Marian Harkin
Ceist:2294. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive inpatient physiotherapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20461/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Services
Ceisteanna (2294)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Ceisteanna (2295)
David Cullinane
Ceist:2295. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he is considering or has consulted with the Minister for Justice on amendments to the legislation underpinning current access to medical cannabis products to permit UK-prescribed cannabis-based medical products to be brought here in cases in which there are legitimate medical reasons for the use of this product lawfully prescribed in the UK; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20462/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Possession and supply of controlled substances is subject to licence under the Misuse of Drugs legislative framework. Products under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP) are rescheduled under the framework but only while under the MCAP, outside of the MCAP they are still schedule 1 products subject to the strictest levels of control.
It is contrary to the provisions of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977-2016 to bring a UK-prescribed cannabis-based product into the Republic of Ireland.
For Irish patients there are two separate pathways for accessing cannabis for medical use in Ireland.
Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP)
In June 2019, the Minister for Health signed legislation to underpin the operation of the Medical Cannabis Access Programme (MCAP). This is a 5-year pilot programme, restricted to prescribing of cannabis-based products by medical consultants, for patients with certain medical conditions who have exhausted all other available medical treatment options.
For more information relating to the MCAP, please see the Department of Health’s website
The MCAP has been included in the HSE National Service Plan 2021 and is expected to commence in June 2021.
Ministerial Licence under Section 14 of the Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977-2016
Pending full operation of the MCAP and for medical indications not included in the MCAP, doctors may continue to utilise the Ministerial licensing route to prescribe medical cannabis for their patients, should they wish to do so.
In line with the Chief Medical Officer's advice, the granting of a licence for cannabis for medical purposes must be premised on an appropriate application being submitted to the Department of Health by a consultant or a GP endorsed by a consultant who is responsible for the management of the patient and who is prepared to monitor the effects of the treatment over time.
This information can be found at the following links:
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/1a5c4e-applying-to-the-minister-for-health-for-a-medical-cannabis-licence/
https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e35cb4-ministerial-licence-application-process/
It is important to note that the medical decision to prescribe or not prescribe any treatment, including cannabis treatment, for an individual patient is strictly a decision for the treating clinician, in consultation with their patient. The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process.
Adoption Authority of Ireland
Ceisteanna (2296)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:2296. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 651 of 10 March 2021, if correspondence will be made available to this Deputy which was forwarded to his Department in 1996 by the Adoption Board after the Department inquired from adoption authorities if they had been made aware of or involved in cases of illegal birth registration. [20464/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Functional responsibility for adoptions and the Adoption Board transferred from my Department to the Department of Children and Youth Affairs following its establishment in 2011. My Department is currently engaging with officials from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth in relation to the transfer of historic files covering a number of relevant issues, including adoption. The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency has proved a significant obstacle to progressing this work. The Deputy should engage with the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth on the matter of accessing information relevant to that Department's functions.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (2297)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2297. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of orthodontic treatment for a child (details supplied); when they will receive an appointment for same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20471/21]
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.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (2298)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:2298. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20499/21]
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.
Disability Services Provision
Ceisteanna (2299)
Danny Healy-Rae
Ceist:2299. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a residential facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20502/21]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Ceisteanna (2300)
Ged Nash
Ceist:2300. Deputy Ged Nash asked the Minister for Health the number of persons aged 70 years and over in counties Louth and Meath who have been registered by general practitioners to be vaccinated in their own homes under the National Ambulance Service Covid-19 home vaccination programme as of 15 April 2021; the number of persons in this cohort who have been vaccinated to date; the number of persons in this category who are still awaiting vaccination under this programme as of 15 April 2021; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20506/21]
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.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (2301)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:2301. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the measures being taken to improve waiting times for psychological treatment and support in north Dublin CHO9; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20515/21]
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.
Home Help Service
Ceisteanna (2302)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:2302. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to ease the shortage of home help care providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20522/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
To advance this, the Government is committed to establishing a new, statutory scheme for the financing and regulation of home-support services, which the Department of Health is currently developing.
It is envisaged that the new scheme will provide equitable access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care-needs and transparency about service-allocation while ensuring that the scheme operates consistently across the country. The new scheme will build on the HSE’s continual enhancement of existing service-provision and on emerging good practice across the current system of health and social care delivery. It will also integrate effectively with other health and social care services, including the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (‘Fair Deal’) and primary care services.
As part of this work, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) is undertaking a programme of research on behalf of the Department on the demand for, and cost of, home support. This research will assist with identifying the associated workforce requirements for the introduction of such a scheme.
An additional €150 million is being provided for home support in 2021. The very significant additional funding will provide a further 5 million hours over this year’ target aimed at keeping older people healthy and happy, in their community, for as long as possible. This represents about a 26% increase in home support hours over the 2020 NSP target. This funding will also support the continuing development of the Statutory Scheme for Home Care.
Health Care Assistants have played a valuable role in the HSE’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. At present, the HSE are embarking on the implementation of the National Review of the Role of the Health Care Assistants which, unfortunately, was delayed due to the onset of the pandemic. Meetings between HSE officials, Industry Representatives and Union Officials are currently ongoing.
In addition, and in response to the Government initiative to expand the scope and number of apprenticeships available in the public service, the Health Service Executive has committed to establishing a National Framework of Qualifications level 5 apprenticeship for the occupation of Health Care Assistant." Officials from my Department will be working with colleagues in the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation & Science and the HSE to develop this apprenticeship model of training for Health Care Assistants. This initiative will be undertaken in conjunction with the implementation of the National Review of the Role of the Health Care Assistants and together will enhance the role and career development of Health Care Assistants.
Question No. 2303 answered with Question No. 1581.
General Practitioner Services
Ceisteanna (2304)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:2304. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that medical card holders are having to pay for a €10 charge for required phlebotomy tests; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20524/21]
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. 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.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (2305)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:2305. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will consider plans during the exit of level 5 to prioritise streamlining supports for persons at all stages of pregnancy and birth given that the previous ad hoc approach applied across different hospitals has left persons confused; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20527/21]
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (2306)
Christopher O'Sullivan
Ceist:2306. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the waiting times for urology in CUH; the number of persons on the waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20528/21]
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. The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased plan for the proposed restoration of services across Community Services, Acute Hospital Operations, Cancer Services and Screening Services. It sets target times for their safe return and details the conditions and challenges that will have to be met.
Every phase of the plan has been informed by clinical guidance and putting patient and staff safety first.
Decisions in relation to the type and volume of activity will be made at site level based on local COVID-19 numbers, available capacity and guidance from national clinical leads.
The schedule outlined in the plan for resumption of services will be regularly monitored by the HSE and updated as appropriate, dependant on public health advice and healthcare capacity.
The work of the HSE to improve access to elective care and reduce waiting times for patients is supported by the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF). This includes 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.
€240 million has been provided in Budget 2021 for an access to care fund, €210m of which has been allocated to the HSE and a further €30m to the National Treatment Purchase Fund. This will be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as to address waiting lists.
The data requested by the Deputy regarding the waiting times and the number of persons waiting for Urology in Cork University Hospital is outlined in the attached document for both Inpatient and Day Case (IPDC) and Outpatient (OPD) waiting lists. This information is also available on the website of the National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (2307)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:2307. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the resources he is providing to assist persons with Prader-Willi syndrome and their carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20541/21]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (2308)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:2308. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding Departmental reviews of existing services available for those with Prader-Willi syndrome; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20543/21]
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 this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 2309 answered with Question No. 1581.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (2310)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:2310. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if additional stock of hotel quarantine rooms have been made available; the amount of stock available for mandatory hotel quarantining; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20548/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Mandatory Hotel Quarantine system was put in place with an initial capacity of 650 across 4 hotels. Additional capacity has been added and is expected to progress as follows:
- Saturday 17 April 2021: 959 rooms
- Friday 23 April 2021: 1189 rooms
- Monday 26 April 2021: 1607 rooms
The room availability in designated facilities of the Mandatory Quarantine System is under regular review and further rooms will be made available as necessary.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (2311)
John McGuinness
Ceist:2311. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding to support one to one counselling and psychotherapy services to assist those delivering the services in the private sector to expand their operations to include referrals from the public health sector given the significant demand arising from Covid-19 being experienced by those professionals involved; if he will encourage the HSE to assist in ensuring that any person presenting with a mental health issue is seen immediately by the appropriate professional in either a public or private setting; the number of outpatients on the waiting list presenting with mental health issues that have yet to have their first appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20550/21]
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.
Question No. 2312 answered with Question No. 1991.