Written Answers Nos. 605-624
605. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the future plans for Midlands Youth Drug and Alcohol Service, given that the contract with an organisation (details supplied) for the provision of services ceases in December 2022 and parents have not been informed of future plans. [57437/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra721. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the ending of the contract for provision of youth addiction services in the Midlands region. [58034/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra723. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health the date that he issued a tender for youth addiction services in the Midlands. [58036/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra724. Deputy Thomas Gould asked the Minister for Health if he will give a firm commitment that there will be no disruption to youth addiction services in the Midlands in the next 12 months. [58037/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra765. Deputy Sorca Clarke asked the Minister for Health the alternative interim arrangements that his Department will implement, given that the Midlands Youth Drug and Alcohol Service is to cease at the end of 2022 (details supplied). [58149/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 605, 721, 723, 724 and 765 together.
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
606. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health the number of applicants in receipt of the fair deal scheme who opted to rent out their homes since the change in how this would affect their own contribution; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57438/22]
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.
607. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health when persons (details supplied) will receive their Covid-19 recognition payment for frontline workers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57465/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
608. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the fact that Ireland has been ranked the worst for transgender healthcare in the EU; if he will provide details of the steps that his Department is taking to drastically improve transgender healthcare; the timeline for when improvements will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57477/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to the development by the HSE of a well-governed and patient-centred health care service for adults and children in the transgender community, in line with the Programme for Government.
A model of care for transgender children, adolescents and adults was developed by the HSE Quality Improvement Division. The HSE model of care is underpinned by a local response model including general practice, psychology and CAMHS, working with specialist mental health and endocrinology services. Complex cases would be referred onto tertiary specialist care. The model of care is partly implemented within community services. The model of care deals with services for children and adults. Children can be referred to paediatric up until the age of 18 years. An adult service is provided by the national gender service in St Colmcille’s Hospital.
A steering committee which was established to examine the development of the HSE transgender identity services produced a report in 2020. This committee included representatives of all stakeholders, including advocacy representatives, and was chaired by Dr Siobhan Ni Bhriain on behalf of the chief clinical officer. The report acknowledged the additional funding made available to develop services in recent years. It also advised on the development of seamless interfaces between agencies providing gender services. The committee agreed a job description for a consultant psychiatrist in child and adolescent psychiatry in CHO 7 and CHI to develop the service for those aged under 18 (and to replace the current system of psychological support provided by the Tavistock Clinic). This consultant psychiatrist would develop and lead a MDT to support the delivery of gender identity services for those under 18. This position has been advertised twice but is not yet filled.
I believe the development of a service in Ireland for children and young people is essential. It is the priority of the Dept of Health and the HSE to provide a transgender healthcare service that meets the needs of children and young people.
609. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health when funding will be approved for a person (details supplied) with disabilities to take-up a residential placement in County Tipperary; the reason for the delay; if urgent funding will be approved; the person or body that is responsible in the HSE for releasing the funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this query relates to an operational matter, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the minister.
610. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that plans for the redeployment of those working as Covid swabbers and testers for the HSE, who are due to finish up on 21 November 2022, will be guaranteed job before Christmas (details supplied). [57522/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have accepted updated advice from the Chief Medical Officer relating to COVID-19 Testing, Tracing and Surveillance which has also been approved by the Government.
In the coming weeks, the HSE will be adopting a targeted approach for COVID-19 testing which will be based on a clinical assessment where a clinician requires the result to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient. Swabbing will be undertaken by GPs in these circumstances. Testing will also take place where deemed necessary by Public Health in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk.
Based on the revised public health advice, community swabbing will no longer be a feature of our COVID-19 response as testing will no longer be recommended for the general population. The implementation of this advice will reduce the scale of testing and contact tracing around the country and is leading to consolidation of resources in the period ahead, including the closure of community testing facilities which will no longer be required. The HSE has also developed extensive plans for surge and emergency responses for future requirements for testing and tracing should that need be identified. This includes additional resources that I have provided to the National Ambulance Service to recruit permanent Intermediate Care Operatives who will be deployed for swabbing purposes should the need arise to reintroduce community swabbing in the future but who will be deployed on ambulance service duties in the meantime. I have been informed by the HSE that the number of staff working in swabbing centres will reduce in November as part of this transition and due to the reduced demand for COVID-19 Testing. HSE managers have met these staff individually and are seeking potential reassignment opportunities into suitable funded vacancies for those who are interested in continued employment with HSE.
The approach to COVID-19 testing is facilitated by the high level of vaccine-induced and naturally acquired population immunity in Ireland. This is mitigating against the worst impacts of infection.
I have also provided additional resources to the HSE to ensure enhancements are put in place to existing infectious disease surveillance systems. This will ensure effective monitoring and signalling of what is happening with the virus at population level, and so that we can understand disease transmission and severity along with population immunity and risk.
The pandemic is not over, and COVID-19 is still a concern so testing remains an important part of our ongoing response to the disease for individuals vulnerable to its effects and for whom testing is indicated. For everybody, continuing to follow our public health advice available on hse.ie is still important. Anybody who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 is advised to seek advice from their GP or treating clinician.
My Department, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) and the National Virus Reference Laboratory (NVRL), overseen by the Chief Medical Officer, continue to review the COVID-19 epidemiological situation in Ireland and internationally. This includes the on-going close monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and assessment of any potential threat to population health.
611. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of early intervention places available in an area (details supplied) in County Cork. [57542/22]
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.
612. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the cutbacks in services (details supplied); when further funding will be allocated in order that those centres can reopen; when additional staffing will be provided for these centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57544/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraChanging Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of Cardiac Rehabilitation service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. Phase 4 community based cardiac rehabilitation is about maintaining the lifestyle changes that have been advised and staying healthy. Some Cardiac Rehabilitation centers offer phase 4 or can provide information on leisure centers in the area that may the offer the service.
Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit (2017-2020) data suggest a 71% referral rate to Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centers in Ireland providing Cardiac Rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019” recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the cardiac services that patients receive, by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults and includes Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes.
Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Cardiac Services since the Steering Group reconvened in September 2021 and it is currently in its concluding stages. The final Steering Group meeting was held in October and recommendations are finalised. The National Review Report is being prepared for the Ministers consideration at this time. Decisions on further service developments including any costs and workforce will await the final Report recommendations.
613. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when a service (details supplied) will be fully resumed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57545/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraChanging Cardiovascular Health 2010 -2019 highlighted the importance of Cardiac Rehabilitation. Cardiac Rehabilitation is an internationally recognised standard of care for cardiac patients recovering from a cardiac event. Cardiac Rehabilitation is considered an essential component of secondary prevention for patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) due to the rigorous and extensive evidence base supporting its clinical effectiveness and is of importance for patients with coronary heart disease and heart failure.
Cardiac Rehabilitation is specifically tailored for those with established CVD, and patient outcomes are highly dependent on the quality of Cardiac Rehabilitation service delivered. Cardiac Rehabilitation is delivered through four phases, from the initial cardiac event in hospital to phase four in the community. Phase 4 community based Cardiac Rehabilitation is about maintaining the lifestyle changes that have been advised and staying healthy. Some Cardiac Rehabilitation centers offer phase 4 or can provide information on leisure centres in the area that may the offer the service.
Recent Irish Heart Attack Audit (2017-2020) data suggest a 71% referral rate to Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes. There are at least 36 centers in Ireland providing Cardiac Rehabilitation services nationally. Recommendations from “Changing Cardiovascular Health National Cardiovascular Health Policy 2010 – 2019” recognised a need to establish or redirect services to address effectively the common rehabilitation goals of all cardiovascular patients. Increasing participation in chronic disease self-management programmes is central to Sláintecare.
The National Review of Specialist Cardiac Services commenced in January 2018 under the Chairmanship of Professor Phillip Nolan and a Steering Group formed from nominations of interested stakeholders representing medical, professional/technical staff, nursing and patient representatives.
The aim of the Cardiac Services Review is to achieve optimal patient outcomes at population level with particular emphasis on the safety, quality and sustainability of the services that patients receive, by establishing the need for an optimal configuration of a national adult cardiac service. This aligns with the Sláintecare reform programme. In terms of scope, the National Review covers scheduled and unscheduled hospital-based services for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac disease in adults and includes Cardiac Rehabilitation programmes.
Substantial progress has been made on the National Review of Cardiac Services since the Steering Group reconvened in September 2021 and it is currently in its concluding stages. The final Steering Group meeting was held in October and recommendations are finalised. The National Review Report is being prepared for the Ministers consideration at this time.
614. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Cork can expect an appointment for their awaited CT scan which is urgently required; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57551/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
615. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the number of vacancies at early intervention in each CHO and LHO; and the cost of filling all vacancies, in tabular form. [57556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly.
616. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health if he will provide clarification on a matter; if a payment will issue to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
617. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Health if agency workers in the HSE will still be able to receive the pandemic bonus payment if their employer does not apply for the funding for it; the way that workers can apply to receive the payment under those circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57568/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
618. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of intensive homecare packages delivered in CHO8 in 2020, 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form. [57581/22]
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.
619. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of whole-time equivalent staff vacancies by job title in orthodontic services in County Meath; when these vacancies will be filled in tabular form. [57582/22]
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.
620. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time tracheotomy nurses working in the Mater Hospital in 2019, 2020, 2021 and to-date in 2022, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased. [57583/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service issue, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to the Deputy.
621. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of staff recruited to children’s disability network teams in the past 12 months, in tabular form by CHO and CDNT; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57586/22]
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.
622. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 1497 of 26 April 2022, if he will provide an update on the project delivery for each item; the timeframe for delivery of outstanding projects; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57587/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for scoliosis treatment, and I remain conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families.
Earlier this year I approved an ambitious plan from Children’s Health Ireland to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis/spina bifida) by the year end. Some €19 million of current and capital funding was committed to implement the plan.
The funding is to provide additional activity targeted at reducing the number of children waiting long times for orthopaedic procedures (including scoliosis and spina bifida).
The funding has resulted in additional activity and a reduction in long waiters.
As of the 28th of October, 452 scoliosis procedures had been carried out, compared to 320 for the same period in 2019, a 41% increase and an increase of 55% compared to 2021.
Also at the 28th of October there were 54 patients waiting over 4 months for a spinal fusion compared to 65 in January, a 17% reduction. In the same period there has been a 41% reduction in patients waiting over 4 months for other spinal procedures.
In relation to the specific items in the plan, 11 of the additional beds in Crumlin and Temple Street are open, with the remaining 13 due to open in Q1 2023 and the additional critical care capacity is also open. Recruitment is underway for the expanded theatre capacity and the MRI.
Regarding capital, the MRI and the additional beds in Crumlin are due to open in Q1 2023 and the 5th theatre in Temple Street in Q2 2023. The outsourcing initiative is operating well, with 33 spinal fusions outsourced to date.
Finally in relation to Cappagh, as of the 20th of October Cappagh has completed an additional 448 non-complex orthopaedic surgeries and 60 surgeries for Spina Bifida patients transferred from CHI.
623. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of claims before the CervicalCheck Tribunal; the number of claims resolved by the Tribunal; the timeframe for completion of the Tribunal’s work; the cost of the Tribunal to date, by cost type; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57588/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraOf the twenty-six (26) claims lodged, to date, fourteen (14) cases have concluded.
Nine (9) of the concluded cases were resolved between the parties following which final orders were made by the Tribunal.
Five (5) concluded cases ended on the basis that the Tribunal issued notifications pursuant to s. 12 (3) of the CervicalCheck Tribunal Act, 2019.
It is anticipated that the Cervical Check Tribunal's work dealing with claims will come to a conclusion next year.
Operational costs of the Tribunal for 2020 were: €217,123.41, while for 2021 these were: €83,328.00.
Full details of the Tribunal's cost type are available in the Tribunal's Annual Report 2020 and its soon to be published Annual Report 2021.
624. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the development of the National Cervical Screening Laboratory; the timeframe for delivery of the project; the cost of the project to date; the unmet staffing requirements for the laboratory; the estimated final cost of the project; the estimated annual running cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57589/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
