes and other addiction treatment services, including at Level 5. The guidance is available at www.gov.ie/en/policy-information/17d32f-drugs-and-alcohol-policy.
The guidance applies to drug and alcohol support groups for people and families who live with drug and alcohol addiction (including gambling addiction), e.g. self-help/fellowship groups, peer support, family/parent support.
It is important that individuals should adhere to the public health advice and restrictions at Level 5, including staying at home and restricting movements to within 5km of home, except for their attendance at support groups and treatment programmes and other specified exceptions.
The main points contained in the updated Guidelines relating to attending/facilitating support groups and programmes include:
- It is recommended to hold meetings and deliver programmes online or outdoors where this is possible, without diluting the benefits for participants.
- Where it is decided to host a face-to-face group/programme meeting, organisers are advised to undertake a risk assessment to ensure the health, welfare and safety of participants.
- Facilities used to host support groups and treatment programmes should be for exclusive use, where possible, and not shared with other users.
- The recommended maximum number of attendees at levels 3, 4 and 5 is 15 people (including leaders), with 2 metres social distancing. Face coverings should be used.
- Support groups and programmes should last a maximum of 105 minutes.
- Individuals at higher risk from Covid-19, or in close contact with such individuals, should only attend meetings that are conducted online.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to have a major impact in Ireland and globally. It is imperative that drug and alcohol support groups adhere strictly to public health advice at Level 5. By following the public health advice, we can reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities and support the provision of vital non-COVID healthcare services.
Drugs Payment Scheme
Ceisteanna (855)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:855. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health if he will consider including the HPV vaccine within the drugs payment scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45049/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The immunisation programme in Ireland is based on the advice of the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC). The committee's recommendations are based on the prevalence of the relevant disease in Ireland and international best practice in relation to immunisation. It makes recommendations on vaccination policy to my Department. The NIAC continues to revise recommendations to allow for the introduction of new vaccines in Ireland and to keep abreast of changes in the patterns of disease. Therefore, the immunisation schedule will continue to be amended over time.
In 2009, the NIAC recommended HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccination for all 12 to 13 year old girls to reduce their risk of developing cervical cancer when they are adults. In September 2010, the HPV vaccination programme was introduced for all girls in first year of secondary school.
The NIAC recommended that the HPV vaccine should also be given to boys. On foot of the NIAC’s recommendation, my Department asked the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) to undertake a health technology assessment (HTA) to establish the clinical and cost-effectiveness of extending the current immunisation programme to include boys in the first year of secondary school.
The HIQA completed the HTA in December 2018, recommending that the HPV immunisation programme be extended to include boys. A policy decision was made to extend the HPV immunisation programme to include boys, starting in September 2019, with the introduction of a 9-valent HPV vaccine.
The ages at which vaccines are recommended in the immunisation schedule are chosen by the NIAC in order to give each child the best possible protection against vaccine preventable diseases. As the HPV vaccine is preventative it is intended to be administered, if possible, before a person becomes sexually active, that is, before a person is first exposed to HPV infection.
Therefore, the gender-neutral HPV vaccination programme targets all girls and boys in first year of secondary school to provide maximum coverage.
All vaccines administered through the School Immunisation Programme are provided free of charge.
My Department will continue to be guided by NIAC's recommendations on any emerging evidence on this issue in the future.
Anyone not in 1st year of secondary school or age equivalent in special schools or home schooled during the 2020/2021 school year who wishes to get the HPV vaccine, must go to their GP or sexual health clinic and pay privately for the vaccine and its administration.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (856)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:856. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that hundreds of ear, nose and throat, ENT, patients at Beaumont Hospital have had their appointments moved to a variety of different hospitals at short notice; and if the reason is, as alleged, that Beaumont does not have the capacity, facilities and staffing levels to carry out these scheduled appointments. [45053/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí 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 Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (857)
Niamh Smyth
Ceist:857. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will review correspondence regarding a child (details supplied); if the appointment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45055/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
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.