Written Answers Nos. 652-672
652. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the number of births at University Hospital Kerry maternity ward in each of the past five years and to date in 2023, in tabular form; the staffing level breakdown in the department for each of these years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30746/23]
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.
653. Deputy Brendan Griffin asked the Minister for Health the details of future capital works planned for University Hospital Kerry; the breakdown of each facility; the corresponding timeline in each case; the costs associated with each development; if additional staffing will be required to operate each facility; if so, the details in each case; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30747/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs 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.
654. Deputy Mattie McGrath asked the Minister for Health the status of the reconfiguration of the current hospital groups under new regional structures as proposed in Sláintecare; the likely implications on Tipperary University Hospital which will be removed from its current group in the South, South-West Hospital Group; the reasons TUH would be removed from the South, South-West Hospital Group; the logic behind the geographical regions when there are such large population discrepancies between the regions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30748/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe geographies for the six Health Regions were approved by Government Decision in 2019. A series of research, analysis, and consultation was undertaken by the Department of Health to support the identification of the optimal boundaries for the new regions. This included a review of approaches taken internationally and in previous reforms in Ireland, a public consultation process, and a detailed analysis of service usage patterns.
This analysis of service usage patterns across the country examined patient flows to establish the extent to which hospitals in a given location serve patients who live in that area. The regions were designed to be as self-contained as possible – this is critical in the move to a population-based planning and funding model. In the South Tipperary area, the analysis showed that the best alignment of patients to the hospitals they are most likely to attend was accomplished by including Tipperary University Hospital in Area C.
Another important consideration in any potential geography was ensuring minimum disruption to existing services. The majority of health and social care services are provided outside of hospitals and are delivered locally, closer to people’s homes. The nine CHOs have clearly identified catchment areas, whereas most Hospital Groups do not. Drawing boundaries to fit unclear hospital catchment areas would have proven disruptive. While considerable attention was paid to observing county boundaries where possible, certain necessary deviations from these (i.e. Dublin, Wicklow, and Tipperary) were done in favour of current boundaries associated with the delivery of community services. With regard to the area surrounding Tipperary University Hospital, the geography boundaries approved by Government respects the existing CHO 5 boundary, ensuring that all services in CHO 5 are delivered within the same region (which also includes Wexford, Carlow, Kilkenny, and Waterford), and ensuring there is minimum disruption to the delivery of those services.
At this time, Government does not plan to revise the geographies of the forthcoming Health Regions.
My officials have sought further information from the HSE regarding care pathways and their implications and we will revert as soon as is practical to the Deputy in writing.
655. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a copy of the HSE's communication policy for persons wishing to record, film or take photographs on a HSE site. [30750/23]
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.
656. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to ensure that a national vasectomy services contract is in place for all areas of the State to enable medical card holders access this service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30771/23]
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.
657. Deputy Aindrias Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if an appropriate permanent facility compliant with infection, prevention and control measures can be secured in the Macroom area as a matter of priority to provide those living with dementia the vital day services they require (details supplied). [30777/23]
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.
658. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health if he has looked at ensuring pay parity for employees across the HSE, Section 38 and Section 39 organisations in the context of staff retention in relevant sectors; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30785/23]
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.
A process of engagement to examine the pay of workers in Community and Voluntary organisations was committed to by the Government in October 2022. While the Government has committed to a process, it is worth noting that Section 39 organisations are privately owned and run, and the terms and conditions of employment of staff in these organisations are ultimately between the employer and the employee.
On 17 April, officials from the Department of Health, the HSE, the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, and Tusla met with union representatives under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. This engagement sought to understand and explore the scope of the unions' claim for pay rises for Community and Voluntary sector workers. A follow up engagement took place at the Workplace Relations Commission on 15 May 2023. A further engagement is due to take place at the WRC in the coming weeks. As this is an ongoing Industrial Relations process, it would be inappropriate to comment any further at this point.
The Department notes that this is a cross-sectoral issue and cannot be taken in isolation.
659. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health when a comprehensive response will issue to a person (details supplied) regarding communications which were sent to them. [30791/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI wish to advise the Deputy that a response issued to Mr McKeown on 26th June, and trust that this resolves the matter.
660. Deputy Richard O'Donoghue asked the Minister for Health the plans in place for Charleville primary care centre following the retirements of two general practitioners (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30793/23]
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.
661. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Minister for Health the rationale of the decision to exclude Section 39 employees who did not work in long-term residential care facilities from receiving the pandemic special recognition payment. [30799/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraLast year the Government announced a once-off, ex-gratia COVID-19 pandemic recognition payment for certain front line public sector healthcare workers, to recognise their unique role during the pandemic. Eligibility criteria for the payment were set following significant consideration and consultation.
While the Department does not comment on individual cases, I can confirm that in order to receive the recognition payment, staff must have:
• Been in COVID vaccination cohorts 1 or 2, and
• Worked ordinarily onsite in a COVID-19 exposed healthcare environment, and
• Worked for at least 4 weeks in the 1/3/2020 – 30/6/2021 period, and
• Worked in a HSE/Section 38 organisation, or one of the following:
1. Private Sector Nursing Homes and Hospices (e.g. Private, Voluntary,Section 39 etc.);
2. Section 39 long-term residential care facilities for people with disabilities, working on-site;
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 front line Covid-19 exposed environments in the HSE;
6. Paramedic staff employed by Dublin Fire Brigade to deliver services on behalf of the HSE.
Only those staff who meet all of the above eligibility criteria are covered for this payment. I appreciate that many other workers, volunteers, and other citizens, provided important services during this most difficult time. While this is not questioned, it is important to recognise that this in itself is not sufficient to be considered eligible for this payment.
The Government appreciates that those organisations and staff who are not encompassed for this particular payment may feel disappointed. It was tough to draw a line on this matter, but the Government based its decision on the risks which eligible front line workers faced, following careful consideration. While undoubtedly immense efforts have been made by other healthcare staff since the onset of this pandemic, it is right that the Government pursue this course to recognise those at greatest risk in the performance of their duties throughout the pandemic, including those who worked in the very acutely affected environments above. 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. As of February this year there is also a new permanent public holiday established to mark Imbolc/St Brigid’s Day. Finally I want to again express my sincere gratitude to all healthcare workers for their efforts during what has been a challenging period for our health services.
662. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if his Department will look at reducing the three-year cap to one year in the fair deal scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30800/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraFair Deal was designed to protect and support vulnerable older people, to ensure equal access to nursing home care based on what they could afford. This gives certainty to people and families. Government funding for Fair Deal is to support vulnerable older people at a time in their lives where full-time care is essential. The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), commonly referred to as Fair Deal, is a system of financial support for people who require long-term residential care. Participants contribute to the cost of their care according to their means while the State pays the balance of the cost. The Scheme aims to ensure that long-term residential care is accessible and affordable for everyone and that people are cared for in the most appropriate settings. All participants within the NHSS contribute up to 80% of their income (40% if part of a couple) and 7.5% per annum of the value of their assets (3.75% if part of a couple). The first €36,000 (€72,000 if part of a couple) is excluded from assessment. Assets assessed include cash assets as well as non-cash assets such as the principal private residence, other property and land, including farmland. The capital value of an individual’s principal private residence is only included in the financial assessment for the first three years of their time in care. This is known as the three-year cap, which is intended to protect the value of a principal private residence. The Department of Health has also introduced the Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Act 2021, which became operational in October 2021. This introduced a three-year cap on contributions from family farm and business assets, provided that a family successor is appointed to run the asset for at least 6 years. The Act also extended the three-year cap to the proceeds of sale of a principal residence, which means that, from the fourth year in care onwards and provided the house was sold while the person is in care, a nursing home resident may sell their principal private residence without incurring additional costs. Overall, €1.4 billion of the total Health Budget was allocated last year to support over 22,700 people under Fair Deal and relied on over €360m in client contributions. This will increase to nearly €1.5 billion for 2023. Important strands of reform to the nursing home sector are being, or have been, brought forward. The Government remains committed to delivering on:
• The nine recommendations that emerged from the Value for Money Review on Nursing Home Costs,
• The 86 recommendations of COVID-19 Nursing Homes Expert Panel, especially those recommendations related to long-term sectoral reform,
• 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 serve to inform future policy. As the NHSS is governed by primary legislation, due consideration must be given to the potential impact and unintended consequences of any changes before they can be introduced.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. The Department of Health is consistently seeking to identify improvements and introduce enhancements to the scheme, where feasible, which aims to ensure that long-term nursing home care is sustainable, accessible and affordable for everyone and that people continue to be cared for in the most appropriate settings.
663. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will allocate funding for a person (details supplied) who has secured a place and is waiting to transfer to a facility for rehab care that they urgently need when funding becomes available. [30811/23]
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
664. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he will address the unfairness in the treatment of diabetes patients in Ireland where Free Style Libre is decided on age criteria rather than clinical need; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30812/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra665. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health what plans he has in place to ensure diabetes patients have access to a glucose monitoring technology (details supplied), which has become a standard of diabetes care across Europe; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30813/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra666. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he recognises that remote monitoring of diabetes patients’ conditions will free up much-needed doctor and hospital appointments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30814/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra667. Deputy Noel Grealish asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that the current process whereby access to a diabetes glucose monitoring technology discriminates against patients in terms of age (details supplied) and is tantamount to deprivation of access to people with a disability and needs to be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30815/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 664 to 667, inclusive, together.
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. I have therefore asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
668. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure a referral to the National Rehabilitation Hospital is expedited for a person (details supplied). [30818/23]
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.
669. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if a hospital place will be expedited for a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30819/23]
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.
670. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the specific timeline which he and his Departmental officials have given to HIQA to complete its HTA regarding the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s age cohort; if he will outline the scope of this HTA; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30830/23]
Amharc ar fhreagra671. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration will be given to expediting the conducting of a HTA to be carried out by HIQA into the provision of an enhanced influenza vaccine for the over-65s cohort; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30831/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 670 and 671 together.
The National Influenza Vaccination Programme ensures that those most vulnerable to the effects of influenza have access to vaccination. The objective of the programme is to reduce the overall spread of influenza in the community and to protect those most at risk from influenza-related hospital admissions.
To inform decision making in relation to the current Influenza Vaccination Programme, my Department has requested that HIQA include a Health technology assessment (HTA) in its work programme, in relation to vaccination with an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older. In addition, my Department has also requested that HIQA include a HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group as an at-risk group in the influenza vaccination programme.
An HTA is a multidisciplinary research process that collects and summarises information about a health technology to provide information regarding clinical effectiveness and safety, cost-effectiveness and budget impact, organisational and social aspects, and ethical and legal issues. The information is collected and presented in a systematic, unbiased and transparent manner to inform policy decision making.I am advised that the HTA on the inclusion of the 50–64 year age group in the influenza vaccination programme has commenced and that the HTA related to an enhanced quadrivalent influenza vaccine for those aged 65 and older will commence thereafter.
672. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure a person (details supplied) can be allocated a residential care bed at a suitable facility. [30836/23]
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.
