Written Answers Nos. 176-195
176. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the effect the energy crisis and Brexit have had on the cost of prosthetics and orthotics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34668/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prostheses and orthoses, free of charge to eligible persons following assessment by a relevant health professional.
These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Each application within a Community Health Organisation (CHO) is assessed for eligible persons by the local Resource Allocation Group. A determination is made regarding approval based on priority and funding availability within local budgets. Prosthetic services are currently provided by private providers and the cost is charged to the HSE.
At times, due to the demand for resources exceeding the available capacity, waiting lists may apply for some categories of items provided through the medical and surgical aids and appliances budget in a particular CHO. Waiting times also vary depending on the priority rating which is made by healthcare professionals based on clinical risk. Priority is given to clients with the greatest level of clinical need.
The effects of Brexit, global supply chains issues, and the rise in energy costs have unfortunately further impacted the sourcing of appropriate aids and appliances for some applicants. However, CHOs do undertake a range of initiatives to ensure optimum use of resources, for example, through the efficient recycling of stock items such as wheelchairs and walking aids. Therefore, CHOs endeavour to provide medical and surgical aids and appliances in accordance with clinical priorities and subject to budgetary and supply constraints.
A HSE National Service Improvement Programme has the aim of improving the equity of access, value for money, and functional processes of the Community Funded Schemes through the establishment of national guidelines for the provision of medical and surgical aids and appliances.
While this work was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Programme has recommenced. A review of the current prosthetics service is underway – under the Orthotics, Prosthetics and Specialist Footwear Work Stream – and is due to be completed by early 2023.
177. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the details of post-operation management of amputees; if post-operation hospital bed nights have increased over the past five years for amputees; the number for each year, in tabular form; if incidences of falls have increased over the past five years for amputees; the number for each year, in tabular form; if incidences of flexion contracture have increased over the past five years for amputees; the number for each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34669/22]
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.
178. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if prosthetic patients are automatically entitled to a medical card, general practitioner card or long-term illness card; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34670/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances, including prosthetics, free of charge to eligible persons (such as medical card holders and people on the Long-Term Illness scheme) following assessment by a relevant health professional. These are provided through community services known as Community Funded Schemes and play a key role in assisting and supporting people to maintain everyday functioning, and to remain living in their homes and local community.
Amputees, whose amputation arose from either a traumatic or elective event, usually have their primary prosthesis fitted at the hospital where the surgery was undertaken. Subsequent prostheses are provided to eligible patients through the Community Funded Schemes. Rehabilitation services are provided by the National Rehabilitation Hospital primarily at their site in Dun Laoghaire and augmented by a number of satellite clinics that they operate throughout the country. There are also a number of smaller services operated at regional level that provide assessment and fitting clinics along with prostheses at a local level.
The Long Term Illness (LTI) scheme was established under Section 59(3) of the Health Act 1970 (as amended). Regulations were made in 1971, 1973 and 1975, prescribing 16 illnesses covered by the scheme. These are: acute leukaemia; mental handicap; cerebral palsy; mental illness (in a person under 16); cystic fibrosis; multiple sclerosis; diabetes insipidus; muscular dystrophies; diabetes mellitus; parkinsonism; epilepsy; phenylketonuria; haemophilia; spina bifida; hydrocephalus; and conditions arising from the use of Thalidomide.
Under the LTI scheme, patients receive drugs, medicines, and medical and surgical appliances directly related to the treatment of their illness, free of charge. . All persons 'ordinarily resident’ in the Republic of Ireland who are diagnosed with at least one of the listed illnesses are entitled to apply. There is no means test for the LTI scheme.
Under the Health Act 1970, eligibility for a medical card is based primarily on means. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without undue hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
The issue of granting medical or GP visit cards based on having a particular disease or illness was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
However, every effort is made by the HSE, within the framework of the legislation, to support applicants in applying for a medical card and, in particular, to take full account of the difficult circumstances in the case of applicants who may be in excess of the income guidelines. The HSE may exercise discretion and grant a medical card, even though an applicant exceeds the income threshold where they face difficult financial circumstances, such as extra costs arising from an illness. Social and medical issues are also considered when determining whether undue hardship exists for an individual accessing general practitioner or other medical services.
179. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health his plans to introduce regional rehabilitation services for amputees; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34671/22]
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.
180. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health the average period of time spent by a primary amputee in inpatient rehabilitation; if, after discharge from inpatient rehabilitation, amputees have access to a physiotherapist, gait training and counselling; the extent of the access to these services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34672/22]
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.
181. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when comprehensive supports, including reinstatement of speech and language therapy and an early intervention appointment, will be provided by the children’s disability network team for a child (details supplied) in view of the fact that it is proven that high-quality early intervention has a profound positive effect on outcomes for children with a disability; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34678/22]
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.
182. Deputy Jennifer Carroll MacNeill asked the Minister for Health if an applicant (details supplied) for the fair deal scheme can get an extension; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34680/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
183. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the hospital liaison initiative that was carried out in Tallaght University Hospital in which patients with addiction issues were given a pathway toward community-based support organisations; the assessment of that pilot programme’s outcomes; and if this approach has been or will be replicated in other hospitals or healthcare settings. [34681/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
184. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if agency staff working with patients in HSE facilities will receive the pandemic bonus payment; the person or body that is responsible for the decision as to which staff receive the payment in each hospital setting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34711/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn January 19th, the Government announced a COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for frontline public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Following extensive engagement with healthcare unions on the matter, on 19th April the HSE published eligibility guidelines and FAQs, as apply to the HSE and Section 38 agencies, which are available on its website: www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html
The HSE and the Department are currently examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. Rolling out the payment to eligible non-HSE and non-Section 38 employees is a complex task, particularly as these employees are not normally paid by the public health service, duplicate payments need to be avoided, and there are many organisations to be covered.
Officials in the Department and the HSE are prioritising the work needed to progress this. It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/S38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. This shall cover eligible staff in:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
2. Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
3. Agency roles working in the HSE;
4. Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help/home care/home support) contracted to the HSE;
5. Redeployed members of Department of Defence to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments for the HSE;
6. Paramedics employed by the Department of Local Government, Housing and Heritage.
The Government is mindful of other workers who played their own part during this difficult period in sustaining other services. It is tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which the above frontline workers faced. In recognition of the efforts of all workers, volunteers, and the general public during the COVID-19 pandemic, and in remembrance of people who lost their lives due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government announced a public holiday which took place on 18 March 2022. From February next year there will also be a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day.
In relation to the Deputy's second query, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
185. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if he will respond to matters raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) in relation to the special leave with pay for Covid-19 payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34723/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThis question should be redirected to the Minister of Education as this person is not a health sector employee. The Minister for Health has no role in respect of Special Leave with Pay for the education sector.
186. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) in relation to neurology nurses in Cork University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34786/22]
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.
187. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his views on plans for UL Hospital Group to partner with a company (details supplied) in developing an elective centre in Limerick; if he supports this project; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34788/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs any discussions or arrangements that University of Limerick Hospital Group may be having with external organisations are operational matters for the Group, I am referring the Deputy's question to the Health Service Executive for direct reply, as soon as possible.
In relation to the development of elective services, in 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. This new strategy aims to change the way in which day case, scheduled procedures, surgeries, scans and outpatient services can be better arranged to ensure greater capacity in the future and help to address waiting lists. The development of additional capacity will be provided through dedicated, standalone Elective Hospitals in Cork, Galway and Dublin. The Government decision is very clear on this. No other locations are under active consideration. It is important to note that 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. This means that 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 including the mid-west.
188. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the details and funding requirements of the elective centre in Limerick proposed to be developed by UL Hospital Group in partnership with a company (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34789/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
189. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of scheduled care cancellations for the month of May 2022, by hospital and hospital group, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34790/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
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.
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.
190. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of scheduled care cancellations for the month of May 2022, by hospital and hospital group, for each week and each day, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34791/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
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.
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.
191. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the patient experience time for admission and for discharge for the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital on 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 and 21 June 2022 , in tabular, totalled and broken down by age cohorts; the number of emergency department attendances; the number and percentage of ED attendances admitted within 0-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-24 and 24 plus hours; the number and percentage of ED attendances discharged within 0-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-24 and 24 plus hours; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34792/22]
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.
192. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to develop an outpatient national advocacy service for mental health; the estimated cost of establishing an outpatient national advocacy service for mental health; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34803/22]
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.
193. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the cost of funding the existing levels of service in mental health provision in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34804/22]
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.
194. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will report on the funding and breakdown of funding for mental health in the two streams of mental health and the National Office for Suicide Prevention; the amounts of existing levels of service and additional funding in each of the years from 2019 to date, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34805/22]
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.
195. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he intends to review the interim model of care for long-Covid in view of the significant evidence of neurological and psychological complications associated with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34807/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra196. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health his plans to treat long-Covid in the community; the role primary care centres will have, if any, in the interim model of care for long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 195 and 196 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly.
