Written Answers Nos. 629-646
630. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if the Covid bonus for healthcare workers in a nursing home or hospice setting will be extended to healthcare workers in oncology units and others who worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3393/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
631. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health the steps that will be taken to ensure that dental treatment will be available to a family (details supplied) that has been waiting many years for treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3395/22]
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.
632. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health his views on whether not offering contact details for abortion services is a sign that a pregnancy service is disingenuous; and his further views on whether the HSE should be campaigning against pregnancy services that do not offer telephone numbers for abortion services (details supplied). [3397/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for a direct reply to the Deputy.
633. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of public and private healthcare workers he estimates will qualify for the pandemic recognition payment, by sector and staff grade; when this payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3407/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
It is estimated that more than 100,000 whole time equivalent employees in the public health services will be eligible for the COVID-19 recognition payment. The final number of public sector workers that shall be eligible will reflect the number of part and full time staff. For part time staff, a pro-rata arrangement shall be put in place.
My Department does not routinely collect workforce data for private nursing homes or hospices. It has been estimated that there are 36,000 work in private nursing homes and hospices, though of those, it shall only apply to those frontline healthcare workers as per the arrangement for the frontline public sector healthcare workforce.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
634. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the eligibility criteria for qualification to receive the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3408/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On 19th January last, the Government announced a recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19. Similar eligibility criteria as applicable to those frontline public sector healthcare workers shall apply for this measure.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
635. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the way he plans to identify qualifying private sector workers for the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3409/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19. Similar eligibility criteria as applicable to those frontline public sector healthcare workers shall apply for this measure.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
636. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the criteria for qualification for the bonus payment for healthcare workers; his views on whether those in administrative roles who were required to be on site during the pandemic should qualify; if student nurses who were on duty at the time will qualify; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3411/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings, including those staff assigned to work in such settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
637. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if the €1,000 bonus for healthcare workers will include agency staff. [3412/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
638. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health if the €1,000 bonus for healthcare workers will be paid to healthcare workers who worked in the public sector during the pandemic but who are no longer employed as public sector healthcare workers. [3413/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. This work shall also cover the scenario the Deputy refers to. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
639. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health his views on whether high-grade medical masks must be a priority for carers as well as nurses and teachers; the steps his Department has taken to distribute free high-grade masks to carers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3414/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE provides all PPE, including appropriate face masks, to all health care workers employed by the HSE, and in certain private settings such as nursing homes in accordance with advice of the National Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control Team (AMRIC). In addition, I understand from the HSE that the supplies of FFP2 masks are being provided through the Community Healthcare Organisation PPE leads for home support workers.
Guidance on wearing of PPE for health care workers can be found at:
healthservice.hse.ie/staff/coronavirus/policies-procedures-guidelines/prevent-the-spread-of-coronavirus-in-the-workplace.html
The details of the distribution of PPE and the types of equipment provided is a matter for the HSE and, as such, I am referring the Deputy’s question to the Executive.
640. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of consultants by speciality post that are currently vacant in each hospital of the CHI Hospital Group as of 17 January 2022; the length of time that each post has been vacant; the position regarding the filling of each consultant post in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3421/22]
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.
641. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies by job title at the renal dialysis unit at Cavan General Hospital; the estimated full-year cost of filling each of the vacancies; when each of the vacancies will be filled; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3422/22]
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.
642. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting to see a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon in each hospital group by hospital; the average waiting time to see a consultant in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3423/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Delta and Omicron variants.
As part of the response to this the HSE advised all Hospital Groups to take a series of immediate actions which included a period of prioritising unscheduled care, COVID care and urgent time sensitive work - in particular in Model 4 hospitals. Services are beginning to return to normal but elective procedures continue to be affected by staff absences due to Covid and emergency department pressures that are running above 2019 levels
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In addition, the Department of Health, 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 the Department of Health and includes representatives from the HSE and National Treatment Purchase Fund.
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. The NTPF have 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.
Total Waiters for an Outpatient Maxillofacial Appointment by Group/Hospital as at 23/12/21
|
Row Labels |
Sum of Total |
|
Dublin Midlands Hospital Group |
1794 |
|
St. James's Hospital |
1794 |
|
RCSI Hospitals Group |
26 |
|
Beaumont Hospital |
26 |
|
Saolta University Health Care Group |
729 |
|
Letterkenny University Hospital |
729 |
|
South/South West Hospital Group |
623 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
22 |
|
South Infirmary Victoria University Hospital |
601 |
|
University of Limerick Hospital Group |
2390 |
|
Nenagh Hospital |
120 |
|
University Hospital Limerick |
2270 |
|
Grand Total |
5562 |
|
- |
Days |
|
Mean Wait Time |
666 |
|
Median Wait Time |
554.5 |
643. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will publish the daily figures for Covid-19 cases amongst children including the number of hospitalised children, the number of children in ICUs and the number of deaths for children aged 0 to 4, 5 to 12 and 13 to 18 years of age. [3460/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraReporting of Covid-19 cases amongst children is based on notifications made to the national Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system (CIDR) managed by the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
Given the recent surge in cases, the reporting time (time from when a case is diagnosed to when they are notified to the HPSC on the Computerised Infectious Disease Reporting system (CIDR)) has increased. For this reason, the daily case number of PCR confirmed cases reported since 22nd December 2021 has been an estimate based on positive SARS-CoV-2 results uploaded to the HSE COVID Care Tracker the preceding day. These data are provisional and do not represent notified cases. They serve to provide an up-to-date picture of trends during this surge period.
The notification of cases on CIDR has continued. However, publication of the HPSC’s daily ‘Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Ireland - 14 day report’ is currently paused given the increased reporting time and prioritisation of resources during this surge period.
This is the report which usually contains details of cases, hospitalisation and ICU admissions of children in the age groups 0-4 yrs, 5-12 yrs and 13-18 yrs. Publication of this report will resume as soon as possible. Uploads of this data to the COVID-19 Data Hub have also been paused.
Data on COVID-19 cases notified on CIDR in the age groups 0-4 yrs, 5-12 yrs and 13-18 yrs are currently being published on a weekly basis in the HPSC’s ‘Weekly Report on the Epidemiology of COVID-19 in Ireland’ www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/epidemiologyofcovid-19inirelandweeklyreports/
However, the HPSC note that ‘Due to the current surge in case numbers the overall reporting time (time from when a case is notified to when they are uploaded to CIDR) has increased since week 51. Therefore data on recent cases is subject to reporting delays and may not be complete. A technical issue experienced over the Christmas weekend and reduced surveillance capacity over the Christmas period contributed to the increased reporting time. However, the current case numbers continue to exceed capacity leading to the increased reporting time. Work is ongoing among surveillance partners to increase capacity and reduce reporting time.’ This means that data presented in the Weekly Epidemiology Report would be an underestimate.
The latest report was published on 19th January for Week 2 of 2022. During Week 2, 3,278 cases were notified on CIDR in the 0-4 yrs age group, 7,958 in the 5-12 yrs and 8,054 in the 13-18 yrs age group. As noted, this would be an underestimate.
More detailed analysis of cases in these age groups is published in the HPSC report ‘Weekly Epidemiological Report on COVID-19 cases aged 0-18 years and COVID-19 mass testing in schools in Ireland’ www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/epidemiologyofcovid-19inirelandcasesaged0-18years/
Data on deaths by age group is published each week in the HPSC ‘Weekly Deaths Report’. As of the latest report (19th January 2022) a total of 8 COVID-19 related deaths have been notified in Ireland since the beginning of the pandemic who were aged under 25 years. Due to the small number of persons who died due to COVID-19 in the age groups 0-25 years, this information is aggregated in order to protect patient confidentiality. www.hpsc.ie/a-z/respiratory/coronavirus/novelcoronavirus/surveillance/weeklyreportoncovid-19deathsreportedinireland/
While publication of daily data from CIDR notifications on hospitalisation and ICU admission by age group is currently paused (due to the surge issues noted above) the HSE’s Daily Operations Update reports on the number of COVID-19 patients on site in the three Children’s Hospitals www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/coronavirus-daily-operations-updates.html. As of the latest report (19th January) there were 11 COVID-19 patients admitted on site across the three CHI hospitals (7 CHI Crumlin, 2 CHI Temple Street and 2 CHI Tallaght).
644. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when medical card holders will be entitled to dental care cover for those in need of urgent care as in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3464/22]
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.
645. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health the reason the HSE is only counting positive PCR tests for primary students despite guidance issued to the schools advising principals to treat positive antigen tests the same as positive PCR tests [3466/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraA dedicated online portal is now operational in order for individuals to register positive antigen test results, and to provide details of close contacts. This portal is the primary method in which positive antigen results should be recorded.
The HSE Principal's helpline is available to answer Principal's questions and queries. My Department has been informed that it has now been updated to enable Principal's to advise of antigen positive cases, along with PCR positive cases, which are referred to the Regional Departments of Public Health.
646. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health if persons working in the home support service that the HSE provides will receive a once-off €1,000 tax-free payment. [3471/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
In recognition of the efforts of the general public, volunteers and all workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday 19 January last, the Government announced a once-off public holiday will take place on Friday 18 March 2022.
The Government also announced COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. The payment of €1,000 will not be subject to income tax, USC, or PRSI. The measure will be ring fenced to staff ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments within the period between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021. Those public sector frontline healthcare workers eligible for the payment will be directly employed public health sector staff working in clinical settings. A pro-rata arrangement will apply for eligible part time staff / equivalents and supernumerary students who were required to perform training in clinical sites.
The Department of Health will also introduce a measure for making a similar payment to staff in private sector nursing homes and hospices that were affected by Covid-19.
I would like to assure the Deputy that work is underway to ensure fairness in the application of this measure as the Government intended. The Department and the HSE are currently engaging in finalising arrangements to give effect to the Government announcement concerning the Recognition Payment. Full particulars, eligibility and terms and conditions that apply to this payment shall be made available shortly. It is important that this measure is applied fairly as intended and I welcome the work that is ongoing to ensure this is so.
There are many, many individuals in our country who did so much during the pandemic. I and the Government is sincerely grateful for this commitment but it is appropriate that these public sector frontline healthcare workers get particular recognition. They exposed themselves to particular COVID-19 risks that did not exist in other work environments or those working from home. I am also deeply appreciative of all those frontline workers who worked in our nursing homes and hospices during this pandemic and that they also get similar recognition.
Outside of the above recognition, the Government also notes that some private healthcare companies have recognised the work of their employees during the pandemic. I would encourage private healthcare companies that have not already done so to consider appropriate measures to recognise their own frontline workers for their work during this most trying period.
