Written Answers Nos. 206-225
206. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health if Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan will not be downgraded to a model two hospital in line with the 2013 Health National Framework; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50827/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra820. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health if he will intervene to save Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan from downgrading to a model two hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50950/21]
Amharc ar fhreagra821. Deputy Johnny Guirke asked the Minister for Health if he will meet with the HSE and discuss the possibility of keeping Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan as a 24-hour accident and emergency service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50951/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 206, 820 and 821 together.
I am aware that a process of planning for changes to the services at Our Lady’s Hospital Navan is underway by the HSE. I am also acutely aware that any proposed changes to health services can be a source of great anxiety and worry for communities affected, and I am determined that any changes to the service at Navan must be done in consultation with the local community. I have therefore instructed the HSE to pause in the planning of these changes in order to engage in consultation with elected representatives on behalf of local people.
The context for these changes is the Smaller Hospitals Framework, as referenced by the Deputy, which was approved by Government and published in 2013. The Framework included a list of nine designated Model 2 Hospitals, including Our Lady’s Hospital Navan. Navan will be the last of these hospitals to transition to Model 2. The HSE has advised that changes to the services at Navan, in line with the Government Decision, are necessary to support safe service delivery on a sustained basis and to address clinical concerns.
The HSE's planning envisages the development of a 24 /7 Acute Medical Assessment Unit, along with a 12/7 Local Injuries Unit, and an extended role for the hospital in areas such as day and ambulatory surgery. I am advised that this would see the significant majority of current footfall continue, with the hospital in the future providing more care rather than less, but at the right level of complexity in clinical terms, and supported by the necessary investment.
207. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the status of plans to introduce a no-fault vaccination compensation scheme for severe adverse reactions to State-promoted vaccination programmes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49954/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn June 2018, the Government agreed to the establishment of the expert group to review the management of clinical negligence claims. It was chaired by the High Court Judge, Mr. Justice Charles Meenan. The expert group examined the system from the perspective of the person who has made the claim to explore if there is a better way to deal effectively, yet more sensitively, with certain cases.
Mr. Justice Meenan submitted the final report on the current system for managing clinical negligence claims to the then Minister for Health and Minister for Justice in January 2020, prior to the onset of the Covid pandemic. The Government subsequently published the Meenan report in December 2020. One of the report's recommendations is that a compensation scheme be established.
On foot of a request from my Department, the Health Research Board, HRB, carried out an evidence review on the vaccine injury redress programme in other jurisdictions, which was completed in March 2019. The expert group's report, in addition to the HRB's evidence review, and consultation with other Departments and relevant State agencies will inform the development of proposals regarding the establishment of a compensation scheme, including the need for primary legislation, and work to advance policy development in this regard is under way in the Department.
208. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the number of older persons on the waiting list for home care support in each local health office area in CHO8; the corresponding figures for each area at the end of June 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50608/21]
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.
209. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his views on and the position regarding the 22 October 2021 lifting of maternity restrictions in hospitals across the country; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50820/21]
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.
210. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he has explored the potential to trade excess vaccines in Ireland which are approaching their expiration date with other states in need of vaccine supplies. [43477/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland's COVID-19 vaccination programme strategy is to distribute all available vaccines as quickly as is operationally possible, prioritising those who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The programme is based on the principles of safety, effectiveness and fairness, with the objective of reducing severe illness, hospitalisations and deaths from COVID-19 infection. Ireland's COVID-19 vaccination programme will offer vaccination to all Irish residents for whom it is deemed safe, based on clinical expert guidance, and who wish to receive it.
Ireland fully supports efforts by the international community, including as an EU Member State, to ensure fair and equitable access to vaccines for all.
On September 30th, Ireland completed the direct donation of over 335,000 vaccines to Uganda. All of the necessary consumables to support the administration of these vaccines were also donated.
Ireland will utilise the sharing mechanisms available through the EU procurement structure. COVAX will be central to this sharing mechanism.
Currently, Ireland is working to finalise the legal documentation necessary to conclude a further donation of over one million COVID-19 vaccines via the COVAX facility. It is hoped that this process will conclude in the coming weeks.
212. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health his plans for the implementation of Sláintecare incorporating dealing with accumulated hospital waiting lists with particular reference to the need to make urgent and positive impact on such lists; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50775/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Sláintecare Implementation Strategy & Action Plan 2021-2023 committed to developing a Multi-Annual Waiting Lists Reduction Plan. My Department, the HSE and the NTPF is working on that Plan to address waiting lists and bring them 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 including representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
Furthermore, I published an Acute Waiting List Action Plan on the 7th of October. This plan, to run to December 2021, was drawn up in consultation between my Department, the Health Service Executive and the National Treatment Purchase Fund and will address the increase in acute hospital waiting lists arising from the impact of Covid-19 and the cyberattack.
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.
213. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the progress made on securing a copy of the Brandon Report from the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50029/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE commissioned the National Independent Review Panel to carry out a review of a residential service for adults with a disability. The review report, the Brandon Report, focuses on matters of a sensitive nature, and how they were managed.
Minister Rabbitte received a copy of the report and sought assurances from the HSE regarding the findings and recommendations.
The HSE advised that there is no ongoing risk to service users and that there is a commitment to the implementation of the specific recommendations arising from the report. This is in addition to making substantial changes to the wider Disability services in the area concerned and nationally in line with National Policy.
The Board has also advised that it is focused on ensuring that all of the recommendations of the report are promptly and appropriately actioned by the HSE. Actions are being taken to seek assurances requested by the Minister and will be reported to her once concluded.
Minister Rabbitte has informed the HSE that it is her view that the Brandon Report should be published in its entirety. The HSE advises that An Garda Síochána has requested it not to publish the report at this time. The Minister will continue to engage with the HSE and its Board on this matter in the weeks ahead.
214. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health if there is funding available to statutory bodies that provide mental health services to refer persons to community and voluntary organisations; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50518/21]
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.
215. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health the status of the implementation of the new model for public health medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50764/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter for the HSE, it has been referred there for direct reply.
217. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health the status of the promised updated implementation plan for the National Maternity Strategy; when the plan will be published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50804/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Women & Infants Health Programme (NWIHP) has produced a revised implementation plan for the National Maternity Strategy covering the remaining period of the Strategy’s lifetime from 2021-2026, in line with recommendations made by HIQA in its 2020 Overview Report of its monitoring programme against the National Standards for Safer Better Maternity Services.
This plan has been finalised and submitted to the Department for review. As the publication of the plan is a matter for the NWIHP, I have asked the Health Services Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
218. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to concerns in relation to medical card holders being unable to get dental appointments due to ongoing issues between dentists and the HSE; his plans to alleviate this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50773/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraApproximately 1,200 contracted dentists provide oral healthcare to medical card holders under the Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS). These services are provided by independent dental practitioners who have a contract with the HSE. The HSE will assist anyone experiencing problems accessing a service.
The approach to future oral health service provision will be aligned with Smile agus Sláinte, the National Oral Health Policy (2019). The aim of the policy is to develop a model of care that will enable preventative approaches to be prioritised, improve access, and support interventions appropriate to current and future oral health needs.
The current DTSS is based on outdated approaches from the 1990s and is no longer suitable. I am committed to ensuring the sustainability of the DTSS, but recognise that it needs to be aligned with the best international evidence and practice, as outlined in the new Policy. The COVID-19 pandemic has caused the roll-out of the National Oral Health Policy to be delayed, and the proposed review of the DTSS contract to be deferred.
Officials in my Department and from the HSE are currently engaging with the Irish Dental Association to explore ways of mitigating the difficulties some patients are currently experiencing in accessing services.
219. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the status of his efforts to reduce maternity restrictions at maternity hospitals nationally; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50692/21]
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.
220. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he is a plaintiff in the case related to the Court of Justice of the European Union’s CBD ruling or a respondent in the case (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50878/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraNeither the Government nor the Minister for Health has challenged the decision of the European Court of Justice as alleged in the article referenced.
I am a respondent in an ongoing High Court Judicial review in which the European Court of Justice judgement has been cited by the applicant and it would not be appropriate to comment on a matter which is sub-judice.
221. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if his Department has submitted a report to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the most recent cost estimate and timescale for the completion of the new national children’s hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [45657/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (NPHDB) has statutory responsibility for planning, designing, building and equipping the new children's hospital (NCH). The NPHDB has, at my request, undertaken a detailed analysis of the project to determine the implications of any delay(s), and to determine the most effective pathway to ensure the timely completion of this critical project.
Given the commercially sensitive nature of this work, updates on the current position have been shared with key relevant stakeholders, as appropriate, including the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
The NPHDB and the contractor are working to do everything they can to ensure the timely and cost-effective completion of the project. However, Brexit and the global pandemic have severely impacted supply chains, including those for the construction sector, and the NCH project cannot be immune to these external risks. However, every effort is being taken to mitigate risks, wherever possible.
222. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to outsource children for scoliosis surgery; his views on the wait times for scoliosis surgery; the number of children waiting in County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50601/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for hospital appointments and treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.
My priority as Minister for Health, and that of this Government, is to improve waiting times for all patients accessing hospital treatment, and reducing the paediatric waiting list for orthopaedic procedures remains a priority within that.
My Department, the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) are working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan to address waiting lists and bring them 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 including representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund. It will take the learnings from the achievements of the Vaccine Taskforce to inform the plan.
An additional €250 million is being provided in Budget 2022 to improve access to care across the health system.
It 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.
The cyber-attack in May 2021 in particular, caused significant disruption to the orthopaedic service and all services across the Children’s Health Ireland Hospital Group. Children's Health Ireland advise that without access to a patient’s full history and previous diagnostic investigations, it was not considered safe to proceed without all electronic support systems in place. This impacted patients with complex needs in particular, and restricted the patient cohort that could safely proceed with surgery during this time.
Most systems are now back up and running across CHI sites, but back-loading of information is ongoing, and this continues to have an impact on waiting lists and the number of surgeries completed.
Despite the impact of the pandemic and the cyberattack Children’s Health Ireland advise that as of the end of September 2021, 266 spinal surgeries had been carried out which is an increase of 41 compared to the same period last year.
CHI remain committed to increasing activity levels and examining innovative methods to improve access to all specialities. For example, additional theatre sessions are being held in Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, for non-complex, age-appropriate orthopaedic patients.
CHI also continues to develop the Advanced Clinical Triage clinic model in City West. Active Clinical Triage is a system which has been adapted for use within the paediatric orthopaedic unit at CHI Crumlin and its purpose is to reduce the overall orthopaedics out-patient waiting list, starting with the longest waiting clinically appropriate referrals.
A new Orthopaedic Consultant with a special interest in neuromuscular conditions started in Temple Street in September which should also enable the use of additional theatre capacity and support additional capacity as part of the Cappagh Kids programme.
Officials in the Department of Health remain in regular contact with CHI regarding scoliosis services. CHI have advised that all patients with a diagnosis of scoliosis require a pre-operative work-up prior to spinal surgery, including multiple diagnostic investigations and review by a multi-disciplinary team. The plan of care which is implemented for each patient is tailored to best meet the patient's clinical requirements. It is the responsibility of the treating Consultant to clinically prioritise patients for surgery on the waiting list.
In relation to the information requested by the Deputy regarding plans to outsource children for scoliosis surgery and the number of children waiting in County Cork, as the issues raised by the Deputy relate to operational matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
223. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address children waiting for initial contact with children’s disability network teams in the west Cork network [50795/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
224. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in the past 12 months to the school dental scheme in counties Laois and Offaly. [50627/21]
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.
225. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to address the ongoing restrictions on partners attending at maternity hospitals. [50834/21]
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.
