Cathal Crowe
Ceist:98. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health his plans for the provision of lung cancer screening; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50618/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (98)
Freagraí scríofa
Lung cancer screening is receiving increasing attention and the international evidence in this area continues to build. However, there are currently no nationally organised lung cancer screening programmes worldwide.
Our policy priority continues to be a focus on primary prevention. Because we know that 9 out of 10 lung cancers are caused by tobacco consumption, we continue to do what we can to drive down our smoking rates.
My Department is currently developing legislation to require the licensing of every retailer of tobacco products, and to ban the sale of cigarettes from self-service vending machines and at locations intended for children and events organised for children. This legislation will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny on 3rd November. I look forward to that debate and continuing to keep Ireland at the forefront of global tobacco control.
In addition, and in accordance with our national tobacco control policy, Tobacco Free Ireland, we have year on year increased the price of cigarettes. Last week, we added 50cent to the price of a packet of cigarettes, with a pro-rata increase on all other tobacco products.
With regard to any future decisions about lung cancer screening, these will be made on the advice of the National Screening Advisory Committee. This Committee is an independent expert group which considers and assesses evidence in a robust and transparent manner, and against internationally accepted criteria.
All population cancer screening programmes are associated with both benefits and harms, and lung cancer screening is no different. So it's important we have rigorous processes in place to ensure our screening programmes are effective, quality assured and operating to safe standards.
Consideration of targeted lung cancer screening is referenced in the European Commission’s ‘Beating Cancer Plan’ which was published earlier this year, and a number of international trials have provided evidence that low-dose CT screening can reduce lung cancer mortality.
Developments here in Ireland will be informed by the evidence and advice emerging from the wider international work in this area.
I will also briefly mention that the National Screening Advisory Committee will shortly be launching its first 'annual call' for proposals on new screening programmes. This will give an opportunity, for the first time, for members of the public, health professionals and the HSE to submit suggestions about new screening programmes, as well as changes to existing programmes, to the Committee for their expert assessment. This will help ensure screening in Ireland continues to evolve in line with new evidence and developments.
Disability Services
Ceisteanna (99, 182, 211, 216)
Thomas Pringle
Ceist:99. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health the steps he will take in relation to the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50025/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Pringle
Ceist:182. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if a review of all disability services provided by the HSE is planned in response to the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50028/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Pringle
Ceist:211. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if the HSE will be instructed to take any actions on foot of the Brandon Report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50027/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThomas Pringle
Ceist:216. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health if he plans any follow up with the families of residents mentioned in the Brandon Report raised previously in Dáil Éireann; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50026/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 99, 182, 211 and 216 together.
The 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.
The HSE has advised me 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 me and will be reported to me once concluded.
I met with a number of families impacted by the findings of the Brandon Report last Friday in what were very open, heartfelt, and sobering exchanges.
As I have stated in correspondence with the HSE, it remains my view that the report should be published in full. The report must lead to learning, with ensuing meaningful and tangible change. We must ensure there cannot be such serious safeguarding failures in other settings.
The HSE has informed me that An Garda Síochána has requested it not to publish the report at this time. I will continue to engage with the HSE and its Board on this matter in the weeks ahead.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (100)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:100. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on the commencement of changes to the nursing homes support scheme, the fair deal scheme; the benefits of these changes; if additional funding will be allocated for the fair deal scheme; if so, if this funding will help progress the expansion of the scheme or the introduction of a similar scheme for non-residential care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50817/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am pleased to advise the Deputy that the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021 will be implemented from 20 October 2021. This extends the three-year cap on contributions based on farm and business assets at three years where an appointed family successor commits to working the productive asset for a period of 6 years. This safeguard will protect the viability and sustainability of family farms and businesses across Ireland.
The Amendment has also extended the 3-year cap on financial assessment of the value of a principal residence to the proceeds from selling that home while in Fair Deal. Once the changes provided for come into operation, a Fair Deal participant will not experience an increase in their contributions to care after three years due to having sold their family home. This is in line with the core principles of the scheme, and will remove a disincentive to the sale of properties that might otherwise remain vacant.
Over €1.049 billion has been allocated for Long Term Residential Care in Budget 2022; an increase on 2021 levels of funding. A further €30m has been provided for in Budget 2022 for new developments which includes additional funding to operationalise the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021. The details of this initiative will be finalised as part of the National Service Plan process.
The Government is also committed to establishing a new statutory scheme on the financing and regulation of home support. This scheme is a key enabler to providing more alternatives to nursing home care and wider opportunities for people to live fuller, more independent lives. The scheme will provide for the financing and regulation of home-support services in order to provide equitable access to high-quality services based on a person’s assessed care needs.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (101)
Thomas Gould
Ceist:101. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the status of the reopening of the HSE Keltoi Rehabilitation Unit. [50813/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy is aware, the Keltoi facility was identified for use as an isolation facility for marginalised and vulnerable people during COVID-19 in Community Health Organisation 9.
There is are significant numbers of homeless and addiction service users in this area, particularly in Dublin North City and County. The area also has a high migrant health population living in overcrowded accommodation and quarantine accommodation.
It is important to state that all these cohorts have specific challenges and that they need individualised supports to be put in place if they are Covid positive, as they cannot isolate in their existing accommodation on public health grounds.
The HSE has advised that there is still a very significant ongoing demand for isolation in this facility and that it will be maintained as a Covid Isolation Facility for the coming winter period.
The HSE has assured me that the use of this facility as a Covid-19 response is being reviewed on an ongoing basis in line with national guidance.
I am happy to confirm that the HSE remain committed to enhancing the residential addiction services in this area including the reopening of the Keltoi facility once it is no longer required as part of the Covid-19 response.
It is vital that individuals receiving rehabilitation services from Keltoi are supported to continue their recovery path. I welcome that fact that the Keltoi counselling staff based in the HSE Stanhope Centre, are continuing to provide appropriate support services to clients under the Keltoi Aftercare programme.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (102)
Kieran O'Donnell
Ceist:102. Deputy Kieran O'Donnell asked the Minister for Health the way the €250 million allocation in Budget 2022 for addressing waiting lists will be disbursed; his plans to assist the HSE in alleviating hospital overcrowding in University Hospital Limerick; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50904/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has provided an additional allocation of €250 million in budget 2022, comprised of €200 million to the HSE and €50 million to the National Treatment Purchase Fund, to reduce hospital and community waiting lists. The 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 additional €250 million is being provided from Covid-19 funding and will be used to fund additional activity in the public and private sectors, including expanding access for GPs to diagnostics. It will also be used to fund continuing reforms in the Health Service. These reforms will be set out in a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan, which is currently being finalised. The allocation this funding will be considered as part of the development of the National Service Plan.
The Emergency Department at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) is one of the busiest EDs in the country with 65,824 ED presentations in 2020. I have previously acknowledged that acute bed capacity shortages in the Mid-West was a major contributor to overcrowding at the ED in UHL. The Deputy will be aware, as I have mentioned earlier this evening, of the significant investment in University Hospital Limerick in recent years to address this including a new emergency department which opened in 2017. 132 additional beds have been provided in the past year. These include additional capacity in the new 60-bed ward block; a 24 Bed, single room, Rapid Build Ward; and the reconfigured 14 bed HDU Unit.
The additional beds include a new 60-bed ward block; a 24 Bed, single room, Rapid Build Ward; and the reconfigured 14 bed HDU Unit.
In addition the new 96 bed inpatient ward block project, has now progressed through the detailed design stage and is due to go to tender in the coming weeks.
The HSE is to submit a winter plan to me which will ensure that the health service is prepared for the challenges of Winter 21/22 and will reflect the substantial level of investment being committed to by Government this year and retained in 2022. In addition €22m has been allocated in 2022 for winter initiatives as part of the HSE preparations for winter.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (103)
Mairéad Farrell
Ceist:103. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the recent increase in patients on trolleys at Galway University Hospital, a trend which is expected to continue through the winter due to staffing shortages; his plans to address these staffing shortages and capacity requirements in the hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50615/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware that high numbers of ED patients were reported waiting on trolleys for admission in Galway University Hospital in September, with significant congestion in the ED due to high attendances, low patient discharges in the hospital, and a significant number of beds blocked for infection prevention and control measures. I acknowledge the distress that overcrowded Emergency Departments cause to patients, their families, and to frontline staff working in very challenging conditions in hospitals throughout the country.
There are a number of positive developments in train at University Hospital Galway. In the short term site works on the temporary ED project commenced in May 2021. The phased handover of the temporary ED is expected in early 2022. This temporary extension to the Emergency Department will provide additional accommodation, pending the development of a permanent extension to the emergency department.
Building works commenced in September 2021 to facilitate the replacement MRI machine. Equipment is due to be installed in mid-November which will be followed by 6 weeks of commissioning. The machine is due to be operational end of December/early January 2022.
Building works have also commenced on the cardiothoracic ward in UHG. This will provide 12 cardiothoracic beds. Works are scheduled for completion in Q2 2022.
In the medium term, building works commenced on the new Radiation Oncology unit in September 2020 and are scheduled for completion in Q4 2022. This development will include out-patient suites, This facility will provide increased capacity with four new linear accelerators and the capacity to increase to five. It will also include other diagnostic equipment including a Radiotherapy CT scanner, a Radiotherapy MRI scanner; a superficial treatment unit, a HDR brachytherapy unit and a planning system.
The proposed permanent ED is key to addressing current suboptimal accommodation and associated risk issues and will be configured in a way that provides maximum opportunity to address the anticipated elements of future emergency medicine provision.
It is intended to provide the Emergency department accommodation at ground and first floor levels with the Women’s and Children department occupying the upper four floors. A small part of the existing ED will remain which will be refurbished and form part of the overall new ED.
A new elective Hospital in Galway is envisioned as part of proposals being developed by Slaintecare.
In relation to service development and winter preparedness the Government provided a significant investment of €1.2bn this year to expand capacity, increases services and support reform and this level of investment is being maintained in 2022. An additional €22m is also being allocated for additional winter initiatives in 2022.
Additional funding was also provided in the Budget for 2022 to continue expanding the workforce. It is estimated that the whole-time equivalents (WTE) will exceed 141,000 by the end of 2022.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (104)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:104. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if a commitment can be given that student radiographers will be paid standard HSE allowances for attending clinical placements in public hospitals similarly to other student grades within the health service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50822/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
There are only a small number of healthcare courses where the students receive allowances to support clinical placements during training. These allowances have been in place for a number of years and based on specific requirements of the individual training program. Radiography students similar to many other healthcare students do not receive an allowance to support time spent on clinical placements as part of their training.
Across the health and social care disciplines, there are approximately 7,330 Health and Social Care Professional students in training who will, at different stages, require clinical placement in hospital and healthcare settings. The length of placements and the activities performed during these placements varies between disciplines. Students are not employees and in many cases the nature of the placement can, in the main, be limited to participation in an observing and a learning capacity. This is a key part of the learning in all undergraduate programs.
Student Nurses and Midwives are an example of undergraduate students that do get support in the form of allowances associated with some clinical placements. The clinical hours component of undergraduate training for nurses and midwives is almost 50% of the course. Student nurses and midwives must undertake placements across a wide variety of care areas to fulfil course requirements and often these placements are away from the base hospital setting. In these instances, travel to, and alternative and additional accommodation to normal place of residence is sometimes required for a number of weeks. This is supported by an allowance towards the cost of additional accommodation. This is a vouched system of support in place since 2004 and only applicable for some clinical placements.
Care of the Elderly
Ceisteanna (105)
John McGuinness
Ceist:105. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the additional supports Budget 2022 is providing for persons with dementia; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [50707/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government is committed to ensuring that those living with dementia have access to the right services and supports to help them to live well in their communities.
As Minister of State with Responsibility for Mental Health and Older People, I was delighted to be able to announce an additional allocation of €7.3 million in Budget 2022 for dementia services. I am confident that this investment will continue to improve diagnosis and access to services for people with dementia across the country .
The additional funding will allow for the further improvement of dementia services, including in the areas of memory assessment and support services, memory technology resource rooms, the implementation of the dementia registry and dementia audit within acute hospitals and the national intellectual disability memory service. The details will be finalised over the coming weeks with the HSE through the National Service Plan process.
In addition to the €7.3m, the proportion of new home support hours ringfenced for people with dementia will more than double from 5% in 2021 to 11% in 2022.
Taken together, this will represent 15 million euro of investment dedicated to dementia in 2022, on top of the €12.9m of additional funding in 2021.
As the Deputy is aware I have long been an advocate for the development of services for people with dementia and their families and I am delighted to be able to continue the focused investment in these services and supports.