Written Answers Nos. 166-185
166. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 in each local health office area in CHO 6; the corresponding figures in each area at the end of June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50542/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
167. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health when he will introduce the legislation for safe access zones to ensure persons can access reproductive health services in safety with dignity and with the right to privacy. [50774/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to assure the Deputy that I am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services. The issue is included in the Programme for Government Our Shared Future (2020), and it remains an ongoing priority. I plan to have proposals for safe access on the legislative programme as soon as possible.
For your information, since services under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 commenced in January 2019, there has been a limited number of reports of protests or any other actions relating to termination of pregnancy. This is an extremely positive development, suggesting that termination of pregnancy services have bedded in relatively smoothly to date and are becoming a normal part of the Irish healthcare system, in line with Government policy. In addition, it is likely that the settings in which services are being offered – in general practice and in maternity hospitals – have contributed to protecting patient privacy. However, we are aware of reports of some protests which have caused distress to those accessing and providing services.
My Department is in regular contact with the HSE and has liaised with An Garda Síochána on safe access to services. The Garda National Protective Services Bureau issued a notice to all Garda stations raising awareness about the issue. It directed that any protests be monitored, and breaches of existing law dealt with.
168. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the number of capital projects approved under the winter planning within the Covid-19 pandemic October 2020–April 2021 plan; the projected number of additional beds to be provided; the number of projects completed to date; the additional beds provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49952/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
169. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if there are current vacancies in a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50830/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
170. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the waiting lists for ENT appointments in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Tullamore and a person (details supplied) who has been waiting an appointment since they were referred in 2018 and has been informed by the hospital it will be another two years before they can expect an appointment. [50777/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. 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 associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to 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.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The current waiting list for ENT for the Midlands Regional Hospital Tullamore is outlined in the attached document which provides the Inpatient-Daycase and Outpatient waiting list as of end of September 2021.
In relation to the individual patient query raised (details supplied), 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.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
171. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the detail of the winter plan of his Department for Naas General Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50520/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraEmergency department attendances have increased steadily since the relaxation of Covid 19 restrictions and in recent weeks have been in line with levels usually seen during the winter months. I am aware that more than 13,000 individuals have attended the emergency department in Naas this year and that over 3,800 of those required admittance to the hospital.
Through the 20/21 Winter Plan and budget ’21, the Government invested €1.2bn to fund significant initiatives across the health service in the acute, community care and primary care sectors. These initiatives aim to reduce demand on emergency care by, for example, providing additional bed capacity, alternative care pathways outside the acute sector and additional home support packages. The Government has maintained this level of investment in budget 2022 and has also allocated a further €22m, to enhance specific additional winter initiatives in 2022.
The HSE is to submit a plan to me which will ensure that the health service is prepared for the challenges of this winter, and which will reflect the substantial level of investment being committed to by Government. The plan will implement new ways of working, open additional capacity and continue to enhance infection prevention and control measures in healthcare facilities, thereby providing for the appropriate, safe and timely care for patients by ensuring, insofar as possible, that effective levels of capacity and resources are in place to meet the expected growth in activity levels.
When the Winter Plan for is finalised it will be an operational matter for the HSE to determine any specific measures and associated additional resources that may relate to Naas General Hospital.
172. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the number of older persons on the waiting list for homecare support in each local health office area in CHO 2; the corresponding figures for each area at the end of June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50551/21]
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 Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if there are plans for a health and social care policy adviser at his Department given the acceleration in expansion of community health in which health and social care providers will be leaders in service planning and delivery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50823/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe decision to appoint a health and social care policy advisor and the role they will undertake is under consideration at the present time, in the context of overall staffing priorities within the Department of Health. The Department values the significant contribution of all health and social care professionals and wishes to ensure this contribution is fully utilised in the interests of the wellbeing of the public.
174. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the status of Mayo University Hospital in terms of waiting lists for inpatient and outpatients and the current nurse to patient ratio; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50802/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. 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 associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to 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.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The information requested by the Deputy concerning, inpatient and outpatient waiting lists at Mayo University Hospital, is outlined in the attached document. In regard to the current nurse-to-patient ratio, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
175. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health his plans to address the shortage of staff and resources at Connolly Hospital, Dublin 15; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50596/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 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.
176. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the detail of the waiting list for neurology services in County Galway; the steps being taken to address this issue; if more nurse specialists in neurology will be appointed in Galway University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50765/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. 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 associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to 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.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The HSE has advised that GUH have interviewed for a Neurology Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) and plan to interview for the second CNS in the coming weeks.
In addition, one Clinical Nurse Specialist Neurology Paediatric post will be re-advertised as a previous campaign was unsuccessful and the recruitment of one Clinical Nurse Specialist in Paediatric Neurodevelopmental, is in process.
The information requested by the deputy concerning the waiting list for neurology services in County Galway is outlined in the attached document. This information contains the neurology IPDC and outpatient hospital waiting lists for patients with an area of residence for County Galway.
Total Waiters for an Inpatient Neurology Procedure with Area of Residence in Co.Galway by Wait Time Band as at 30/09/2021
|
Sum of Total |
Age |
||
|
Row Labels |
0-12 Months |
12 Months + |
Grand Total |
|
Galway |
9 |
13 |
22 |
178. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the number of children on hospital surgery waiting lists for six months or longer; the steps being taken to reduce waiting periods; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50815/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last nineteen months as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic and more recently as a result of the ransomware attack. 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 associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are focusing on improving access to elective care in order to 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.
On the 7th October I published the Acute Waiting List Action Plan. This plan, to run until December 2021, has a series of targeted measures that are designed to address the growth in waiting lists caused by Covid-19 and the cyber-attack.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are also working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to bring waiting lists in line with Sláintecare targets over the coming years. This process will be overseen by a Ministerial Taskforce, chaired by the Secretary General of my Department and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. The plan will be informed by the lessons learned from the successful Vaccine Taskforce.
For 2022 an additional allocation of €250 million, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund has been provided in respect of work to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The €250 million will be used to fund additional activity in both the public and private sectors. The €50 million additional funding provided to the NTPF brings its total allocation for 2022 to €150 million, and as a consequence there will be a budget of €350 million available to support vital initiatives to improve access to acute hospitals and community health services.
The information requested by the Deputy concerning the number of children on hospital surgery waiting lists for six months or longer, is outlined in the attached document.
|
Children's IPDC Waiting List > 6 months |
|
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
48+ Mths |
Grand Total |
|
966 |
695 |
475 |
219 |
909 |
645 |
109 |
36 |
4054 |
179. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health the vacancies within the CAMHS south Wexford services that are presently with the national recruitment service; the actions his Department is actively taking to provide adequate staffing levels to CAMHS south Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50625/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
180. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the number of children currently on orthodontic waiting lists in north County Kildare; the number waiting greater than six months, one year and three years in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50521/21]
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.
181. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the work or efforts his Department is undertaking to reduce and eliminate the differential in breast cancer survival rates in the public versus the private health system. [50793/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health is not aware of any recent report in regard to a differential in survival rates for breast cancer between patients who are diagnosed and treated in the public system and those diagnosed and treated in the private system.
NCRI data shows that five-year net survival for breast cancer improved markedly from an average of 70% for diagnosis period 1994-1999, to 85% for 2011-2015. This period predates the commencement of the National Cancer Strategy 2017-2026. Further improvements in breast cancer survival rates are to be expected over the lifetime of the Strategy.
As part of Budget 2021, an extra €20m has been allocated for the continued implementation of the National Cancer Strategy this year. Additional funding of €12m has also been allocated in 2021 for the restoration of cancer services in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic. This funding is being used to support hospitals in addressing backlogs, extending clinic times, providing additional clinics, increasing diagnostic capacity and providing locum/temporary support.
The NCCP is continuing to closely monitor trends in numbers coming forward to diagnostic services, and the level of attendances for appointments for treatment. An important message to everyone now is that, if you have any concerns about cancer, please go to your GP who will arrange appropriate follow-up care. Our cancer diagnostic and treatment services are open, and our healthcare staff will provide any necessary care.
I have now secured a further €20m in Budget 2022 to progress the delivery of the National Cancer Strategy and this will have a significant impact on access to cancer diagnostics, treatment and support to patients across their cancer journey.
183. Deputy James O'Connor asked the Minister for Health if more nurse specialists in neurology will be appointed in Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50831/21]
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.
184. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently awaiting an assessment of need under the Disability Act 2005 in each local health office area in CHO9; the corresponding figures for each area at the end of June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50622/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
185. Deputy Mick Barry asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that all maternity hospitals in the State will provide abortion services; if it will be ensured that the review of the abortion legislation will examine the measures needed to ensure provision of abortion services in all hospitals and in all areas of the State; if a guarantee can be provided that the national maternity hospital when based at St. Vincent’s Hospital will provide abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50844/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy may be aware, the review of the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 is being progressed this year, in line with statutory and Government commitments. It will comprise a three-part approach to appraise the operation of the Act, with strands focusing on service users, service providers and a public consultation.
Currently, under the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 services for termination of pregnancy are available in this country in both hospital and community settings. There is regular ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to facilitate the smooth-running of the service and to resolve any issues that may arise.
It is Government policy that termination of pregnancy services, should be provided in all nineteen maternity hospitals. My Department continues to engage with the HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme in relation to plans for the further rollout of termination services in additional maternity hospitals/units.
In relation to the provision of termination services at the new National Maternity Hospital, I am absolutely committed to ensuring that all clinically appropriate and legally permissible services will be provided there, and I do not intend to bring any proposal to Government unless it achieves this.
