Martin Browne
Ceist:855. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing an extra ambulance and necessary staffing at each ambulance base within County Tipperary. [9780/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAmbulance Service
Ceisteanna (855)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (856)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:856. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the persons or group responsible for identifying the 37 vaccination centres; and the criteria used. [9782/21]
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.
Questions Nos. 857 and 858 answered with Question No. 816.
General Medical Services Scheme
Ceisteanna (859)
David Cullinane
Ceist:859. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of applications for a refund of phlebotomy charges incurred by medical card patients; the status of such claims awarded, refused and pending, by county and community healthcare organisation, CHO, in tabular form; the grounds on which claims were accepted and refused; the value of claims awarded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9785/21]
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.
Cross-Border Co-operation
Ceisteanna (860)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:860. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the details of the Northern Ireland planned healthcare scheme that came into effect on 1 January 2021, for 12 months, taking over from the cross-border directive for applicants residing here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9789/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Since 1 January 2021, the provisions of the EU Cross Border Directive (CBD) no longer apply to the UK. On the 28th December 2020 the Government approved the implementation of a new Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme. The new Scheme operational from 1 January 2021 will enable persons resident in the State to access and be reimbursed for private healthcare in Northern Ireland by the HSE, provided such healthcare is publicly available within Ireland. It is intended that the scheme will operate for 12 months on an administrative basis initially, with a view to developing a general scheme to provide a statutory basis for the scheme.
Furthermore, the HSE has also put in place transitional arrangements for certain patients who have a legitimate expectation of continuing to access care in the UK under the current provisions of the EU Cross-Border Directive Scheme including provision for reimbursement of healthcare costs by the HSE to persons who fall into certain categories, such as patients who can evidence that they have treatment booked prior to December 2020 for treatment in 2021. Patients are advised to contact the HSE CBD office directly with queries on individual applications and whether they are covered by the transitional arrangements or the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme.
Patients also continue to have access to health services under the EU CBD Scheme in all other remaining EU/EEA countries.
In the context of the Covid-19 Pandemic, persons seeking to utilise these schemes should review and adhere to the public health guidance and restrictions in place at any point in time.
Question No. 861 answered with Question No. 824.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (862)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:862. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the number of persons employed in the child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, on the north side of Cork city; the number who should be employed; and the number of vacancies waiting to be filled. [9822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (863)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:863. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the waiting list for child and adolescent mental health services, CAMHS, by county. [9823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (864)
Mick Barry
Ceist:864. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health the number of residents who have died in a nursing home (details supplied) to date in 2021; the dates of those deaths; if there will be an investigation into the circumstances of those deaths; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9825/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the nursing home referred to by the Deputy, I can confirm sadly that my Department has been made aware that there were a number of deaths as a result of an outbreak of COVID-19. I would like to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to all those who have lost loved ones. I have been assured that engagement and support from the relevant agencies is ongoing.
The Health Information and Quality Authority, HIQA, is the statutory independent regulator in place for the nursing home sector, whether a HSE managed or a private nursing home. The Authority, established under the Health Act 2007, has significant and wide-ranging powers up to and including withdrawing the registration of a nursing home facility, which means that it can no longer operate as a service provider. This responsibility is underpinned by a comprehensive quality framework comprising of Registration Regulations, Care and Welfare Regulations and National Quality Standards.
HIQA, in discharging its duties determines, through examination of all information available to it, including site inspections, whether a nursing homes meets the regulations in order to achieve and maintain its registration status. Should a nursing home be deemed to be non-compliant with the Regulations and the National Quality Standards, it may either fail to achieve or lose its registration status. In addition, the Chief Inspector has wide discretion in deciding whether to impose conditions of Registration on nursing homes.
The Deputy will be aware that the Nursing Homes Expert Panel was established, on foot of a NPHET recommendation, to examine the complex issues surrounding the management of COVID-19 among this particularly vulnerable cohort. The Expert Panel report has added further to our knowledge and learning. This report clearly outlines the key protective measures that we must ensure are in place across our nursing homes. These actions are based on learning from our own and the international experience of COVID-19 to date. The report also recommends additional analysis and examination of the relevant public health and other data sets in order that further causal and protective factors for COVID-19 clusters are identified.
Work to progress the recommendations of the Expert Panel report, particularly those recommendations requiring a priority focus in the response to COVID-19, is ongoing across all of the health agencies and stakeholders. Continued learning and understanding of progression of the disease in Ireland is an integral part of those recommendations.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (865)
Seán Sherlock
Ceist:865. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to vaccinating early education and childcare workers earlier than currently planned. [9826/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation Strategy sets out a provisional list of groups for vaccination. The Strategy was developed by the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (NIAC) and my Department, endorsed by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET), and approved by Government on 8 December 2020.
Vaccine allocation is a matter for my Department and further information is available here: https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/39038-provisional-vaccine-allocation-groups/.
The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is the responsibility of the HSE.
The aim of the COVID-19 vaccination programme is to ensure, over time, that vaccine will become available to vaccinate all of those for whom the vaccine is indicated. Given that there will be initially limited vaccines available, it will take some time for all to receive those vaccines and that has necessitated an allocation strategy to ensure that those most at risk of death and serious illness receive the vaccine first.
The priority is to first vaccinate and protect directly the most vulnerable amongst us, that is, those most likely to have a poor outcome if they contract the virus.
The priority is to directly use vaccines to save lives and reduce serious illness, hence the focus on the over 65 year old cohort in long term residential care facilities, and healthcare workers in frontline services often caring for the most vulnerable.
The next group to be vaccinated are those aged 70 and older in the following order: 85 and older, 80-84, 75-79, and 70-74. Vaccination of this group started in the week beginning the 15th of February.
All of the groups will be covered as further vaccine supplies become available and the immunisation programme is rolled out nationally.
The evidence will be kept under review and the allocation groups may be updated, where necessary, in light of new evidence.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (866)
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:866. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the options available for assessment of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9831/21]
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.
Disabilities Assessments
Ceisteanna (867)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:867. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of children under 18 years of age waiting for a first assessment for speech and language therapy up to 24 February or the latest date available by local health office, LHO; the number waiting less than four months, between four and 12 months, and more than 12 months, respectively, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9832/21]
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.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (868)
Ged Nash
Ceist:868. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of private nursing homes being supported by community healthcare organisation, CHO 8 in counties Louth, Meath and Monaghan during periods (details supplied); the number of staff from CHO 8 supporting same on their premises in each respective week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9838/21]
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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (869)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:869. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the current criteria for testing patients for Covid-19 upon discharge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9849/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 870 answered with Question No. 847.
General Medical Services Scheme
Ceisteanna (871)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:871. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if those who are holders of a full medical card are obliged to pay for routine blood tests. [9856/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Persons who are eligible for GP care without charge under the Health Act 1970 are not subject to any co-payments or other charges in respect of such services. There is no provision under the GMS GP contract for persons who hold a medical card or GP visit card to be charged for routine phlebotomy services provided by their GP which are required to either assist in the diagnosis of illness or the treatment of a condition and the HSE has advised GPs accordingly. This has been advised to GPs by the HSE.
The GP chronic disease management programme which is being phased in, having commenced last year, will involve the ongoing monitoring of patients’ condition and any blood tests required in this context will be covered by the fees payable for this care.
If a patient who holds a medical card or GP visit card believes he or she has been incorrectly charged for routine phlebotomy services by his or her GP, then that patient should report the matter to their HSE Local Health Office. The local management, upon being notified of potential inappropriate charging of GMS patients, carry out an investigation into each complaint and will, where appropriate, arrange for a refund of charges incorrectly applied by the GP.
Substance Misuse
Ceisteanna (872)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:872. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who presented to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar having overdosed on illegal drugs in 2019 and 2020, and to date in 2021, in tabular form [9857/21]
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.
Substance Misuse
Ceisteanna (873)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:873. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who presented to the Regional Hospital Mullingar having overdosed on prescription drugs in 2019 and 2020, and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [9858/21]
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.
Suicide Prevention
Ceisteanna (874)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:874. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who presented to the Midland Regional Hospital Mullingar having attempted suicide in 2019 and 2020, and to date in 2021, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9859/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Suicide Prevention
Ceisteanna (875)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:875. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if a comprehensive list will be provided of suicide prevention agencies, and the funding allocated to each, in operation in counties Longford and Westmeath for the years 2019 to 2021, inclusive, in tabular form [9860/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Addiction Treatment Services
Ceisteanna (876)
Sorca Clarke
Ceist:876. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if details will be provided on active addiction support services and the funding allocated to each in 2019 and 2020, and to date in 2021, in tabular form. [9861/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Expenditure by the HSE on drug and alcohol services has increased from €94 million in 2016 to over €103 million in 2019. This funding is used by the HSE to deliver a wide range of services, including early intervention, treatment, and rehabilitation. I have asked the executive to provide details of the funding it allocated to addiction support services in 2019, 2020 and 2021 and reply directly to the Deputy.
In addition, the Department provides €28 million to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces to provide community-based drug and alcohol services in local communities. The task forces support over 280 community projects throughout the country to tackle drug and alcohol use and misuse. A table outlining the funding provided to Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for 2018, 2019 and 2020 is attached.
Additional funding of €1m will be provided for targeted initiatives addressing drug and alcohol use in 2021. The allocation of this funding will be Informed by the outcome of the midterm review of Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, and emerging trends and priorities.
I will announce details of the new €1m funding in due course.