Written Answers Nos. 220-236
220. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if the list of professions which are permitted to administer Covid-19 vaccinations will be expanded to include registered phlebotomists, healthcare assistants and social care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27723/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE are building and deploying its workforce in order to be prepared for the requirements associated with rolling out the COVID-19 vaccine programme.
GPs, Pharmacists, doctors, nurses, paramedics, and many healthcare professionals, will have a role to play in the vaccination programme.
The vaccine rollout is being conducted on a 7-day week basis. Last week training commenced for new applicants. Alternative training pathways have been put in place in response to the recent cyber-attack.
Ca. 1,400 vaccinators were in place as of Friday 18th June.
There has been a successful national and local recruitment campaign with over 2,900 vaccinators currently being deployed or ready to start from the national recruitment campaign. There are a further 3,000 vaccinators in the recruitment process.
It is not intended that phlebotomists or social workers will be called upon to participate as vaccinators in the programme at this time.
221. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding support for early carer psychologists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27725/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Report of the Psychology Review Implementation Group in 2017 expanded the care group employment available to counselling and educational psychologists. The report’s recommendation led to the establishment of a Project Team to implement this recommendation.
In February 2019, HSE Community Operations convened a Project Team, chaired by Dr Cathal Morgan, comprised of representatives from Clinical, Counselling and Educational Psychology; Social Care, Disability, and Mental Health services; Community and Acute services; Operational and National HR; and the Health and Social Care Professions office.
The Project Team was tasked with, inter alia, considering the preparation of a workforce plan for psychological services in the HSE, including an examination of the current framework for training psychologists for the health service, and the type, and skill-mix, required for the future.
The work of the Project Team has been informed by a thorough stakeholder consultation process. It is expected that the Report of the Project Team will be finalised in the coming weeks.
222. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health when x-ray services will be reinstated in University Hospital Waterford; the number of persons awaiting an urgent general practitioner referral x-ray in the University Hospital Waterford; the waiting time for such an x-ray; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27726/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
223. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the progress to date in assessing if arrangements will be put in place for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27727/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health has been in contact with the RCSI Hospital Group and they have advised that the patient in question was discharged home on 23rd May 2021.
224. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27729/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
225. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting hip replacement surgery at University Hospital Galway; the length of time that they have been waiting; the average waiting time for such surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27730/21]
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.
While significant progress was made in reducing waiting times from June 2020 onwards, the surge in Covid-19 cases in the first quarter of 2021, and the resultant curtailment of acute hospital services, is reflected in the current waiting list figures.
On 23 March 2021 the HSE published the “Safe Return to Health Services Plan”, outlining 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. However, the implementation of this plan has been suspended pending the resolution of the recent ransomware attack, which is having a significant impact on acute hospitals. The HSE is focusing on urgent and time critical appointments and procedures until this incident is resolved. Once the incident is resolved the focus will return to restoring routine elective services.
My Department does not have full access to information on the impact of this ransomware attack on elective waiting lists but will provide an update as soon as one is available.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are putting in place plans to improve access to elective care and reduce waiting times for patients. These plans include increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, providing virtual clinics and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
An additional €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 NTPF. This will be used to fund additional capacity to address the shortfall arising as a result of infection control measures taken in the context of COVID-19, as well as addressing backlogs in waiting lists.
My Department, the HSE and the NTPF are currently in the process of finalising a Multiannual Waiting List plan to address waiting lists and bring them in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years.
Due to the ongoing IT issues triggered by the HSE cyber-attack, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has been unable to receive weekly national hospital waiting list data or downloads. The latest published waiting list information was collated by the NTPF on 13th May 2021. The information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of persons awaiting hip replacement surgery at University Hospital Galway; the length of time that they have been waiting; the average waiting time for such surgery, is outlined in the attached document. This information is based on the latest available data provided by the NTPF. The NTPF has advised that the health system does not collect the data necessary to calculate average wait times. In particular, the time to treatment of patients who have already received their care is not collected. The NTPF collects data on patients currently on the waiting list and the average time that these patients have been waiting is provided here.
IP Hip Replacement Waiters for Galway University Hospital as at 13/05/2021
|
- |
0-6 Months |
6-12 Months |
12-18 Months |
18+ Months |
Grand Total |
|
Galway University Hospitals |
57 |
22 |
11 |
17 |
107 |
|
Grand Total |
57 |
22 |
11 |
17 |
107 |
|
Mean Num days: |
277 |
||||
|
Median Num days: |
181 |
The health system does not collect the data necessary to calculate average wait times. In particular, the time to treatment of patients who have already received their care is not collected.
The NTPF collects data on patients currently on the waiting list and the average time that these patients have been waiting is provided here.
226. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the number of specialist eating disorder beds in an adolescent mental health unit available in the State; the number in each location; the average waiting time for a bed in each facility; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27741/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEnhancement of specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists, remains a key priority for me, Government as a whole and the HSE.
In response to the growth in cases presenting to mental health services, €5.7 million has been allocated for the Eating Disorders National Clinical Programme since 2016. The Eating Disorders Model of Care was launched in 2018 and was developed in partnership with the College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and BodyWhys, the national support group for people with eating disorders.
€1.77 million has been invested to date in eating disorder specialist posts, with 21.8 WTEs now in place. In addition, I secured the balance of 3.94M for 2021 and this will enable further investment in specialist posts throughout this year. More specifically, it will allow for the establishment of three new specialist eating disorder teams and the completion of the three existing specialist teams. Premises are already under development for the new community team at the Mount Carmel site, and is expected to be completed by the end 2021. Recruitment is progressing well for all teams.
The funding allocated to date has seen significant growth and improvement in our services. Despite the significant increase in referrals in 2020, there was a 43% increase in the number of eating disorder assessments completed, compared to 2019, with twice as many people starting treatment.
As of last year, there are three specialist eating disorder teams in place. This means that we can treat over 90% of people with eating disorders in the community, avoiding more serious inpatient treatment.
There are currently 2 eating disorder specialist community teams based in CAMHS, one in CHO4 Cork and Kerry Regional Eating Disorder Service CAREDS (operational since May 2019) and the other based in CHO 7 Linn Dara Community Eating Disorder Service LDCEDS (operational since April 2018). Funding has been made available in 2021 to progress the recruitment of an additional CAMHS based eating disorder specialist community team in Community Healthcare West (Galway, Mayo and Roscommon, CHO2).
Specialist outpatient treatment has been found to be the most effective and fastest way for most people with eating disorders to recover. Although there is good evidence that inpatient psychiatric care is not required for most people with eating disorders, it is recognised that a small number of people, mainly with restrictive eating disorders, require inpatient care for short periods, for structured refeeding and/or stabilisation.
In circumstances where in-patient care is required, child and adolescent care is provided in all of the 4 Regional CAMHS Units across the country. Linn Dara (8 beds) and Merlin Park (6 beds) have dedicated a number of specialist eating disorder beds, while the remaining 2 CAMHS units accept relevant admissions of children with eating disorders. There is national coordination of child and adolescent admissions, with transfer arrangements in place as required by individual clinical need. As of 29/06/21, there are 3 people on a waiting list for a specialist CAMHS eating disorder bed.
There are plans for an Eating Disorder Unit in the new National Children’s Hospital which will provide 8 additional beds. The HSE also funds individuals in private facilities. Decisions are made based on individual clinical need, as assessed by the local mental health team, and the prioritisation of available funding.
With respect to your question regarding the average wait time for in-patient beds, as it relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
Importantly, with the right support and intervention, people can and do recover from eating disorders. The Government and the Department, along with the HSE and its partners, are committed to providing and expanding high-quality treatment and support for all those affected by eating disorders.
227. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health the current wait time for the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27742/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
228. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Minister for Health if it will be ensured that persons diagnosed with dementia that are in general hospitals are allowed visits from family members; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27743/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, on 23 June 2021, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre published updated guidance on visiting in Acute Hospitals including other healthcare settings providing a similar intensity of care. A copy of the latest guidance can be accessed at www.hpsc.ie.
The guidance acknowledges that some patients may find it very difficult to manage without personal contact with others who are important to them even for a short period of time. The guidance also acknowledges that many people who are in hospital for extended periods or have specific needs may suffer greatly from a lack of contact with family and friends. Furthermore, the guidance also provides for visiting in critical and compassionate circumstances, such as situations where a patient is significantly distressed or disturbed and although unable to express the desire for a visit, there is reason to believe that a visit from a significant person may relieve distress.
In acute hospitals or sections of an acute hospital where there is no ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, reasonable visitor access should be facilitated to the greatest degree practical for those patients who ask to receive visitors. In general visits should be arranged in advance with the ward.
Within this context, hospitals are required to strike a balance between the need to balance the risk of the introduction of COVID-19 by visitors by doing all that is practical to support safe visiting when visiting is essential.
Although the situation has greatly improved, the risk associated with COVID-19 remains very real. There is still a risk of introduction of infection, including the possibility of a new variant of COVID-19, against which the vaccine may be less effective. Therefore, caution remains appropriate. At all times vigilance on the general infection prevention and control measures must be maintained and public health advice must continue to be followed, including when visiting, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and protect those living in our communities.
The guidance will be kept under continuing review as new evidence and data emerges.
229. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health when a child (details supplied) will receive a date for surgery; if they have been deemed as urgent; the waiting time for this surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27744/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
230. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) will receive a date for surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27746/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
231. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health the supports available for a person (details supplied) with severe epilepsy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27747/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
232. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if he will address the case of persons (details supplied). [27755/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
233. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health the reason it is taking for long for a person (details supplied) to undergo a hip procedure. [27756/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
234. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health if the recent cyber-attack on the HSE will not affect the vaccine roll-out for those who are at high risk in cohort 7 who are experiencing delays in getting referrals from their general practitioner to a vaccination centre as a result of the online systems being down; and the steps he will take to resolve this. [27758/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
235. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health his views on correspondence (details supplied) in relation to the obligated three-year review of abortion law; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27759/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe 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 being progressed this year and will be led by an independent expert. 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, and a public consultation will be held.
Upon completion, a full report, with any necessary recommendations, will be submitted to me, as Minister, for consideration.
I have held a number of meetings with stakeholder groups to discuss the approach for the review; this will be finalised in due course.
236. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the waiting time for an appointment to be seen for a knee replacement procedure at Croom Orthopaedic Hospital, Limerick for a person (details supplied) who is waiting four years for the procedure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27761/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this Parliamentary Question relates to an operational issue, it is a matter for the HSE. However, members of the Oireachtas are advised that the HSE is currently unable to access the information to answer Parliamentary Questions due to the recent cyber-attack, which has required a temporary shut-down of HSE IT systems. The disruption to service is on-going, and the HSE is working hard to restore its IT capacity and resume normal services. Members of the Oireachtas will be advised as soon as the HSE is again in a position to provide responses to PQs and are encouraged to resubmit their Parliamentary Questions at that point.
