Thursday, 8 Sep 2022

Written Answers Nos. 1833-1852

Hospital Procedures

Ceisteanna (1833)

Paul McAuliffe

Ceist:

1833. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Health when an operation will take place for a person (details supplied). [43248/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

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.

Nursing Homes

Ceisteanna (1834, 1835, 1836, 1837, 1839)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1834. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the measures that are being introduced to ensure that the fee payable for nursing home resident care recognises the extraordinary increase in costs being incurred (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43250/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1835. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the reason that the pricing mechanism for the fair deal scheme remains unchanged seven years after the review of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43251/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1836. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the immediate measure that will be implemented to stem the closure of small nursing homes (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43252/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1837. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his views on the recent pattern of closure of smaller nursing homes; and if the loss of these nursing homes within communities are of particular concern for his Department and the Government with regard to the care options available to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43253/22]

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1839. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health his views on his Department's value for money review of nursing home costs (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43255/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1834 to 1837, inclusive, and 1839 together.

I am acutely aware of the specific challenges faced by the Nursing Home sector related to price inflation and increased energy costs. I have met directly with Nursing Homes Ireland (NHI), the representative organisation for private and voluntary nursing homes, and updated them in detail on progress being made in relation to this matter. I have also met with the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to request that they consider the matter alongside departmental officials. I have visited a number of Nursing Homes to discuss this issue with management of both public and private/voluntary nursing units. It is imperative that nursing homes manage potential cost pressures in line with their regulatory and contractual responsibilities, maintaining their quality of care so that residents’ lived experience and comfort is not affected. I will provide an update to sector representatives as soon as possible.

It should also be noted that the department continues to work with the NTPF to take forward the recommended actions that emerged from the review of the NTPF pricing system published in June 2021 as well as taking forward the nine recommendations of the Value For Money Review on Nursing Home costs published last December.

I would also like to highlight the other supports provided to the private and voluntary nursing home sector over the course of the pandemic. As you are aware, the COVID-19 Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, also known as TAPS, has been in place since the start of the pandemic. Over €143 million has been made available to date under the scheme. The outbreak assistance element of the scheme is still in payment, having been extended up to September 2022. In addition to TAPS, direct support has been provided by the HSE to private nursing homes in many areas, including the provision of PPE, serial testing and support with staffing.  In response to the strategic workforce challenges in the nursing home and home care sector, a Cross-Departmental Strategic Workforce Advisory Group has been established. The Group is working to a tight timeline and is committed to providing a set of recommendations by September 2022.  

I am aware that a number of nursing homes have closed this year, with several new closures notified in the last few weeks. The closure of any nursing homes reduces bed capacity and puts pressure on other local health and social care facilities, including acute hospitals. The most important thing when nursing homes close is that the welfare and safety of residents is secured. We must work to alleviate any concerns they may have.  They and their families remain my continued focus. The closure of any nursing homes reduces bed capacity and puts pressure on other local health and social care facilities, including acute hospitals. It is essential that when nursing homes are intending to close, residents and their families must be consulted with and given appropriate notice so that new homes can be found and they can be moved in a safe, planned way

Given the importance of nursing homes and the NHSS to the wider health and social care system - with a budget of over €1 billion, and over 22,000 residents supported - it is essential that policy measures are examined with due care in order to ensure the government's objectives are delivered and avoid unintended consequences. I hope to be in a position to update sector representatives as soon as possible.

Question No. 1835 answered with Question No. 1834.

Question No. 1836 answered with Question No. 1834.

Question No. 1837 answered with Question No. 1834.

Care Services

Ceisteanna (1838)

Colm Burke

Ceist:

1838. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the status of the Review of Pricing System for Long Term Residential Care Facilities, published in June 2021 (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43254/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

The Review of the Pricing System for Long Term Residential Care Facilities was carried out under the oversight of  a steering group with representation from various departments and agencies. Expert advice was sought from Deloitte and Prospectus and Philip Lee, and submissions were sought from stakeholders. Following conclusion of the review, the NTPF submitted its final report to the Minister of Health, with four recommendations.

Recommendations:

- Recommendation 1: formal assessment of using a formulaic approach in the pricing system as set out in Section 4 of the Report.

- Recommendation 2: formal assessment of amending the approach to the assessment of “Local Market Price” to reflect prices within other nursing homes within a certain distance of the nursing home rather than within the same county.

- Recommendation 3: NTPF to engage with nursing homes and their representatives in relation to enhancing the internal NTPF Review process.

- Recommendation 4: amending the process for allowing for high dependency residents when the necessary systems are in place.

A steering group has been established to oversee the delivery of the recommendations, this group has met on a regular basis since publication of the review. 

The delivery of recommendations 1-3 primarily sit with the NTPF. As per the recommendations of the review, the NTPF is reporting periodically to the steering group on progress in implementing the recommendations. It is recognised, however, that recommendation 4 has dependencies going well beyond the scope of the pricing review. This recommendation is therefore being addressed within the broader context of the reform of older persons' services., with appropriate links established between the pricing review steering group (including shared membership) to ensure that appropriate links are made between this recommendation and the others.

The terms of reference for the group include a final report to be submitted to ministers, reporting on delivery of recommendations 1-4 set out above and making any further recommendations as appropriate.

Question No. 1839 answered with Question No. 1834.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (1840)

Niamh Smyth

Ceist:

1840. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied) will be reviewed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43257/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

While my Department cannot comment on individual cases, I can advise that the HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout of the Pandemic Recognition Payment 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:

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. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE; 

6. 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. Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

I would like to remind the Deputy that it is against Department policy to comment on individual cases.

Covid-19 Pandemic Supports

Ceisteanna (1841, 1842, 1843)

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1841. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health if information has now been published and provided to non-HSE and non-section 38 organisation types that are covered by the Government decision on the pandemic recognition payment, regarding the process available to them in order to implement payment for their eligible staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43258/22]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1842. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when eligible staff (details supplied) who are based in Dublin in a non-HSE and non-section 38 organisation covered by the Government decision will receive the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43259/22]

Mary Lou McDonald

Ceist:

1843. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Minister for Health when eligible staff (details supplied) who are based in Dublin in a non-HSE and non-section 38 organisation covered by the Government decision will receive the pandemic recognition payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43260/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1841 to 1843, inclusive, together.

Firstly, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during this most challenging period.

The HSE and the Department have been examining progressing the rollout of the Pandemic Recognition Payment 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:

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. Members of the Defence Forces redeployed to work in frontline Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;

6. Paramedics employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.

The above 6 non-HSE/non-Section 38 areas only are covered by this Government Decision and all eligible workers will be paid in accordance with the overarching eligibility criteria in place.

In relation to eligible staff in cohorts 1-4 above, information will be published shortly for those employees that are covered by the Government Decision and the process available to their employers to implement this measure for their eligible staff. Once this process is published, the Department is keen that payments to eligible workers will be made as soon as possible thereafter.

With regard to eligible staff in cohorts 6 and 7, the Department of Health is engaging with the Department of Defence, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, and the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to progress payments to these cohorts as soon as possible.

Question No. 1842 answered with Question No. 1841.

Question No. 1843 answered with Question No. 1841.

Dental Services

Ceisteanna (1844)

Richard Bruton

Ceist:

1844. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will consider a scheme to address the long waiting times for children listed for orthodontic treatment in order that they can access private treatment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43261/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

The waiting list for the orthodontic service is maintained based on chronological date of referral and clinical need. Some children are given priority for treatment if the severity of their case requires it.

In 2021, the HSE commenced a new procurement that allows patients to have treatment with private Specialist Orthodontists. The Waiting list plan initiative for 2022 included €11 million in funding to be made available for identified community initiatives, including a focus on orthodontics.

A HSE orthodontic treatment waiting list initiative in 2022 will see Children and Young People assessed as Grade 4 who have been waiting over 4 years for treatment at a cost of €2.8m. As of the 30th of August, 884 children and young people have been taken off the orthodontics waiting list using private providers under this new procurement framework. It is anticipated that the orthodontics waiting list initiative will continue to the end of the year.

The option of the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme may be available to patients who have a urgent clinical need for treatment. The Scheme allows patients to choose to go to Northern Ireland for treatment. This option is managed through a National Service and has a separate funding structure to the Orthodontic Service. If a patient opts to avail of orthodontic treatment through the Northern Ireland Planned Healthcare Scheme the patient is discharged from the HSE Orthodontic Service.

Question No. 1845 answered with Question No. 1793.

Hospital Waiting Lists

Ceisteanna (1846)

Rose Conway-Walsh

Ceist:

1846. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the average waiting times for routine echocardiograms in each hospital in the State, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43263/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

It 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 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 Equipment

Ceisteanna (1847)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1847. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if there are technical restrictions preventing staff in Cork University Hospital sending emails to the HSE. [43266/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

As this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.

General Practitioner Services

Ceisteanna (1848)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1848. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if it is the intention of the HSE to reduce SouthDoc services in County Cork by closing down centres in Mallow and Fermoy. [43267/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

SouthDoc is the out of hours GP service provider for urgent medical care in counties Cork and Kerry. It has a membership of over 500 GPs and a network of 26 treatment centres. The HSE remains in regular contact with out of hours providers, including SouthDoc, to ensure that the services provide the supports needed by local communities. The HSE has advised that SouthDoc continues to provide an out of hours service in both Mallow and Fermoy and has no plans to discontinue the provision of service in either area.

Care Services

Ceisteanna (1849, 1850, 1851, 1852)

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1849. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health when it is proposed to close a centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [43271/22]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1850. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the respite arrangements that have been put in place in the absence of respite facilities at a centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [43272/22]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1851. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the latest correspondence that has been exchanged between his Department and the HSE in respect of the pending closure of a centre (details supplied) in County Cork. [43273/22]

Seán Sherlock

Ceist:

1852. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health if an alternative residence has been found to replace a centre (details supplied) in County Cork [43274/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 1849 to 1852, inclusive, together.

As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.

Question No. 1850 answered with Question No. 1849.

Question No. 1851 answered with Question No. 1849.

Question No. 1852 answered with Question No. 1849.