Written Answers Nos. 172-190
172. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the speech and language therapy further treatment waiting list in each local health area as of 1 April 2021 or latest date available; the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months; and the number waiting aged 0 to 17 years and those aged 18 years of age and above in each category in tabular form . [21020/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
173. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the occupational therapy first-time assessment waiting list in each local health area as of 1 April 2021 or the latest date available; the number waiting less than 4, 4 to 12 and more than 12 months; and the number waiting aged 0 to 4, 5 to 17, 18 to 64 and more than 65 years of age in each category in tabular form. [21021/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
174. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of children as of 1 April 2021 or the latest date available that were awaiting a first assessment from the HSE under the Disability Act 2005 in each local health office area in Dublin in tabular form. [21022/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
175. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 829 of 10 March 2021, if the situation regarding a unit (details supplied) has been reviewed in relation to rehabilitation bed availability; the number of admissions being accepted currently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21023/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
177. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when the fair deal nursing home support scheme (amendment) Bill will be published; the reason for the delay; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21039/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Nursing Homes Support Scheme, commonly referred to as the Fair Deal Scheme, has been in operation for over 10 years and there is broad agreement that the Scheme operates well and continues to provide appropriate financial assistance where it is required.
However, it is recognised that the Act, in its current form, does not place caps on the financial assessment of family owned and operated farms or businesses when calculating the means to pay for nursing home care. This places a potentially onerous burden on family successors and could challenge the future viability of these productive assets.
Therefore, the Department of Health has proposed a policy change to the Scheme, to cap contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where a family successor commits to working the productive asset. The stated policy objective of the legislation is to introduce additional safeguards in the Scheme to further protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses that will be passed down to the next generation of the family to continue to work them as productive assets to provide for their livelihood.
This change was approved by Government and underwent pre-legislative scrutiny in the last Dáil. Progress on the development of the Bill was negatively impacted by the dissolution of the last Dáil and by the COVID-19 pandemic. The response to the pandemic has been and continues to be a national and public health priority. However, the Programme for Government commits to introducing this amendment to the Nursing Home Support Scheme and work on the legislation has continued to progress. Officials in my Department and draftspeople in the Office of the Attorney General have been working intensively on drafting this legislation for several months, and I am pleased to say that a finalised draft of the Bill has now been signed by the Attorney General. I am sure you will appreciate that several steps must be completed before the Bill is laid before the Houses of the Oireachtas, including its approval by Government. I expect to bring the Bill to Cabinet for approval in the next couple of weeks. It will be published very shortly thereafter and presented to both Houses of the Oireachtas at the earliest possible opportunity.
178. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for orthodontic treatment nationally by CHO area; the number on the waiting list in the Dublin north city and county area; the number in each area who are in grade 5i level of severity in tabular form; the estimated length of time a patient can expect to wait for treatment such as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21040/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
179. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the way in which his Department and agencies under his remit encourage and facilitate employees to use active travel to commute to work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21054/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraCurrently, during level 5 restrictions, all staff in my Department have been advised to work from home except where it is essential that they work onsite. To encourage and facilitate employees to stay active, wellbeing guidance and advice is communicated on a regular basis, and all staff are reminded to take regular breaks.
In general terms, pre and post pandemic, staff in my Department are encouraged and facilitated to use active travel to commute to work in the following ways:
- The Cycle to Work scheme is available and promoted to staff.
- Miesian Plaza has secure and plentiful bicycle parking and excellent shower facilities.
- The Travel Pass scheme incentivises staff to use public transport which in turn encourages them to walk or cycle to and from train stations and bus stops.
- When the Department moved to our new headquarters in Miesian Plaza we reduced our available car parking spaces to further encourage staff to cycle or walk to work.
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy in respect of the staff of the HSE and Section 38 agencies under their remit. The information relating to the Non-Commercial State Agencies under the remit of my Department is being collated and will be forwarded to the Deputy by separate cover.
180. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health when cataract surgery will be carried out for a person (details supplied) at University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21066/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
Elective hospital care was curtailed for the first quarter of 2021, in line with the rapid increase in Covid -19 hospital admissions, with only critical time dependent elective procedures undertaken.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased approach 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.
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.
181. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health the number of children that have a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis; the number of children that have a diagnosis of other autoimmune diseases; the number of full-time paediatric consultants available to provide care for these children; the number of children waiting for a first appointment with a paediatric consultant rheumatologist; the average waiting time; his plans to recruit additional paediatric consultant rheumatologists; the status of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21069/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for hospital appointments and procedures, and I am conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. This Government is committed to improving waiting times for all patients accessing hospital treatment across all specialties, including rheumatology.
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.
Elective hospital care was curtailed for the first quarter of 2021, in line with the rapid increase in Covid -19 hospital admissions, with only critical time dependent elective procedures undertaken.
On 23 March the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”. This plan outlines a three phased approach 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.
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.
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that they sincerely regret that children and their families are experiencing long waiting times for their rheumatology appointments and they are making every effort to reduce these waiting times including the scheduling of additional outpatient clinics in CHI at Connolly this year.
CHI has further advised that the Rheumatology service in Crumlin has appointed a Consultant Rheumatologist position following a successful recruitment campaign. It is expected that the Consultant will be available to take up their post in 2022. CHI’s intention will be to work closely with the new appointee and the current rheumatology team to develop strategies to address the waiting times for patients on the waiting list.
In relation to the number of children awaiting a first Outpatient appointment with a Consultant Rheumatologist at Children's Health Ireland, the table attached shows the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) published figures by time-band for Rheumatology Outpatients at the end of March 2021. The waiting list figures relate to the specialty of Rheumatology and cannot be broken down by medical diagnosis, therefore the number of children with a diagnosis of juvenile arthritis or other autoimmune diseases who are on this waiting list cannot be provided.
Outpatient Waiting List for Rheumatology at Children's Health Ireland as at 26/03/2021
|
0-3 Months |
3-6 Months |
6-9 Months |
9-12 Months |
12-15 Months |
15-18 Months |
18 Months + |
Grand Total |
|
|
CHI Rheumatology patients |
129 |
120 |
66 |
46 |
91 |
74 |
732 |
1,258 |
182. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided for drug task forces in view of the increasing demands on such services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21081/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraDrug and alcohol task forces have a key role in coordinating inter-agency action and supporting evidence-informed approaches to problem substance use. The network of 24 task forces receives €29 million in annual funding from the Department of Health and the HSE. These resources should be directed towards interventions and strategies which are most likely to reduce problem substance use and improve public health.
To support the development of the Framework for the Restoration of Drug and Alcohol Services, once-off funding of €480,00 was provided in November 2020 for the provision of drug and alcohol services during Covid-19. The funding included the adaptation of services, premises, online meetings, and personal protective equipment. The funding was allocated to the network of 24 Drug and Alcohol Task Forces for distribution to community and voluntary drug and alcohol services in their areas. Each task force could apply for up to €20,000 in once-off funding to meet Covid-19 related costs.
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 money will be used to expand services, especially in areas and communities that have limited access to services.
Over the last few months, I have met with drug and alcohol task forces to discuss support for their work in identifying and responding to local needs, including the challenges for people who use drugs during Covid-19. I will announce details of the new €1m funding in due course.
183. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when terms of reference for the three-year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 will be published; if a company or organisation has or will be commissioned in relation to the service user and service provider strands of the review; the name of the company if one has been chosen; the terms of reference it has been given; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21082/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra184. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health when the public consultation regarding the three-year review of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 is due to commence; the form it will take; the procedures and systems being put in place to ensure as wide a public consultation as possible; if all submissions submitted will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21083/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 183 and 184 together.
The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 was signed into law on 20 December 2018 and commenced on 1 January 2019. Section 7 of the Act states that “The Minister shall, not later than 3 years after the commencement of this section, carry out a review of the operation of this Act”.
The review is scheduled to be progressed in 2021 and will be overseen by my Department. It is anticipated that it will take a three-part approach to reviewing the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation.
Research to inform the service user and service provider strands will be commissioned and carried out independently. My Department will manage the public consultation, which will extend a public invitation to all interested groups/organisations and individuals to provide their views to inform the review of the operation of the legislation. At the current time it is intended that any submissions received will be published, unless the individual or group making the submission indicates that they do not consent to it being made public.
My Department will collate and analyse the findings of the three strands of the review. Upon completion a full report, with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration.
185. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 3.1 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; if the targets that were set in the recommendation were met within the ten-year period; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21088/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra192. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.6 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the way in which hypertension is being prioritised in primary care; the way in which this fits into the general practitioner contract; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects that are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21095/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra201. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 5.13, 5.14 and 5.15 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21104/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra211. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 8.2 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the cardiovascular health services information system that exists currently; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21114/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra212. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 8.3 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the cardiovascular-specific datasets that have been agreed and mechanisms established for collection of this information; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21115/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 192, 201, 211 and 212 together.
The cardiovascular policy, Changing Cardiovascular Health covering the period 2010-2019, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled Building Healthier Hearts (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. All the other recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 have an identified lead organisation.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 recommendations.
186. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 3.2 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; the reductions in inequality in cardiovascular health targets that were achieved in this time; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21089/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe cardiovascular policy, Changing Cardiovascular Health covering the period 2010-2019, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled Building Healthier Hearts (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. All the other recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 have an identified lead organisation.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 recommendations.
187. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.1 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; the series of campaigns that took place in a phased manner as per the action; if interim evaluations guiding the next educational phase took place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21090/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra188. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.2 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 - 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21091/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra191. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.5 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21094/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra193. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.7 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21096/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra194. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.8 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21097/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra195. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.9 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21098/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 and 5.5 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21099/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra197. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 5.6 and 5.7 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21100/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra198. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 5.8 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21101/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra200. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 5.12 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21103/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra202. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 5.16 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21105/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra203. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 5.24 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21106/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra205. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 6.1, 6.2 and 6.3 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21108/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra206. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 6.4, 6.5 and 6.6 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21109/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra207. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 6.9, 6.10 and 6.11 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21110/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra208. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 6.12, 6.13 and 6.14 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21111/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra209. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 6.15, 6.16, 6.17 and 6.18 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21112/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra210. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 7.6 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21113/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 187, 188, 191, 193 to 198, inclusive, 200, 202, 203 and 205 to 210, inclusive, together.
The cardiovascular policy, Changing Cardiovascular Health covering the period 2010-2019, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled Building Healthier Hearts (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. All the other recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 have an identified lead organisation.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 recommendations.
These PQs also relate to operational matters and have been referred to the Health Service Executive for direct reply.
189. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.3 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; if structured clinical care has been put in place; if he targeted individualised assessment and management of cardiovascular disease in primary care; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects that are outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21092/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra190. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 4.4 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21093/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra199. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendations 5.9, 5.10 and 5.11 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21102/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra204. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of recommendation 5.27 of Changing Cardiovascular Health: National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019; the campaigns that took place during this time; the frequency with which the campaigns took place; the actions that were taken to ensure full implementation; the aspects outstanding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21107/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 189, 190, 199 and 204 together.
The cardiovascular policy, Changing Cardiovascular Health covering the period 2010-2019, built on the first national cardiovascular health strategy, entitled Building Healthier Hearts (Department of Health 1999). The reorganisation of care was reflected in the national cardiovascular strategy in 2010 which proposed the centralisation of cardiovascular services in order to maximise access, expertise and population coverage which formed part of the consideration of the current National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services. All the other recommendations in the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 have an identified lead organisation.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 with Professor Phillip Nolan as Chair of the Steering Group. This Review aims to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme.
While substantial progress has been made on the Review, the COVID-19 Pandemic has impacted on the progress of the review, as the Chair has played a key role in the national COVID-19 response, both as a member of the NPHET and Chair of the Irish Epidemiological Modelling Advisory Group. However, it is intended that the Review will continue and work is now underway to progress this over the coming months.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services with specific terms of reference is cognisant of the Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019 recommendations.
