David Stanton
Ceist:56. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health to outline the operation of the treatment abroad scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17482/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraHealth Services
Ceisteanna (56)
Freagraí scríofa
The HSE operates the EU Treatment Abroad Scheme (TAS), for people entitled under EU Regulation 883/04. The TAS is a consultant led scheme and allows for an Ireland-based public consultant to refer a public patient who is normally resident in Ireland for treatment in the public healthcare system of another EU member state, the UK or Switzerland. Subject to the EU Regulations and Guidelines, the TAS provides for the cost of approved public treatments in another EU/EEA member state, the UK or Switzerland through the issue of form S2 (IE) where the treatment is:
• among the benefits provided for by Irish legislation;
• not available in Ireland;
• not available within the time normally necessary for obtaining it in Ireland, taking account of the patient's current state of health and the probable course of the disease;
• medically necessary and will meet the patient’s needs;
• a proven form of medical treatment and not experimental or test treatment;
• provided in a recognised public hospital or other institution that will accept EU/EEA form S2 (IE) and;
• is under the control of a registered medical practitioner.
The HSE provides further information for patients on the HSE TAS website: www2.hse.ie/services/schemes-allowances/treatment-abroad-scheme/.
Patients are advised to contact the HSE TAS office directly, for advice on making an application for treatment abroad, in advance of travelling abroad. Contact details are available on the TAS Website.
Question No. 57 answered with Question No. 5.
Hospital Charges
Ceisteanna (58)
John Lahart
Ceist:58. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health about the delays in abolishing hospital in-patient charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18481/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As part of Budget 2023, I announced my commitment to abolish all public inpatient hospital charges this year. The Health (Amendment) Act 2023, signed into law by the President on 4 April 2023, removes the acute public in-patient charge of €80 per day for people accessing care as a public patient in public hospitals. This measure came into effect from 17 April 2023.
The removal of these charges is an important step towards reducing the healthcare costs of patients and families. This measure builds on the abolition of public in-patient charges for children, which I introduced in September last year, and is another significant step in ensuring that people have access to affordable healthcare services when needed.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (59)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:59. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health when the opening hours of the minor injuries unit at Monaghan Hospital will be extended to include weekends and public holidays. [18553/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (60)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:60. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if his Department and the Health Service Executive will urgently look at appointing a dedicated psychiatrist for children with disabilities in CHO3; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17942/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (61)
Marian Harkin
Ceist:61. Deputy Marian Harkin asked the Minister for Health if he can provide a timeline for the construction of the new ED/Surgical Block at Sligo University Hospital. [18617/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (62)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:62. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if the provision of new addiction services are planned for development this year; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18540/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In Budget 2023 €4 million in additional funding was secured to expand community and residential addiction services. This funding will be used to expand HSE healthcare addiction services and to support community & voluntary organisations to improve access to health and social care services. The measures identified for this funding are set out in the attached factsheet. A further €3.5m is being provided to maintain existing level of service for community and voluntary providers of drug and alcohol services and inclusion health services.
The HSE National Service Plan, published in March, outlines the health and social care services to be provided in 2023. In total a budget of €21.124bn has been allocated for this purpose, which is 5.7% above last year’s starting budget. Further information on the key objectives in respect of addiction services are set out in Chapter 2, Section B 'Social Inclusion' of the National Service Plan. www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/media/pressrel/hse-publishes-2023-national-service-plan.html.
I am committed to strengthening the health-led approach to drug and alcohol use, through reducing the harms for individuals, families, communities and by promoting rehabilitation and recovery.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (63)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:63. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the provision of a minor injuries’ unit for the St. Joseph’s care campus in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18479/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (64)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:64. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the progress that has been made in establishing the trial 24/7 mental health de-escalation unit for Limerick, that is due to be operated jointly with members of An Garda Síochána; if he will provide a commencement date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17864/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Medicinal Products
Ceisteanna (65)
Aindrias Moynihan
Ceist:65. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if there are plans to reclassify the drug pregabalin, marketed as lyrica, as a class C or controlled drug; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18539/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pregabalin is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and nerve pain caused by illnesses, including diabetes and shingles. Pregabalin is only available on prescription.
While pregabalin is not a controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Acts and its associated Regulations it is subject to the provisions of Statutory Instrument. No. 540/2003 - Medicinal Products (Prescription and Control of Supply) Regulations 2003, specifically the restrictions on dispensing of prescriptions.
The product information for Pregabalin include warnings and precautions to its use which was recently updated on advice from the European Medicines Agency.
The control of any drug by its addition to the schedules of the Misuse of Drugs Acts must have an evidential basis. In this regard the Department of Health is always willing to examine evidence in relation to the use of pregabalin in order to determine the most appropriate course of action to reduce harm caused by the use of the drug.
Primary Care Centres
Ceisteanna (66)
Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
Ceist:66. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health when Borris, County Carlow will get a primary care centre; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17481/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres and other Primary Care facilities, I have asked the HSE to reply to the deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (67)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:67. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health for an estimate of the number of front-line workers who worked on the front line of the healthcare and community response to the COVID 19 pandemic, that are still awaiting receipt of the pandemic recognition payment; the plans there are to ensure these workers receive their payment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18475/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (68)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:68. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the steps his Department is taking to reduce the CAMHS waiting list. [17711/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Hospital Overcrowding
Ceisteanna (69)
Maurice Quinlivan
Ceist:69. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health to discuss the steps being taken to address the capacity challenge at University Hospital Limerick, where, in March 2023, 2,080 patients were treated on hospital trolleys; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17863/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A range of measures are being taken to improve emergency department performance and capacity at UHL. Two new Emergency Medicine consultants have started, bringing the number to 11 WTEs, as well as additional ED registrars and discharge co-ordinators to target patient flow. ED admission-avoidance for over-75s has been enhanced by the opening of the new Geriatric Emergency Medicine (GEM) unit, funded through the HSE Winter Plan. There is also additional staffing for the OPTIMEND service, which provides multidisciplinary assessment and intervention to the 75 years and older patient cohort in the ED.
There has also been, and continues to be, substantial investment in University of Limerick Hospital Group. In October 2022, I broke ground on the new 96-bed inpatient block project at University Hospital Limerick. This €90m capital project will deliver a 4-storey, 96 single bed acute inpatient ward block, which will go some way toward addressing capacity issues in the region. In 2021, a new 60-bed modular ward block opened at UHL, which provides modern, single-room inpatient accommodation with improved infection prevention and control capabilities as well as patient flow throughout the hospital. This follows the completion of two separate rapid-build projects which provided an additional 38 inpatient beds on site at UHL.
In December 2022, the Government approved the next stage of the Enhanced Provision of Elective Care Programme. As part of this Programme, new national Elective Hospitals will be delivered in Cork, Dublin, and Galway. The new Hospitals will provide significant additional capacity, enabling the separation of scheduled and unscheduled care. It is envisaged that the new Cork and Galway facilities combined (which will treat patients from the mid-west and beyond) will cater for up to 350,000 patients/procedures annually.
Complimentary to the Elective Care Programme, the HSE is also planning to progress proposals to address waiting lists in the shorter term by developing ‘Surgical Hubs’ in Cork, Galway, Limerick, Waterford and Dublin with a narrower scope of procedures. Planning for the Surgical Hubs is at an early stage with HSE close to finalising sites at the determined locations and progressing design works. I have asked the HSE to expedite their development so that they are operational as soon as possible.
In addition to these measures, the UL Hospital Group, in collaboration with the National Ambulance Service, have implemented a new protocol which enables patients who meet agreed clinical criteria to be conveyed directly to a Medical Assessment Unit rather than being brought to an ED. This protocol was rolled out at Ennis Hospital on 9th January and extended to Nenagh Hospital on 7th February, with further roll-out of the protocol planned for St John’s Hospital later in the year.
To further enhance the functionality of this facility, UL Hospitals Group has been approved for funding of €5.2m. This funding has secured the already extended weekend service at Ennis MAU and allows for St John’s and Nenagh MAU to open seven days per week.
My Department continues to work closely with the HSE to ensure that the UL Hospitals Group is fully supported and that the necessary improvements to address capacity in the region are actioned in a timely manner.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (70)
Alan Dillon
Ceist:70. Deputy Alan Dillon asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the emergency department expansion and additional bed capacity works at Mayo University Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18579/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the delivery of public healthcare infrastructure projects, I have asked the HSE to respond to you directly in relation to this matter.
Hospital Services
Ceisteanna (71)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:71. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health his plans to increase the allocation of resources for the national genetic services at Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin in order to ensure a more efficient service for patients and a more efficient use of our healthcare resources due to more timely diagnoses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18005/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government is fully committed to improving genetics services, including through Children’s Health Ireland Crumlin.
Genetics and genomics services have the potential to improve healthcare services, allowing for more targeted treatments and better patient outcomes.
A number of important developments are already underway. I recently launched the first National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland. This aims to build a strong patient and family centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country.
In 2023, I approved €2.7 million to implement the Strategy, including the appointment of staff. This investment will support the establishment of a National Office for Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of 16 new staff including a National Director for Genetics and Genomics, a Bioinformatics Lab Director, 6 genetic counsellors, and 2 clinical genetic consultants.
Another important step in improving genetics services is understanding our genetic staffing needs and genetic testing capacity. This will be achieved through the creation of a new National Testing Directory for Genetics & Genomics. The Directory is subject to live procurement. It will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland, allowing for more transparent referrals. In future this will be a core tool for driving improvements in testing and staffing.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (72)
Rose Conway-Walsh
Ceist:72. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health his plans to reverse cuts and increase the number of beds in community and district hospitals in County Mayo to address the issues of patient flow and delayed discharges from Mayo University Hospital, as highlighted by HIQA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18486/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Awaiting reply from Department.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (73)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:73. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the role of genomic medicine in Ireland; his plans for a national genomics strategy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16904/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government and I are fully committed to improving genetics and genomics services in Ireland.
Genetics and genomics services have the potential to improve healthcare services, allowing for more targeted treatments and better patient outcomes.
A number of important developments are already underway. I recently launched the first National Strategy for Accelerating Genetics and Genomics Medicine in Ireland. This aims to build a strong patient and family centred service that can be accessed equitably across the country.
In 2023, I approved €2.7 million to implement the Strategy, including the appointment of staff. This investment will support the establishment of a National Office for Genetics and Genomics and the appointment of 16 new staff including a National Director for Genetics and Genomics, a Bioinformatics Lab Director, 6 genetic counsellors, and 2 clinical genetic consultants.
Another important step in improving genetics services is understanding our genetic staffing needs and genetic testing capacity. This will be achieved through the creation of a new National Testing Directory for Genetics & Genomics. The Directory is subject to live procurement. It will map the current genetic tests conducted across Ireland, allowing for more transparent referrals. In future this will be a core tool for driving improvements in testing and staffing.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (74)
Pa Daly
Ceist:74. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the current status of the various reviews and audits with regards to all CAMHS services. [17948/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
Covid-19 Pandemic Supports
Ceisteanna (75)
Duncan Smith
Ceist:75. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the reason for the continued Covid-19 support funding to private nursing homes owned by international investments funds; the amount that has been spent in 2023; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18476/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government has provided extensive support to the Nursing Home Sector since the start of the pandemic. The Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme (TAPS) was established in April 2020 as a temporary, administrative measure to respond to the challenges being faced by the nursing home sector at the start of the pandemic. Almost €149 million has been claimed by private nursing homes under the scheme since its introduction. The Outbreak Assistance element of the scheme is still in operation, recognising the continued challenge posed to nursing homes by COVID-19 outbreaks and the related cost pressures. The figure claimed to date in 2023 across all nursing homes is €675,899.
There will be a gradual reduction of the threshold for maximum monthly claim amounts applying to claims from 01 March 2023. At the end of April 2023, the scheme will be closed. This approach takes account of the changed situation with regard to COVID-19 in Ireland, and the inherently temporary nature of the scheme.
A robust control framework was put in place for the Temporary Assistance Payment Scheme, including requirements for validation, review of claims by an external accountancy firm, and provision for all claims to be audited and any misallocated funds clawed back for up to six years following. The thresholds also provided a strong control on costs.
Claims to the scheme were administered by the NTPF (National Treatment Purchase Fund), with the HSE validating and processing payments.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (76)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:76. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of the lack of public health cover for people with serious and life-long allergies, and the significant financial costs they face, such as for epi-pens, eye drops and other medications; if he will confirm that people who suffer from serious allergies will be entitled to medical cards; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17657/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Medical Card provision is primarily based on financial assessment. In accordance with the Health Act 1970 (as amended), eligibility for a medical card is determined by the HSE, which assesses each application on a qualifying financial threshold.
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.
The Drug Payment Scheme (DPS) ensures that no individual or family pays more than €80 a month towards the cost of approved prescribed medicines. The DPS is not means tested and is available to anyone ordinarily resident in Ireland. The DPS significantly reduces the cost burden for families and individuals with ongoing expenditure on medicines.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
Hospital Equipment
Ceisteanna (77)
Joe Flaherty
Ceist:77. Deputy Joe Flaherty asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the replacement and upgrade of the equipment at the x-ray unit at St. Joseph’ care campus in Longford town; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18480/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (78)
Gino Kenny
Ceist:78. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will establish a public inquiry into the CAMHS service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17660/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
This Government remains committed to developing all aspects of mental health services nationally, including CAMHS, under the HSE Service Plan 2023. Over €1.2 billion has been provided this year for mental health, and dedicated funding for CAMHS is administered as part of the overall HSE Mental Health allocation each year.
The 35 recommendations arising from the Maskey report reviewing South Kerry CAMHS care is helping to improve all aspects of CAMHS care nationally. The latest HSE implementation framework contains a total of 63 actions (local and national) against the 35 recommendations. The 35 recommendations led to 63 actions, 19 of which (national and local) have been implemented, with others underway.
To provide assurance to those who use CAMHS, the HSE has commissioned independent national audits in relation to: prescribing practice, compliance with Operational Guidelines, and research into service user experiences of CAMHS. Good progress is being made on each of these audits. In addition, the HSE is undertaking a Look Back review of CAMHS cases in North Kerry.
The Mental Health Commission are also undertaking an audit of all 73 CAMHS teams nationally. An Interim Report was published on 23 January last covering 5 of the 9 CHOs. The Government and the HSE has accepted the findings and recommendations of the recently published Interim Report of the Commission and is progressing consequent actions as appropriate. The final Mental Health Commission Report is expected in the near future.
In light of the above, it is not planned to establish the type of inquiry proposed by the Deputy.
Departmental Schemes
Ceisteanna (79)
Denis Naughten
Ceist:79. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health his plans to reform the fair deal nursing home support scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16900/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The nursing home sector has changed in recent decades from a predominantly State-led service to a situation today where approximately 80% of nursing home services are provided by the private sector.
It is essential that all future plans for the nursing home sector continue to prioritise the best interests of residents while seeking value for money for the Exchequer. The Government is committed to seeing greater public sector involvement in the residential care of older people in Ireland and to move over time towards a needs-based model of funding and pricing for the nursing home sector.
Important strands of reform to the nursing home sector are being, or have been, brought forward. The Government remains committed to delivering on the 86 recommendations of COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, especially those recommendations related to long-term sectoral reform, the nine recommendations of the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs, the four recommendations of the NTPF Review of Pricing System for Long Term Residential Care Facilities and the 16 recommendations of the Strategic Workforce Advisory Group on Home Carers and Nursing Home Health Care Assistants. Work continues within the Department of Health to deliver on all of these recommendations, as well as analysing the outcomes of the Skills Mix and Safe Staffing pilots which will inform future policy.
In addition, under the terms of the amended Nursing Homes Support Scheme legislation, measures introduced last November to incentivise rental of principal private residences by Fair Deal participants, which increased the rental amount which can be retained from 20% to 60%, will be reviewed after six months of operation at the end of April 2023. The intention is for further amendment after that point if necessary following examination of any unintended consequences and potential safeguarding issues.
The Department of Health has also met with the NTPF Board to discuss ways in which to support the sector. I am also collaborating with other Government departments and relevant agencies to consider other options to support the sector. I am determined to reverse the trend of smaller and family-run nursing homes leaving the market.
Given the size, complexity and cost of the NHSS, implementation is complex and any changes in policy direction need to be carefully assessed and kept under review.