Written Answers Nos. 1792-1811
1792. Deputy Brian Stanley asked the Minister for Health the number of children in CHO8 who are currently awaiting access to occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, physiotherapy and psychology services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43063/22]
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.
1793. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans to fund a long-Covid clinic at the Mater Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43064/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1802. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health when the HSE lead on long-Covid will be meeting with a person (details supplied); the reason that such a meeting has not taken place to date if requested by the latter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43119/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1803. Deputy Réada Cronin asked the Minister for Health the clinical basis on which the HSE is planning to remove funding from the long-Covid clinic operated at the Mater Hospital by a person (details supplied); the plans that are in place to treat those patients currently in their care at other locations and with medical professionals of equal or higher level of specialist expertise; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43120/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1807. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Health the action he will take to ensure that the long-Covid clinic in the Mater Hospital remains open; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43128/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1817. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will provide much-needed urgent funding to the long-Covid clinic at the Mater Hospital (details supplied); and if not, the reason for same. [43145/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1821. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if additional funding will be provided to the Mater Hospital Dublin in order that it can continue to provide medical services and support persons experiencing the effects of long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43173/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1845. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to a situation relating to a service (details supplied); the details of any engagements that he or officials from his Department have had with this service regarding resourcing; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43262/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1853. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health if he will provide funding for the long Covid neurological clinic at the Mater Hospital to ensure that it continues to accept and treat patients given the threat of closure due to the lack of any funding provision; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43277/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1864. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he will make funding available to manage the long-Covid clinic in the Mater Hospital; if he will establish a long-Covid clinic in Sligo to service the north west; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43305/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1874. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to support persons suffering from long-Covid; if he will ensure the continued operation of a dedicated clinic for same; if he will further commit to funding necessary services for persons with long-Covid; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43421/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1793, 1802, 1803, 1807, 1817, 1821, 1845, 1853, 1864 and 1874 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly
1794. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a greater supply of ambulance services to Naas Hospital given that currently the demand exceeds the supply; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43065/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter I have asked the Health Service Executive to reply to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
1795. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health if he will increase funding by €20 in line with the recommendations of an organisation (details supplied) to ensure that section 29 agencies can offer rates of pay in line with section 28 and HSE services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43067/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role that Section 39 organisations and staff play in our health sector. They have a key role in providing services to people with disabilities and older people.
Under Section 39 of the Health Act 2004, the HSE provides assistance to organisations that provide services similar or ancillary to a service that the HSE may provide. However, Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations, once in line with employment legislation, are strictly between the employer and the employee.
1796. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the action that his Department is taking in relation to students who are currently enrolled in applied social care at Dublin Business School who were recently informed that their course had been denied CORU accreditation meaning they will be unable to register as social care workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43070/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraCORU is Ireland's multi-profession health regulator. Its role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals.
CORU will open the Social Care Workers Register on 30 November 2023. This will begin a two-year transition period during which existing practitioners may apply to register with CORU. On 30 November 2025, the title 'Social Care Worker' will become a legally protected title in Ireland. This positive milestone will ensure all service users receive the highest standards of care and empower CORU to act when any deficiencies are identified.
CORU has engaged extensively, since 2017, with education providers on the standards required by Social Care Worker education programmes including undertaking a stakeholder consultation on the required education standards, holding meetings and information days with all education providers, and conducting site visits.
Officials in my Department are engaging with CORU and relevant Government Departments to explore solutions that might assist the students in achieving registration in the future without compromising the need to adhere to the required standards
In addition, CORU remains available to work with and support all educators and provide guidance on how courses can demonstrate they meet the required standards.
I would like to thank you for raising a matter of understandable concern.
1797. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Health when a group (details supplied) will receive the pandemic bonus payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43086/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On 19 January, 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: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
While my Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that the HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
Agency roles working in the HSE;
Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
The above 6 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.
Information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff.
I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.
1798. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if his Department is continuing to correspond with general practitioners on the proposed cuts which were postponed earlier in 2022 (details supplied); if he will provide an update on this matter; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43094/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraGP out of hours co-operatives are private organisations. The HSE provides significant funding to co-operatives through service level agreements to support the provision of out of hour GP services. The HSE has confirmed that there has been no change to the funding arrangement for the out of hours service referred to by the Deputy for 2022.
The service in question recently informed the HSE of its intention to reconfigure its GP out-of-hours service with effect from August 2022, with no availability of late night in-person GP consultations. Following recent discussions and correspondence between the HSE and the board of GP cooperative concerned in relation to its proposal, it has been agreed that any proposed changes that were suggested have now been put back to January 2023 to facilitate an examination of the out of hours operation.
1799. Deputy Francis Noel Duffy asked the Minister for Health if his Department will review the assessment of needs process to ensure school children receive appropriate additional services. [43096/22]
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.
1800. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health when the pandemic payment will be paid to frontline HSE workers (details supplied). [43100/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFirstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.
On 19 January, 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: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/resources/hr-circulars/hr-circular-012-2022-pandemic-special-recognition-payment.html. Payment is currently receiving priority across all Hospital Groups and Community Services in the HSE.
While my Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that the HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout to the list of 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 organisation types covered by the Government Decision. This measure will be ring fenced to staff working ordinarily onsite in COVID-19 exposed healthcare environments. This shall cover eligible staff in:
Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary, Section 39 etc.);
Eligible staff working on-site in Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities;
Agency roles working in the HSE;
Health Care Support Assistants (also known as home help / home care / home support) contracted to the HSE;
Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
It is hoped that information will be published shortly for those certain non-HSE/non-Section 38 healthcare employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. Once a process is published, my Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.
1801. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health if he will review the circumstances related to the standard of care provided for a person (details supplied). [43102/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
1804. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason that a facility (details supplied) remains closed; and the steps being taken to reopen it. [43122/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy's question relates to a service matter, I am referring the question for response to the HSE for a direct reply to the Deputy as soon as possible.
1805. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total number of paediatric gastroenterologists currently employed within with the HSE by hospital in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43123/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy on this matter.
1806. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health the total number of children awaiting appointments for HSE paediatric gastroenterology by hospital in each of the years 2018 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43124/22]
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 are still impacted by operational challenges arising from the pandemic.
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.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists. Under this plan the Department, HSE, and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity for the treatment of patients, as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
This is the first stage of an ambitious multi-annual waiting list programme, which is currently under development in the Department of Health. Between them, these plans will work to support short, medium, and long term initiatives to reduce waiting times and provide the activity needed in years to come.
In relation to the specific query raised, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has provided my Department with the attached tables showing the numbers of children waiting for outpatient and inpatient appointments for the specialties of Gastro-Enterology and Paediatric Gastro-Enterology by hospital in each of the years in question.
The NTPF has advised that the figures do not include the numbers waiting for G.I. Endoscopy procedures. This information is published monthly and is available on the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) website at: https://www.ntpf.ie/home/nwld.htm
|
Children waiting for an Outpatient Appointment in the specialties of Gastro-Enterology and Paediatric Gastro-Enterology |
|||||
|
20/12/2018 |
19/12/2019 |
23/12/2020 |
23/12/2021 |
28/07/2022 |
|
|
Children's Health Ireland |
1023 |
1027 |
1199 |
788 |
749 |
|
Cork University Hospital |
6 |
7 |
|||
|
Galway University Hospitals |
6 |
8 |
5 |
||
|
Letterkenny University Hospital |
6 |
10 |
|||
|
Mercy University Hospital |
5 |
5 |
6 |
||
|
SmallVolHospitals |
5 |
8 |
16 |
9 |
8 |
|
University Hospital Limerick |
8 |
||||
|
Grand Total |
1045 |
1048 |
1215 |
808 |
788 |
|
Children waiting for an Inpatient/Daycase Appointment in the specialties of Gastro-Enterology & Paediatric Gastro-Enterology |
|||||
|
20/12/2018 |
19/12/2019 |
23/12/2020 |
23/12/2021 |
28/07/2022 |
|
|
Children's Health Ireland |
320 |
360 |
506 |
461 |
631 |
|
Galway University Hospitals |
7 |
||||
|
SmallVolHospitals |
4 |
7 |
2 |
7 |
7 |
|
Grand Total |
331 |
367 |
508 |
468 |
638 |
1808. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if, in relation to the Medical Cannabis Access Programme, he is giving consideration to expanding the list of health conditions covered by the MCAP; if he is giving consideration to including medicinal cannabis products on the list of medications which patients can be reimbursed for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43129/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1809. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will instruct his Department in relation to the current situation around access to medicinal cannabis products in Ireland and the fact that the MCAP severely restricts the health conditions the products can be prescribed for to expand this list of health conditions MCAP can prescribe medical cannabis products for treatment; if he will ensure that the drug payment scheme includes medical cannabis products, meaning that this process is designed to meet the needs of Irish patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43133/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1808 and 1809 together.
In the 2017 report commissioned by the Minister for Health “Cannabis for Medical Use – A Scientific Review” it was advised that cannabis should only be made available for the treatment of patients with specified medical conditions which have failed to respond to all other previous treatments, and where there is at least modest evidence that cannabis may be effective.
Currently there are three specified medical conditions that the programme includes:
- spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis;
- intractable nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy;
- severe, refractory (treatment-resistant) epilepsy that has failed to respond to standard anticonvulsant medications.
My Department has commenced a review of the MCAP. This review will continue the work of the previous clinical expert group and seek to build on evidence found in the earlier study. It will assess if there is new evidence to support the addition of any other clinical indications to the MCAP.
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has statutory responsibility for pricing and reimbursement decisions, in accordance with the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013. In line with the 2013 Act and the national framework agreed with industry, a company must submit an application to the HSE to have a new medicine added to the reimbursement list.
The Minister for Health has no role in this clinical decision-making process and Section 6 of the HSE Governance Act 2013 prevents 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.
Under the MCAP, the HSE can reimburse eligible patients for products included in Schedule 1 of S.I. No. 262/2019 - Misuse of Drugs (Prescription and Control of Supply of Cannabis for Medical Use) Regulations 2019, the statutory basis behind the programme.
1810. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the number of staff working in St. Marys Health Centre, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43136/22]
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.
1811. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health if all the positions are filled on a permanent basis in St. Mary's Health Centre, Thurles, County Tipperary; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43137/22]
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.
