Written Answers Nos. 1-30
13. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health the moneys spent to date by the HSE in relation to the new 24-hour staffed community mental health residence in Carrigaline, County Cork; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17003/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGlenwood House, Carrigaline, County Cork, is to be a 10-bed mental health community residence. Community residences are to enable people who have experienced mental health difficulties to live more independently.
In November 2020, Glenwood House in Carrigaline, County Cork, was purchased for €750,000. Since purchase, approximately €500,000 has been spent to bring it up to standard.
It is planned to be staffed 24 hours per day by registered psychiatric nurses. Residents will be supported and trained to live independently so individuals will progress to living independently in the community. The property represents an opportunity for service users of Mental Health Services in Cork to experience high quality accommodation in a community residential setting.
A Planning Permission application is under consideration by the planning authority in relation to the premises and a decision on this application is expected soon. Subject to the Permission being approved, the service will proceed with the identification of the particular service users who may take up residence in the unit, based on their assessed needs and their will and preference. These service users will be included in planning the final refurbishment/redecoration of the unit.
Rehabilitation and Recovery are central tenets to Sharing the Vision. Promoting access and inclusion is important in improving a person’s health as well as social functioning. However, people with enduring mental illness still have difficulty accessing the support they need to avail of housing and employment opportunities. Rehabilitation and recovery services have a key role in helping people with enduring mental illness to gain access to housing, employment and social/leisure activities and are a key priority for Minister Butler when considering new developments in service provision.
15. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on the provision of services at the obesity clinic, Loughlinstown hospital, County Dublin. [17002/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Weight Management Service in St. Columcille’s Hospital Loughlinstown, Co. Dublin, is a public service, run under the guidance of the HSE Clinical Lead for Obesity.
The clinic provides a one-year lifestyle and behaviour change programme, delivered by dietitians, physiotherapists and psychologists.
Patients are referred to the Weight Management Service by their GPs, via hospital consultant or other qualified healthcare professionals.
The treatment includes assessments of diet and food habits by the dietitians, and of exercise habits and barriers to physical activity by the physiotherapists. If eligible, patients are referred to the bariatric surgery service or an Inpatient Weight Management Programme.
At present, the HSE advises that there is a considerable waiting list for the service, with waiting times for a first appointment averaging five years. I sincerely regret this lengthy delay. However, the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan has identified implementation of obesity care pathways as a priority. It will provide funding in 2022 to increase access and capacity nationally to specialist services, providing specialist care in the right place at the right time, reducing waiting times and expanding services.
The Model of Care for the Management of Overweight and Obesity, which I launched in 2021, sets out how healthcare for those living with overweight and obesity in Ireland should be organised and resourced now and into the future.
16. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the legislation for safe access zones around abortion services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16983/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am committed to ensuring safe access to termination of pregnancy services, and the area remains an ongoing priority for me, this Government and my Department, including progressing legislation this year.
However, it is important that any legislative provisions are implementable and enforceable, and that they will stand up to any legal challenges that might be brought against them. It must also be ensured that they do not cause any unintentional consequences for existing public order laws.
As the Deputy may be aware, while it was originally intended to provide for safe access to termination of pregnancy services in the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, a number of complex legal and policy issues were identified during the drafting process which necessitated further deliberation and advice. These issues were further debated during the second and committee stage for the Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021, and I wish to commend the Together for Safety group for its work on this legislative proposal which is further informing necessary considerations in this important area of work.
Officials in my Department are actively engaging with key stakeholders to work through these challenges, refine the policy position, and explore legislative options. At my request, and with the support of the Joint Committee on Health, officials met the Health Committee last week to collaboratively discuss options for overcoming the challenges that have been identified by the Department. I understand that this was a positive session, with the Committee voicing their support for bringing forward safe access legislation. I wish to thank the Committee for their time and input to support the advancement of robust legislation for safe access zones. It is important to me that the appropriate legislative solution is progressed with cross party support. My officials have listened carefully to the views and inputs of the Committee and will consider these into their ongoing work on this matter.
My Department is now settling the policy position, which is complex, and I have sought input from the Attorney General to support this process. In parallel, officials are continuing to work with an inter-departmental working group to advance these proposals and develop a robust General Scheme of a Bill.
Subject to Government approval, I plan to have proposals for safe access on the legislative programme for 2022.
17. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to provide chiropody services for public patients in an area (details supplied). [17038/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am pleased to inform the Deputy that the Health Service Executive, in its National Service Plan 2022, has committed to providing podiatry services to 85,866 patients in 2022. That is almost double the number of patients seen in 2021 (44,522).
I am aware that there is currently no Podiatrist working in West Cork, despite a national campaign to fill the post. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is redirecting a Podiatrist from another area to see patients. Those who are most urgent on the waiting list are being seen first. There are 297 people on the waiting list in west Cork. The longest waiting time is 49 weeks, and the reassigned Podiatrist has started to address this. When all high-risk patients are seen and space in the schedule becomes available, moderate risk patients will be offered scheduled appointments. Podiatry services are offered in Kinsale and Carrigaline.
A new Primary Care Centre will open in Bandon in the coming months. St. Mary’s Primary Care Centre, Gurranabraher, are providing services to Community Healthcare Network 11.
Regretfully there are several podiatry vacancies across Cork and Kerry. There are 14.6 podiatry vacancies of the 24.5 allocated whole-time equivalent podiatry posts. These are all new development posts, assigned within the last 18 months. There is a national recruitment campaign underway to fill these posts. Cork Kerry Community Healthcare intend to run a local recruitment campaign to attract eligible candidates. It is anticipated that these campaigns should fill any posts remaining unfilled.
18. Deputy Joe Carey asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an updated report on the development of the primary health care centre on Station Road, Ennis, County Clare; when it is intended that this new state-of-the-art health facility will open; the services to be provided; the projected numbers of doctors, nurses and other vital health professionals who will deliver this new service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16847/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am delighted to be able to inform the Deputy that progress is continuing on the new Primary Care Centre on Station Road in Ennis. HSE Estates has advised that the centre is scheduled to become operational during Quarter 3 this year.
The opening of the Station Road centre will be a significant development in the delivery of community-based health services for the people of Ennis and the surrounding area. Once fully operational, it will provide a full range of GP, nursing, therapy and dental services. I also understand that the centre will offer specialist nurse led clinics for the treatment of leg ulcers, as well as access to community diagnostics.
The staff based in Station Road will form part of the new Community Healthcare Network for the area which will help us to develop more integrated care based on the needs of the local population.
Furthermore, the centre will support the Enhanced Community Care programme in Clare by serving as the base for a Chronic Disease Management team which will provide a county-wide service to individuals with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, COPD and asthma. An Integrated Care Programme for Older People team will also be based in the centre. This team will support older people over 75 years of age and those living with frailty to live well at home.
A total of around 77 staff will be based in the centre and directly involved in the provision of Primary Care Services to local residents.
The investment in Station Road is a clear example of this Government’s commitment to delivering more comprehensive and accessible primary care services to people across the country in line with the vision of Sláintecare.
19. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address delays in diagnostic tests in the health system; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11380/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is Government policy to ensure that all citizens get rapid access to the health care they need and reduction of all waiting list is my number one priority.
Budget 2021 allocated €25million to implement an expanded programme of structured direct referrals to diagnostics services by GPs, and the GP Access to Diagnostics programme was launched in January 2021.
The HSE advises that over 138,000 radiology tests of various types were completed through this initiative in 2021.
Funding was secured to allow the continuation of this important initiative in 2022, with a target of 195,000 diagnostic tests to be provided this year. The HSE advises that over 45,300 scans have been completed to date in 2022. The HSE also has in place a procurement framework specifically for diagnostics.
Funding of €5 million was allocated under the 2022 Waiting List Action Plan to secure an additional 30,000 acute diagnostics appointments. Up to March 25th the NTPF funded 9,157 such diagnostics procedures. This is ahead of target, so at yesterdays meeting of the Waiting List Task Force I asked them to examine if more ambitious targets could be set for this year.
Under a pilot project the HSE currently collect data in respect of CT MRI and Ultrasound. The information that is collected is being tested and validated at hospital, hospital group and national level. The Deputy should be aware that the number currently reported (226,966 in Q4 2021) includes routine and planned/surveillance patients and is not reflective of the actual number of patients waiting. Work is ongoing to disaggregate this data, so that an accurate reflection of patients actually waiting for an initial diagnostic text can be reported.
As part of the longer-term reform actions, a programme of work is due to commence, to deliver full waiting list data collection for all radiology diagnostics.
20. Deputy Catherine Connolly asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 129 of 15 February 2022 and with regard to the new emergency department and women and children's unit at University Hospital Galway, if his Department has received the preliminary business case from the HSE to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16773/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the very difficult and unacceptable conditions for patients, families and healthcare staff working in University Hospital Galway.
I visited Galway just a few weeks ago and it is clear that action is required there on multiple fronts- the ED, beds, diagnostics and staffing there.
I am pleased to say that an interim emergency department, including additional resuscitation spaces, support accommodation and improved infection prevention and control measures, is currently under construction using a rapid build solution. The critical services are expected to be completed by end of June 2022.
Further reconfiguration works to the existing ED will also be completed as part of the project. It is expected that these new facilities would be available for patients and staff during August.
While improving service delivery capability, the interim ED and associated works will also serve as enabling works for this larger project; freeing up the site required for a proposed new block.
I am aware that this project has been discussed for the last 10 years and I spoke with the team there about this on my visit. I share their frustrations.
However, one of the reasons that the project is still in development phase is that there has been a very significant increase in the scale and ambition for the solution on the Galway site.
Originally the proposal was for a new multistorey ED block, but now the proposals, driven by local requirements and the need to effectively build on a constricted site, means that we will shortly be receiving proposals costed in the hundreds of millions.
As the Deputy will be aware, all projects proposed in excess of €100m must be subject to the full scrutiny of the Public Spending Code process.
The HSE are currently drafting a Strategic Assessment Report to ensure full compliance with PSC requirements. I expect this to be submitted to my Department by early May.
If granted approval-in principle, the preliminary business case can then be updated by the HSE and be brought forward for review to progress proposals.
21. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he has plans to alter the proposed scheme of the Covid-19 bonus payment for healthcare workers in view of the opposition to the scheme expressed by healthcare workers and their trade union representatives; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16981/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI thank the Deputy for raising this important question about frontline healthcare workers, who were crucial to the national effort over the past two years to meet the challenges of COVID-19.
The Government announced a COVID-19 recognition payment for eligible frontline public sector healthcare workers, and equivalent healthcare workers in private nursing homes and hospices. This is to recognise their unique efforts and increased risk in performing their duties during the pandemic. Importantly and distinctly from other workers, those eligible are, in general, frontline healthcare workers who worked or trained in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments/clinical settings.
My officials are working together with the HSE to provide additional details on this measure, including eligibility criteria that apply.
Additionally, my Department and the HSE are currently consulting with health sector trade unions on this matter. This consultation is part of our objective to finalise the application of this measure fairly. After conclusion of consultations with the trade unions, full details of the application process, FAQs and other particulars shall be published by the HSE.
Noting that this consultation has not yet concluded, it would be inappropriate to comment further on it at this point.
22. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on the provision of services and future development of the National Rehabilitation Hospital, Rochestown Avenue, County Dublin. [17001/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe National Rehabilitation Hospital (NRH) provides Complex Specialist Rehabilitation services to patients who, as a result of an accident, illness or injury, have acquired a physical or cognitive disability and require specialist programmes of rehabilitation.
The NRH delivers specialist rehabilitation services dedicated to returning patients to the highest level of independence possible and aims to maximise quality of life.
Phase 1 of the New Hospital Development on the campus of the NRH at Rochestown Avenue, Dún Laoghaire became operational in Q2 2020.
This project is the first purpose-designed rehabilitation facility to be built in Ireland.
The new accommodation at the NRH comprises a 120-bed ward of single ensuite bedrooms which feature integrated rehabilitation-specific treatment and therapy spaces.
The development also includes a new Sports Hall which became operational in December 2018, and a Hydrotherapy Unit.
Funding for Phase 1 totalled €13m in 2020 and €1.48m in 2021.
The NRH is currently developing the brief for the appointment of a design team for Phase 2 of this development which is included in the National Capital Plan.
A Capital Submission is expected to be submitted to the National Capital and Property Steering Group in 2022.
Phase 2 will include the replacement of the remaining services not accommodated in Phase 1, including the remaining therapy services, outpatient department, catering, administration and support services.
23. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the rationale for handing over control of the proposed new national maternity hospital to the St. Vincent's Hospital Group as set out in the proposed new corporate structure, under which the new hospital is to become a wholly owned subsidiary of the group; his views on whether this will allow St. Vincent's hospital to determine the services to be provided; his further views on the fact this arrangement will not protect the substantial public investment in the new maternity hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is well known that the proposed corporate and clinical governance arrangements for the new National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park were set out in the Mulvey Agreement.
That Agreement was finalised in 2016 following an extensive mediation process between the NMH and the St. Vincent’s Healthcare Group and it has also been published.
The Mulvey Agreement provides for the establishment of a new company, the National Maternity Hospital at Elm Park DAC, which will operate the new maternity hospital.
While this new entity will be a subsidiary of St Vincent’s Healthcare Group, it will have clinical and operational, as well as financial and budgetary, independence in the provision of maternity, gynaecology and neonatal services. This is set out clearly in Mulvey.
The draft legal framework that has been developed is designed to copperfasten these arrangements, and to provide assurance that all legally permissible services will be provided in the new NMH as they are in the current hospital building at Holles Street.
In addition, the draft legal framework will protect the State's investment in this once-in-a-generation new hospital.
I have been very clear that I will not bring any proposal to Government unless it provides absolute assurance around these objectives.
24. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made regarding the establishment in Limerick of the trial 24-7 mental health de-escalation unit scheduled to commence in quarter 3 of 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15886/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Community Access Support Team (CAST) is a partnership approach between HSE Mid-West Mental Health Services and An Garda Síochána (AGS) Limerick Division.
The work was initially instigated on foot of recommendations made in the Future Commission of Policing in Ireland Report 2018 to examine issues relating to people with mental illness who come in contact with the criminal justice system. The report recommended the establishment of multi-agency Crisis Intervention Teams (CIT), with round the clock response capabilities, throughout the country.
These teams have become a globally recognised model within contemporary policing for safely and effectively assisting people who experience a mental health crises or related problems within the community. The CIT model promotes strong community partnerships among policing bodies, health professionals and appropriate follow-on support agencies.
A steering group was nominated in Limerick by the Chief Superintendent AGS and the Chief Officer of the HSE. Steering group membership included the following – Superintendent AGS; Sergeant AGS; Executive Officer AGS; Head of Service, Mental Health, HSE; Executive Clinical Director HSE; Consultant Psychiatrist; Area Director of Nursing, HSE and Assistant Director of Nursing, HSE. The steering group met 12 times over the past 12 months.
The Limerick Steering Group were tasked with considering the potential of this type of intervention in the Irish context with the two key agencies being HSE Mental Health Services (Mid West) and An Garda Síochána Limerick Division. The work of the group has involved a review of the presentations to both agencies and an examination of the cross over in presentation. The group also engaged with people with experience of engagement with AGS at times of mental health crisis to understand how a new approach might better this experience. The AGS members of the group had significant engagement with Policing Departments in other jurisdictions to understand how this type of approach worked in those geographies – this included the US and Northern Ireland.
The progress of the steering group was delayed by the significant pressures on frontline services associated with several COVID surges. However, the steering group met last Friday (March 25th) and the final proposal for a pilot project was to be submitted to the project sponsors last Monday (28th March). The steering group await the outcome of the proposal.
25. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the role of genomic medicine in Ireland; his plans for a national genomics strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11377/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGenomics has transformed our understanding of disease and our ability to deliver care in a way that is more specific and personal to each individual patient. By establishing the sequence of an individual’s genetic material, it is possible to identify sequences or mutations which are specific to that person. Not only can these sequences identify the cause or stage of a disease, or the risk of future disease, they can also help predict the likely benefits or side effects of a particular medication. Genomics has the potential to reshape clinical practice and to fundamentally change the way we prevent, diagnose, treat and monitor illness, providing the opportunity to have more precise and tailored treatments for patients.
Ireland is well placed to utilise genomic data. Currently, there are a number of relevant genomic initiatives being developed in both the clinical and research arenas, and by public and private enterprise.
For example last year I authorised €2m in expenditure to establish a National COVID Biobank as part of our overall response to the COVID-19 Pandemic. Biobanks are a crucial platform for the deployment of genomic medicine and our intention is to use this initiative to build a national approach to biobanking beyond the immediate need to respond to COVID.
These initiatives need to be co-ordinated within a broader strategic approach to the use of genomic medicine in Ireland. My Department will oversee the development of policy for genomic medicine within an ethical and legal framework which maximises potential health benefits while minimising potential harms.
26. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a report on services for persons with long Covid. [16860/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra62. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health the status of the work currently under way to continue to develop and implement a model of care for long Covid; if there is a timeline for this work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16783/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 26 and 62 together.
COVID-19 is a new disease so information on it, its features, incidence and course are still emerging.
My Department, and the HSE, continue to review new evidence, research and data on all aspects of COVID19 including Long COVID, as it emerges, internationally and nationally, to ensure care is in place for all who need it.
The HSE has developed and is implementing an interim Model of Care to provide Long COVID services nationally. This builds on existing service provision to further develop the necessary services across a number of health care settings including GP, community services and acute hospitals.
The initial priority is to establish Post-Acute and Long COVID clinics and this is underway.
The HSE has advised that Post Acute clinics are managing patients between four and twelve weeks after initial onset of infection and Long COVID clinics are managing patients twelve weeks post onset of infection.
Anyone concerned about Long COVID is advised to engage with their GP in the first instance.
27. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if an update will be provided on the site chosen for the new elective hospital in Cork city; and when this will be operational. [16961/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn December 2021 the Government agreed, subject to the necessary approvals and requirements under the Public Spending Code being met, a new National Elective Ambulatory Care Strategy. The development of additional capacity will be provided through dedicated, standalone Elective Hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin. The locations chosen will allow for new facilities of a size and scale to implement a national elective care programme that will tackle waiting lists on a national basis. The new facilities will be designed to maximise their capacity and in doing so will operate to cover as a wide catchment area as possible, extending beyond existing and future health areas.
The “Elective Hospitals Oversight Group”, under the joint governance of the Department of Health and Health Service Executive, has been guiding the development of the elective hospital proposals, following the process outlined in the updated Public Spending Code. Following the approval of the new Strategy, Project Preliminary Business Cases for the three locations are being finalised for consideration and review by my Department. The Preliminary Business Cases provide a framework to assess costs, benefits, affordability, deliverability, risks and sensitivities associated with potential project options as well as providing the information required to inform decisions on the viability and desirability of public spending proposals.
These Project Business Cases will make a recommendation on and seek approval-in-principle to proceed on the optimal strategy for the delivery of the additional national elective capacity in Cork, Galway and Dublin. These business cases are at an advanced stage of development.
When approved internally, the Business Cases will be submitted to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform’s recently introduced PSC External Assurance Process and Major Projects Evaluation Group, after which further memoranda for Government could then be brought forward. While it is difficult to be certain about timelines, following these assurance steps I am hopeful we could proceed to approval-in-principle (Gate 1 of the Public Spending Code) before the summer recess.
In advance of receiving approval-in-principle from Government in line with the PSC, it would be premature to commit to any specific timeline, other than to say that the Department is proceeding with the expedient development of PSC compliant business cases in order to deliver additional elective ambulatory capacity in line with the Government decision of December 2021 provided through dedicated, standalone Elective Hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin.
28. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the way in which he intends to improve services for persons with Huntingdon’s disease; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16864/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraHuntington’s Disease is a rare, complex, hereditary neurological condition with an estimated 1,000 people suffering from the disease in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for Neurology (NCPN) have been working in conjunction with HSE Scheduled Care Transformation Programme (SCTP), Strategy and Planning, through 2021 and 2022 on a proposed development on an integrated pathway for Huntington’s Disease.
As Huntington’s Disease is a complex condition that requires support across all aspect of the healthcare system, development of an integrated pathway will require detailed engagement with all stakeholders.
Patients with Huntington’s Disease are regularly seen through the ENROL-HD research programme at Beaumont Hospital.
A weekly clinic has been initiated in Beaumont to share best practice and mirror the existing national Motor Neuron Disease service in providing multidisciplinary care.
Supports for people with Huntington’s Disease are provided across acute hospital, primary care and community service settings.
The HSE funds a range of community services to people with a disability, to enable each individual to achieve their full potential and maximise independence, including persons with Huntington’s Disease.
These include Personal Assistant Services and Home Support, Therapy Services, Respite Care and Medical Aids and Appliances.
Services are provided either directly by the HSE or through a range of voluntary service providers, and in line with policy, are provided based on individual need rather than on diagnosis.
29. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the plans he has to tackle the waiting times for diagnosis of endometriosis, which can take up to nine years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16980/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised that improving access to gynaecology services overall will assist many patients with endometriosis.
In this regard, my Department is working with the HSE to develop “see and treat” ambulatory gynaecology clinics.
Approximately 70% of general gynaecology referrals can be managed in the ambulatory setting. This will help reduce the need for multiple gynaecology appointments for the woman.
Re-directing more women to the ambulatory setting will also free up resources, such as gynaecology theatres, which could be used for more complex procedures.
Building on recent developments, Budget 2022 funding will enable us to establish the remaining ambulatory gynaecology clinics, giving us a total of 20 clinics nationally.
Arising from the work of the Women's Health Taskforce, 2021 saw the expansion of the endometriosis services at both the Coombe and Tallaght University Hospital.
Using Budget 2022 funding, we will further expand the service at Tallaght and establish a new service for more complex endometriosis cases at Cork.
Allied to this, the ICGP is engaging with the HSE to develop a Quick Reference Guide on endometriosis for GPs. This will align with the Model of Care for endometriosis that is also under development.
These initiatives will increase awareness of endometriosis and help identify the most appropriate care pathways for women, up to and including specialist endometriosis care.
30. Deputy Christopher O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to current staff shortages at Cork University Hospital; the measures that are being taken to resolve this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16988/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I am advised that the numbers employed by Cork University Hospital (CUH) have increased by 17% since the end of 2018.
The HSE has informed me that the increase in COVID 19 cases over the past few weeks has placed CUH under pressure. This is due to the impact of the increase in cases being hospitalised and from the growing staff absences relating to COVID 19 infections. Despite these challenges, the HSE has advised that CUH continues to maintain all services, highlighting that the isolation of Covid positive patients and contacts has been maintained.
The HSE has further advised that, in order to maintain rosters, the hospital has used agency staff, where available, as well as seeking overtime from available CUH staff. I am cognisant of the efforts and flexibility the staff have displayed and I'm advised that the Management at CUH continue to relay their appreciation to staff. In addition, the HSE has advised that the recruitment campaign at CUH is ongoing, targeting recruitment across all disciplines in the hospital.
The HSE has confirmed that forensic monitoring of patient and staff infection outbreaks will remain a high priority for CUH. At the same time, they advise that CUH will also continue to focus on the issue of service expansion and the importance of providing strategic leadership at this time.
