Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:981. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a request for a wheelchair adjustment by a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14561/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical Aids and Appliances
Ceisteanna (981)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (982)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:982. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that there is an equal level of pay to nursing homes for residents in the fair deal scheme regardless of whether the nursing home is public or private as recently stated in nursing homes in Ireland submission; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Department of Health acknowledges that there are variations in the cost of care across public centres as well as across private nursing homes, with public nursing homes generally having a higher cost of care to the exchequer. However, it is important to note that regardless of whether it is a private, voluntary or public nursing home, the resident's financial contribution is the same; the price of care only affects levels of state funding and has no direct impact on the resident.
In December 2021, the Department published the independently-chaired Value For Money review on nursing home costs, which reviewed the variance in costs between public and private nursing homes. The review made 9 recommendations to address this issue, all of which are now being taken forward by the Department.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (983)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:983. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if section 39 disability service providers will be included in the €1,000 Covid recognition payment particularly those working in an organisation (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14596/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. 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 (eg: nursing homes and hospices that are private, public, section 39, voluntary etc.) that were affected by Covid-19. The measure also encompasses those eligible working on site in long term residential care facilities for people with disabilities (inclusive of those facilities whether HSE or section 39). Arrangements for this sector encompassed by this measure are currently being progressed by the Department of Health and HSE.
As the HSE is not the employer in these instances, the arrangements will require further analysis before finalising. It is important for the Deputy to note that eligibility will be subject to a number of factors and not solely based on individual healthcare employers / organisations.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (984)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:984. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of surgery for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14601/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (985)
Cian O'Callaghan
Ceist:985. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health if funding for an additional 100 neurology nurse specialists will be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14609/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Primary Care Services
Ceisteanna (986)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:986. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if there are supports for parents of children awaiting primary care assessments in Fingal; the number of children on waiting lists for assessments in Fingal in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14622/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 987 answered with Question No. 853.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (988)
Michael Ring
Ceist:988. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect to receive the proper position title and payment commensurate with their role, training and extensive experience; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14628/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (989)
Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
Ceist:989. Deputy Aodhán Ó Ríordáin asked the Minister for Health the waiting times nationally for those seeking a prescription for pre- exposure prophylaxis through the HSE for HIV prevention; the waiting time between making an appointment and seeing a doctor; if he is satisfied with the numbers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14633/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (990)
Joe O'Brien
Ceist:990. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he has considered the recommendations of the International Covid Blood Cancer Coalition impact statement; if these will be implemented; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14634/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I am aware of the recently published recommendations of the International Covid-19 Blood Cancer Coalition (IBCC) Patient Impact Statement and Recommendations, which seeks to address the specific impact of the pandemic on immunocompromised blood cancer patients.
In the recently published Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance “Public Health Advice for the management of COVID-19 cases and contacts” dated 25th February 2022, testing will no longer be required for clinical or public health purposes for otherwise healthy individuals with symptoms, with the exclusion of the following, for whom PCR testing is recommended – this is accessible via the HSE portal:
- Those who have not had booster vaccination and are aged 55 years and older
- Those with a high-risk medical condition
- Those who are immunocompromised
- Those who live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised
- Those who provide care or support for person they know to be immunocompromised
- Those who are pregnant
- Healthcare Workers
However, if patients experiencing symptoms have concerns for their health they are advised to contact their GP.
In relation to COVID-19 treatments, Interim Guidance for the Pharmacological Management of Patients with COVID-19 was published by the HSE on 14th February 2022. This guidance provides clinical advice and recommendations to the Chief Clinical Officer on the use of all existing and emerging COVID-19 therapeutic medications – this guidance is a living document which is reviewed and updated as emerging treatments become available for use in Ireland. The guidance recommends prioritising eligible patients who may most benefit from administration of these new treatments. I am advised that blood cancer patients are included in Tier 1 of this clinical guidance.
Furthermore, a system has been put in place that allows GPs to refer patients in defined high risk groups to hospital for Covid-19 therapies where indicated. An interim pathway has been communicated to GPs from the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO).
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (991, 992, 993)
Joe O'Brien
Ceist:991. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Sotrovimab to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14635/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe O'Brien
Ceist:992. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Paxlovid to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14636/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraJoe O'Brien
Ceist:993. Deputy Joe O'Brien asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the availability of Evusheld to immunocompromised patients here; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14637/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 991 to 993, inclusive, together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 992 answered with Question No. 991.
Question No. 993 answered with Question No. 991.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (994)
Neale Richmond
Ceist:994. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Health if he will address the recruitment of 17 additional neurology nurses for St. Vincent’s Hospital, Dublin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14643/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (995)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:995. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health the status of a hospital appointment for a person (details supplied); if the appointment will be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14649/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Under the Health Act 2004, the Health Service Executive (HSE) is required to manage and deliver, or arrange to be delivered on its behalf, health and personal social services. Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 bars the Minister for Health from directing the HSE to provide a treatment or a personal service to any individual or to confer eligibility on any individual.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 996 answered with Question No. 930.
Proposed Legislation
Ceisteanna (997)
Michael Healy-Rae
Ceist:997. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the long promised human tissue bill is fully enacted in early 2022 including the commitment to bring in a soft option out organ donor consent rather than opt in; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14651/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The enactment of the Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill is a priority for the Government. Department officials are progressing the drafting of the Bill in collaboration with the Office of Parliamentary Council, with a view to ensuring that Government approval is secured to publish the Bill as soon as possible.
Departmental Data
Ceisteanna (998)
John McGuinness
Ceist:998. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of business cases that have been submitted to his Department by an organisation (details supplied); the date that each application was received; the date that a final decision was notified to the organisation; the number of business cases yet to be decided; and the timeframe for a final decision in each case. [14652/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Departmental Contracts
Ceisteanna (999)
John McGuinness
Ceist:999. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health the number of contracts won by an organisation (details supplied) in each of the HSE CHO areas; the commencement, end date and value of each contract; and If the Government procurement framework was used for each contract. [14653/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospice Services
Ceisteanna (1000)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1000. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timeline for University Hospital Limerick becoming a DAFNE-accredited diabetes centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14655/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (1001)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1001. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the total number of whole-time equivalent consultant endocrinologists, dietitians, advanced nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, staff nurses and administrative support posts currently in place in the outpatient adult diabetes clinic in each of the hospitals under the University of Limerick Hospitals Group in tabular form. [14656/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (1002)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1002. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health the timeline he is working towards for the creation of the virtual national diabetes register; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14657/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The development of a national diabetes registry remains a priority. The National Diabetes Registry Demonstrator Project, funded through Sláintecare, was paused as key HSE staff were redeployed onto urgent on-going COVID-19 work. Following substantial increases in investment in eHealth, the national diabetes registry is now being considered as part of a wider review of Ireland’s health information strategy, and will operate as a “virtual” registry.
I propose to bring, in April, a Memorandum to Government for approval to prepare the General Scheme of a Health Information Bill. It is envisaged that the Bill will include a provision to enable the operation of disease-specific “virtual” registries, including a virtual national diabetes registry, where information on disease diagnoses and treatment from healthcare providers is efficiently collated, combined and quality-checked from administrative records to create a database akin to an active registry for each disease. This will greatly improve the potential to monitor rare-disease prevalence in Ireland.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (1003)
Róisín Shortall
Ceist:1003. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he has considered putting in place a scheme to incentivise newly qualified medical graduates from Irish universities to stay and work in the health service here for a period of time after their qualification; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14659/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Recruitment and retention of newly qualified medical graduates is a key priority. Retention efforts by the HSE both nationally and locally are in place with significant career development and progression and educational/development opportunities being offered. The Department is working with the National Doctors Training and Planning (NDTP) Office of the HSE in relation to medical workforce planning and initiatives aimed at increasing opportunities for training and career progression for trainee doctors. Opportunities for training and career progression for doctors in the Irish Health system continue to evolve. Examples of the initiatives include:
- The Introduction of the online National Employment Record (NER) has now eliminated the requirement for duplication of paperwork associated with NCHD rotations.
- Enhanced Financial Supports: The Training Support Scheme (TSS), introduced in July 2019, provides reimbursement for approved exams, courses or conferences and is open to all NCHDs. Since July 2019 the full costs of approved examination/courses are eligible for refund to NCHDs under the Clinical Course Exam Refund Scheme (CCERS), this was previously capped at €450.
- Greater predictability of the location of rotations are now provided to trainees at the outset of training. All newly appointed trainees receive a minimum of 2 years pre-defined rotations, a minimum of 13 weeks prior to commencing training/entry to their training scheme, while trainees entering year 3 of a training scheme receive a minimum of 2 years pre-defined rotations a minimum of 13 weeks prior to commencing year 3 of the scheme.
- Increased rationalised training opportunities: A number of training schemes are moving towards more a regionalised structure of training. This is specialty dependent, but examples include the intern rotations which take place within a particular intern network and geographic location.
- Introduction of the Lead NCHD programme: The programme was introduced to provide a formal link at hospital management level between NCHDs and management, and to develop leadership capacity within NCHDs. The programme now runs across 32 acute hospitals, Community Health Organisations (CHOs), Public Health and Primary Care settings.
- NDTP have recently launched a new E-Portfolio / Logbook accessible to NCHDs via their National Employment Record. The principal objective of the E-Portfolio is to allow NCHDs who are not on a formal training scheme access to a generic standard document to record their training and career development. It also provides the opportunity to have their experience validated by their supervising Consultant where applicable.
The HSE NDTP Office is in the initial stages of work regarding doctors who completed an internship in Ireland. Early and provisional data shows that a high percentage of medical interns who graduate leave Ireland for at least one year. However, the data shows that 82% of interns who commenced one year intern training in July 2015 subsequently commenced a Basic Specialist Training (BST) or General Practice (GP) training programme in subsequent years (2016-2021). A small number of the 2015 cohort also remain in the Irish health system either in service grade posts or employed within the private healthcare sector.