Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 14 June 2022
1609. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated additional cost for the full implementation of the framework for safe staffing and skills mix; the initial estimates; the additional funding allocated towards the framework to date in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29843/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1610. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of hospitals and wards which are compliant with the framework for safe staffing and skills mix and the number of hospitals and wards which are not in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29844/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1611. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the estimated number of whole-time equivalent staff that are required to fulfil the framework for safe staffing and skills mix by profession; the estimated cost of hiring the additional staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29845/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1634. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the outstanding cost for full implementation of the framework for safe staffing and skills mix for each stage. [29868/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1609, 1610, 1611 and 1634 together.
The Safe Staffing Framework is an evidence-based methodology to determine the required nursing workforce and skill mix based on patient acuity and dependency. The Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in General and Specialist Medical and Surgical Care Settings in Ireland 2018 (Phase 1) was launched in 2018 and The Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in Adult Emergency Care Settings in Ireland 2022 (Phase 2) was launched on the 2 June 2022 (www.gov.ie/en/collection/bebf28-taskforce-publications/).
Phase 3 of the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing in Community settings includes (i) Long-Term residential care settings for older persons, (ii) Community care settings, and (iii) Step-down and Rehabilitation settings.
As the Deputy may be aware, my Department is currently testing the first part of Phase 3 of the Safe Nurse and Skill Mix Framework in Long-Term residential care settings for older persons. Based on the evidence and in line with the recommendation of the COVID-19 Nursing Home Expert Panel, Phase 3 (i) will, in line with other phases, be developed into a national policy for broader implementation.
Implementation of Phase 1 of the Framework is being progressed by the HSE. €15m was allocated up to 2021 to fund the associated staffing costs. This delivered 543 WTE adjustments overall to date across the Model 4 Hospitals. Full implementation of the Framework continues to be a priority for me and I allocated an additional €10 million for further continuation of Phase 1.
I have allocated a further €0.2million in 2022, to further develop the unit, within the HSE, responsible for oversight of the national implementation plan for safe nurse staffing and skill mix.
I recently launched the Framework for Safe Nurse Staffing and Skill Mix in Adult Emergency Care Settings in Ireland 2022 (Phase 2). Implementation is a key priority for me and I have allocated €2.8m in Budget 2022 to the HSE to immediately commence implementation.
It is important to note the pandemic had an impact on the expected timelines associated with implementation progress of Phase 1. As part of my Department’s oversight role of HSE, it will be monitoring implementation during 2022.
I have provided the allocated funding in tabular form below. However, Regarding the Deputy’s request around details for estimated funding, individual settings and outstanding costs, I have asked the HSE to reply directly to the Deputy.
Funding allocated to implement Phase 1:
|
Year |
Funding allocated |
|
NSP 2020 |
€5m |
|
NSP 2021 |
€10m |
|
NSP 2022 |
€10m |
Funding allocated to implement Phase 2:
|
Year |
Funding allocated |
|
NSP 2022 |
€2.8m |
