Written Answers Nos. 459-480
459. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if provision will be made for the establishment of a child and adolescent mental health services or CAMHS-based eating disorder specialist community team in community healthcare organisation or CHO 5; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59773/21]
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.
460. Deputy Verona Murphy asked the Minister for Health if a whole-time paediatric dietician position, as opposed to a shared position, will be approved and advertised as part of the CAMHS team Wexford; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59774/21]
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.
461. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a number of temporary HSE Covid-19 test centres do not have and cannot have an Eircode; if his attention has been further drawn to the fact that the HSE has licensed an alternative location code (details supplied) and this has been successfully implemented in the National Ambulance Service's IT system in view of the fact that an Eircode cannot be allocated to temporary dwellings; the reason the HSE is not using a location coding system that it has already paid for, for these temporary sites; and if the HSE has been requested to not use an Eircode by the Department ofthe Environment, Climate and Communications. [59778/21]
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.
462. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will expedite an appointment for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59780/21]
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.
463. Deputy Michael Fitzmaurice asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a statistical breakdown on a weekly basis of all Covid-19 cases admitted to ICU departments between 1 April 2021 to date, which shows the precise number of vaccinated vis-à-vis unvaccinated patients, the age of said patient and the cumulative weekly vaccine uptake, by age, in each corresponding week; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59794/21]
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.
464. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of nursing home residents in each county in receipt of HSE top-up payments, in tabular form; the sources of funding for the top-up payments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59795/21]
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.
465. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE contract beds in nursing homes, by county, since 2016, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59796/21]
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.
467. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if a person can claim back the cost of Caredoc and a general practitioner while waiting for a general practitioner card for children under seven years of age; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is understood that the Deputy is referring to children aged 6 & 7 who do not hold a medical or GP visit card. At present all children up to and including the age of 5 are eligible for a GP visit card and therefore GP care without charges.
The Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Act 2020 provides, amongst other things, for the phased expansion of GP care without fees to all children aged 12 years and under in three phases: to children aged 6 and 7; to children aged 8 and 9; and to children aged 10, 11 and 12. Budget 2022 provides for the initial stage of this phased expansion, the provision of GP care without fees to all children aged 6 and 7 and my Department has commenced work to roll this service out in the course of 2022.
The specific date for commencing the expansion remains under consideration in light of COVID-19 and the additional pressures the expansion might place on general practice in that context and will require consultation with the IMO, representing General Practitioners. All children aged 6 & 7 will be eligible for a GP visit card, and therefore GP care without charges, from the commencement of the expansion to that age cohort.
468. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health if he will provide the recommended €13 million in investment, and as requested by a group (details supplied), to deal with the scoliosis waiting list for children awaiting surgery; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59812/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI acknowledge that waiting times for many hospital procedures and appointments are unacceptably long. It is of particular regret that children can experience long waiting times for orthopaedic treatment, especially for time sensitive procedures, and I remain acutely aware of the impact that this has on children and their families.
As part of Children's Health Ireland’s (CHI) paediatric orthopaedic service, most scoliosis cases are treated at Crumlin and Temple Street, with Crumlin providing specialised multi-disciplinary treatment for the most complex patients. The National Orthopaedic Hospital at Cappagh provides additional capacity for the treatment of less complex orthopaedic patients, including routine scoliosis procedures. By using the capacity provided by Cappagh, CHI can free up space in order that complex orthopaedic procedures, including scoliosis spinal fusions, can be carried out centrally at CHI sites.
More specifically, additional theatre capacity at the National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh commenced on the 26 April 2021 for daycase surgery. CHI has advised the Department of Health that this should result in a positive impact in reducing long waiting times for general orthopaedics, in addition to consequential capacity gains for scoliosis patients. In 2022 CHI is planning to undertake a range of inpatient, daycase and outpatient orthopaedic appointments in Cappagh.
In 2018 Children’s Health Ireland was provided with an additional €9 million in funding to address paediatric orthopaedic waiting lists, including the provision of scoliosis services. This funding is recurring and has been provided in the base HSE allocation each year since 2018. The additional funding supported the recruitment of approximately 60 WTEs in 2018 and 2019 to enable the expansion of paediatric orthopaedic services.
Funding proposals submitted to the HSE by Children’s Health Ireland for increased investment in paediatric orthopaedic services in 2022 will be decided as part of the finalisation of the Access to Care fund. In addition the HSE has advised my Department that a proposal to fund an additional theatre at Temple Street is currently progressing through the normal HSE capital approval process. Improving access to scheduled care capacity remains a priority for me and my Department as we work to finalise next years’ Access to Care fund.
Improving waiting times for hospital appointments and procedures remains a commitment of this Government. 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.
In addition, my Department, the HSE and the NTPF are working on a Multi Annual Waiting List Plan. 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.
469. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of children in the CHO 7 area who await an assessment of needs, and by category of assessment, in tabular form. [59825/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service issue, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply.
470. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if the record of a person (details supplied) who was diagnosed with autism in 2017 is in the possession of the HSE; the reason the parents of the child have been informed that there is no record of the child; and if it is the case, the effect that this will have on the access of the child to therapy. [59826/21]
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.
471. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if the delay experienced by a person (details supplied) in receiving a birth certificate will be examined by the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59829/21]
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.
472. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to concerns raised in correspondence by an organisation (details supplied) and its views on the mid-term review of the national drugs strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59830/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Department of Health published the mid-term review of the actions in the national drugs strategy, Reducing Harm Supporting Recovery, on the 17th November. It shows significant progress in implementing the action plan for the period 2017 to 2020, with only a small number of the 50 actions outstanding. It also examined the effectiveness of government expenditure on the national drugs strategy, based on key indicators. It estimated the significant costs for society of drug use for the criminal justice system and the economy. The mid-term review was informed extensive stakeholder engagement, the results of the national drug and alcohol survey for 2019-2020 and findings of a rapid assessment on the impact of Covid-19 on drug and alcohol services.
The Department undertook considerable engagement with stakeholders, including community organisations, voluntary drug and alcohol service providers, and drug and alcohol task forces as part of the Mid Term Review. Written submissions were requested in advance of stakeholder consultation meetings, and following these consultations written reports were circulated to ensure accuracy. The learning from the engagements formed a considerable section of the review, and input into the subsequent proposed changes. The National Oversight Committee received regular updates on the progress of the review, and also had opportunity to discuss the draft documentation. Stakeholders were very supportive of the conclusions of the mid-term review.
The national drugs strategy covers the period 2017-2025. It is a dynamic process and there is flexibility to introduce new measures to address emerging issues in the period 2021-2025. Based on the learning from the mid-term review, six strategic priorities for the national drugs strategy for 2021-2025 were identified. These priorities strengthen the health-led approach, reflect commitments in the Programme for Government and align with the EU drugs strategy and action plan 2021-2025.
These priorities complement and build on the five goals in the national drugs strategy. The inter-agency approach involving a partnership between statutory, community and voluntary bodies remains central to the strategy, as does strengthening the resilience of communities to respond to the drug problem.
One of the new strategic priorities is to address the social determinants and consequences for drug use in disadvantaged communities. This priority recognises the additional challenges arising from drug use in disadvantaged communities, including the Traveller community. It will address the underlying social and economic determinants that increase the prevalence of problematic drug and alcohol use in certain communities. It will also tackle the criminality and anti-social behaviour associated with the drug trade that impose a heavy burden on poor communities. These issues require action across government to promote community development and community safety. Ensuring synergy with the Sláintecare Healthy Communities programme to address health inequalities will be a key objective. A range of government departments and programmes will contribute to this strategic priority, as will the work of the drug and alcohol task forces and community drug projects.
Supporting these strategic priorities are a number of horizontal themes:
- involvement of service users in the design and delivery of services based on a human rights perspective and the promotion of health literacy
- active and meaningful participation of civil society in the development, implementation and evaluation of policies and services
- good governance, accountability and mutual respect by all partners and
- cross-sectoral funding and the targeting of additional resources.
The oversight structures have been revised to drive the implementation of the strategic priorities for 2021-2025. I believe that the new structures will strengthen the partnership approach and give a stronger voice to civil society in developing national policy. I am also providing independent leadership to ensure the accountability of all stakeholders and involving service users to provide insights from the lived experience of drug and alcohol addiction.
473. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the number of ICU and high-dependency unit beds in the mid west and south east regions according to the most recent figures for 2021. [59833/21]
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.
474. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will waive the €100 registration fee for nurses in view of the work they are carrying out during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59834/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for the regulation of nurses and midwives in Ireland rests with the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
The NMBI is an independent regulatory body established under the Nurses and Midwives Act, 2011. While my Department is responsible for the oversight and governance of the NMBI, I have no role in setting or approving fees.
Under the Nurses and Midwives Act 2011, the NMBI is required to be self-financing, and the income from the Annual Retention Fee is required to carry out its statutory obligations to protect the public and to protect the integrity of the practice of the professions of nursing and midwifery. The current annual retention fee is €100 and is unchanged since 2014. This fee is NMBI's main source of income.
475. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the key performance indicators used to determine the success of the chronic disease management programme; if they are broken down by condition, age cohort, clinical outcomes, impact on mortality and other pertinent indicators; if there are specific key performance indicators for childhood asthma within the programme or other health strategies within his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59835/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Chronic Disease Management (CDM) programme, introduced by the 2019 GP agreement, provides GP led care for adult GMS patients with one or more of the following chronic diseases; diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cardiovascular disease. Child patients under 6 years of age with asthma are treated under the Under 6’s GP Contract Asthma Cycle of Care programme.
The CDM Programme is being rolled out on a phased basis to all adult GMS and GP visit card patients over a 4-year period, having started in 2020 for those aged 75 years and over.
Patients in the CDM Programme will receive two scheduled clinical reviews in a 12-month period that will include patient education, preventative care, medication review, physical examination, investigations, and an individual care plan. Each review consists of a consultation with the practice nurse followed by a consultation with the GP. Detailed patient datasets are submitted to the HSE following consultations.
Registered child patients with asthma receive an initial consultation, a review consultation after three months of diagnosis and an annual review thereafter. Similarly, an annual data set pertaining each patient on the Asthma Cycle of Care Programme is submitted to the HSE.
Through dataset submission, the number of consultations/reviews provided to patients are recorded, ensuring that the programmes are performing with patient's receiving care as required.
Chronic diseases are health conditions that can be treated and managed but are usually not cured. Under the CDM programme, patients’ care plans are managed by their GP practice in recognition of the clinical aspects of each individual patient’s conditions. They also serve to educate patients on how they can improve self-management of their condition. The care plan is to be regularly reviewed and updated, reflecting the current health and wellbeing of the patient and their future expectations. Child patient care under the Asthma Cycle of Care is also managed by the patient's GP.
Approximately 430,000 patients with chronic disease, or at high risk of chronic disease, are estimated to be registered as participants on the CDM Programme when the programme reaches full implementation in 2023. As the Programme is rolled out and fully implemented over time, it is envisaged that it will result in a reduction in hospital attendance by patients with the four conditions.
476. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of persons currently on a waiting list for an allergy diagnosis; the average waiting time from a general practitioner referral to first appointment with an allergist for adults; the average waiting time from general practitioner referral to first appointment with an allergist for children; the range of waiting times from general practitioner referral to first appointment with an allergist for adults and children, by region; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59836/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted 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 associated curtailment of acute hospital services, coupled with the ransomware attack of May 2021, has impacted waiting times.
The current surge in Covid-19 cases has put increasing pressures on hospitals and ICUs. As part of the response to this the HSE advised all Hospital Groups on the 18th of November to take a series of immediate actions which include a period of prioritising unscheduled care, COVID care, and time sensitive work, particularly in Model 4 hospitals.
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 National Treatment Purchase Fund (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 is outlined in the attached document, provided to my Department by the NTPF, which shows the breakdown of adults and children awaiting a first Outpatient appointment for Clinical Immunology by hospital. 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 in the attached tables.
|
OP Clinical Immunology waiting list as at 28/10/2021 |
||||||
|
Sum of Count |
Column Labels |
|||||
|
Row Labels |
0-6 Mths |
6-12 Mths |
12-18 Mths |
18+ Mths |
Small Vol. Time Bands |
Grand Total |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
223 |
8 |
231 |
|||
|
Adult |
223 |
8 |
231 |
|||
|
Children's Health Ireland |
216 |
127 |
113 |
1027 |
1483 |
|
|
Child |
216 |
127 |
113 |
1027 |
1483 |
|
|
Galway University Hospitals |
188 |
135 |
64 |
48 |
435 |
|
|
Adult |
182 |
129 |
64 |
48 |
423 |
|
|
Child |
6 |
6 |
12 |
|||
|
Small Vol. Hospitals |
3 |
3 |
||||
|
Child |
3 |
3 |
||||
|
St. James's Hospital |
408 |
160 |
31 |
46 |
645 |
|
|
Adult |
408 |
160 |
31 |
46 |
645 |
|
|
Grand Total |
1035 |
430 |
208 |
1121 |
3 |
2797 |
|
report |
Archive Date |
Mean Average Wait in Days |
|
Mean Average wait Clinical Immunology OP |
28/10/2021 |
525 |
|
report |
Archive Date |
Median Wait in Days |
|
Median Average wait Clinical Immunology OP |
28/10/2021 |
336 |
477. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if antigen testing will be made available for preschool settings in the same way that it is being made available for primary and secondary schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59837/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraI understand that colleagues in the HSE are supporting the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, as they explore how antigen testing may be utilised further in early childcare settings.
478. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the statistical breakdown of all Covid-19 cases admitted to ICU between 1 April and 26 November 2021; the percentage of persons admitted who were unvaccinated as opposed to vaccinated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59838/21]
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.
479. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the waiting list for paediatric occupational therapy services in County Mayo; the number on the list; the average length of time from referral to service delivery; if he has plans to assist in the provision of occupational therapy services by utilising private sector providers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59840/21]
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.
480. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if he is satisfied with the current system of walk-in appointments for vaccine boosters; his views on the long queues in inclement weather that have been seen in recent days; if a move away from walk-ins and towards a scheduled system has been considered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59843/21]
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.
