Written Answers Nos. 905-924
905. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the number of applications received under a scheme (details supplied); those which were successful, and those not approved, since the beginning of the scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39741/23]
View answerThere have been 49 applications to date under the Medical Cannabis Access Programme.
All applications made on behalf of patients satisfied the criteria for reimbursement support under the MCAP programme.
906. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his views on the review of a scheme (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39742/23]
View answerAn evidence based synthesis and clinical review of the MCAP is being carried out by the Health Research Board for the Department of Health following which a clinical review group will complete an assessment to see if there is evidence to support the recommendation of the addition of any other clinical indications to the MCAP programme. Until the clinical review is complete it would not be appropriate to comment any further.
907. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health his views on the aggressive recruitment strategies needed with respect to homecare supports; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39743/23]
View answerAs recruitment in the health sector is an administrative matter for the Health Service Executive, the HSE has been asked to respond directly to the Deputy.
908. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the tendering of haemodialysis services at a hospital (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39746/23]
View answerUniversity of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG) has advised my Department that they are seeking to establish a contract with a suitably qualified renal provider for the provision of a Contracted Satellite Haemodialysis Unit service in Ennis. They envisage that this Unit would be similar to the satellite centre already in place on the Dock Road, Limerick.
The tender process for a Contracted Satellite Haemodialysis Unit service is progressing and the Group has met with a number of potential providers. The shortlisted companies will be invited to present their proposals in October 2023. As part of the contract, the successful company will provide the dialysis machines.
Governance of this Unit would be provided for by ULHG with a designated Consultant Nephrologist from the Renal Unit at University Hospital Limerick providing the overall clinical governance.
The development of the Unit in Ennis would allow patients to benefit from better quality of life by being able to avail of treatments closer to home. The development of this Unit would also help ease pressure on the Renal Department at University Hospital Limerick and on the satellite unit on the Dock Road, Limerick.
The tender specification document provides for four isolation rooms, a gowning area suitable for patients with blood-borne viral illnesses including Hepatitis B (in line with national guidelines), and that the Unit would facilitate 1:1 and 1:2 nursing.
It is envisaged that the facility would provide the following services:
• Consultant-directed medical care for chronic haemodialysis patients;
• Nurse-delivered / supervised haemodialysis delivery and care with regular consultant led reviews;
• Regular dietetic review and support;
• Other clinical supports as required, such as pharmacy services;
• Administrative support.
ULHG has advised that they are committed to working with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the delivery of a unit in Ennis.
909. Deputy Charles Flanagan asked the Minister for Health if, in view of limited evidence in respect of the use of puberty blockers for the treatment and care of children, he will establish an independent external evidence review of the use by the HSE of a discredited clinic (details supplied), which treated hundreds of Irish children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39750/23]
View answerThe 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.
The HSE National Quality and Patient Safety Directorate has reviewed the interim Cass report and how it applies to clinical pathways in Ireland. The Department welcomed this review of the interim Cass report, and has considered its implications. The Department also understands that based on the recommendations of this report, the HSE has identified the need to develop an updated and integrated Model of Care for transgender services in Ireland, informed by the best evidence-based clinical care for individuals who express gender incongruence or dysphoria.
The HSE is establishing a team to lead the development an updated model of care for the treatment of gender dysphoria. As an initial step, the HSE has advertised for the post of Clinical Lead for Transgender Services, who will develop the Model of Care and Implementation Plan for Transgender Care.
The HSE will consult with a wide range of stakeholders in the development of the new model of care, including those who use the services and advocacy groups.
The HSE is also working to identify an alternative pathway for children/young people experiencing protracted waiting times. Discussions are underway with the paediatric endocrinology service at Children's Health Ireland and also with a psychology service to work on an interim solution until a full dedicated multidisciplinary service is established.
I welcome the development of a model of care which will deliver a high quality seamless and integrated service for people with gender identity issues, in line with the Programme for Government.
910. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to extending the special leave with pay scheme (SLWP), which is due to end on 31 October 2023, until there is an effective treatment for long-Covid, particularly in view that approximately 120 employees of the HSE are affected by long-Covid since 2020 as a result of working on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39751/23]
View answerSanction to extend the current Temporary Scheme of Paid Leave for Public Health Service Employees Unfit for Work Post Covid Infection for a period of 12 months was sought from the Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform (DPENDPR) in April 2023 in recognition of this ongoing matter, however DPENDPR sanctioned an extension of just four months.
DPENDPR sanctioned this four-month extension on a once-off basis and has said it applies only to those employees who are currently availing of the Scheme, and excludes any new applications. The temporary Scheme will now conclude on 31st October 2023 in light of this.
911. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to classifying long-Covid as a disability, in view that long-Covid is characterised by extreme exhaustion after minimal exertion, cardiovascular issues including MI, myocarditis/pericarditis, clots, arrhythmias, and neurological issues such as cognitive impairment, stroke, and ultimately that there is no treatment for the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39753/23]
View answerThe Department of Health and the HSE recognises the need to provide follow up support and care for patients experiencing prolonged signs and symptoms of Covid-19. In response to this an Interim Model Of Care (MoC) for Long Covid was developed and finalised in September 2021.
The aim of the MoC is to provide a national approach to the provision of services and supports for patients experiencing prolonged symptoms of Covid-19. It set out a framework for the provision of these services and supports spanning General Practice, Community Services, Acute Hospitals and Mental Health Services. The resultant Interim MoC recommended the development of six Long COVID clinics, eight Post-Acute COVID clinics and one tertiary referral neuro-cognitive clinic for those with complex neuro-cognitive/neuropsychological symptoms as set out in the below table:
|
Hospital |
Long COVID |
Post COVID |
Neurocognitive |
|
St. James's Hospital |
X |
X |
X |
|
Cork University Hospital |
X |
X |
|
|
University Hospital Limerick |
X |
X |
|
|
Galway University Hospital |
X |
X |
|
|
Beaumont Hospital |
X |
||
|
Connolly Hospital |
X |
||
|
Tallaght University Hospital |
X |
||
|
Mater University Hospital |
X |
||
|
Letterkenny University Hospital |
X |
||
|
St. Vincent's University Hospital |
X |
The Deputy is further advised that the Minister has trebled the allocation of funding dedicated to Long COVID service development from 2.2 million in 2022 to 6.6 million in 2023. This funding is being utilised to support the implementation of the HSE interim Model of Care for Long COVID, building on existing service provision, in addition to establishing new services across GP, community services and acute hospitals, to ensure a national service is in place for all who need it. The funding includes an additional 65.9 WTE's across these clinics.
Regarding long COVID being recognised as a disability, this question may be more appropriately answered by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who have assumed responsibility for specialist Disability services.
912. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for long-Covid clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39754/23]
View answerAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
913. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to the establishment of a fit-for-purpose surveillance system or registry of those who have been infected with Covid-19 to be able to monitor long-term outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39755/23]
View answerAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
914. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health the action his Department has taken to date to ensure that those who became infected with Covid and as a result required hospital care; if these patients were given follow-up appointments for aftercare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39756/23]
View answerAs the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
915. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health for an update on an appointment for surgery (details supplied); if he will expedite same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39785/23]
View answerI fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.
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.
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.
916. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE clinical nurse specialists in permoneal dialysis at Mayo University Hospital in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [39805/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
917. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant orthopaedic and trauma surgeons at St. James's Hospital in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [39806/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
918. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health The number of WTE Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke Services based at Tullamore Regional Hospital in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [39807/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
919. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of MRI scanners in use at Roscommon University Hospital. [39808/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
920. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE vacant nursing posts at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan; and the steps being taken to fill these vacancies. [39809/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
921. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health his plans to expand the pathfinder alternative care pathway to Bantry General Hospital. [39810/23]
View answerPathfinder is a National Ambulance Service-administered alternative care pathway for the older community. It involves the NAS and Allied Health Professionals working together to respond to and treat older people in their own home. The service enables staff to treat and assess the patient as well as provide the appropriate supports and follow up care to the patient, so that where clinically appropriate the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care.
Following a successful pilot in the Beaumont Hospital catchment area, Pathfinder has been rolled out to eight additional locations in Tallaght, Waterford, Limerick, Cork, Kilkenny, Letterkenny, Tralee and Galway.
In regard to the Deputy's specific question on the rollout of Pathfinder to Bantry I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to him directly with any further information it may have.
922. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of full-time emergency department nurses at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny, in the years of 2021, 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form; and if this number will be further increased. [39811/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
923. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE vascular surgery registrars at the Mater Hospital in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [39812/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
924. Deputy Duncan Smith asked the Minister for Health the amount of revenue generated through parking charges within public car parks at Portiuncula University Hospital in 2022 and to date in 2023, in tabular form. [39813/23]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
