David Cullinane
Question:685. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of lost bed days by location and by month to date in 2022, in tabular form. [57830/22]
View answerHospital Services
Questions (685)
Written answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (686)
David Cullinane
Question:686. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average patient experience time from admission to discharge by location and by month to date in 2022, in tabular form. [57831/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (687)
David Cullinane
Question:687. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who could not be discharged on time due to a lack of home care by location and by month to date in 2022, in tabular form. [57832/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible
Hospital Services
Questions (688)
David Cullinane
Question:688. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who could not be discharged on time due to a lack of suitable arrangements by reported reason type and by location by month to date in 2022, in tabular form. [57833/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 689 answered with Question No. 684.
Hospital Services
Questions (690)
David Cullinane
Question:690. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of lost bed days, by location and by month in 2019, in tabular form. [57835/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (691)
David Cullinane
Question:691. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the average patient experience time from admission to discharge, by location and by month in 2019 in tabular form. [57836/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Services
Questions (692)
David Cullinane
Question:692. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who could not be discharged on time due to a lack of homecare by location and by month in 2019, in tabular form. [57837/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible
Hospital Services
Questions (693)
David Cullinane
Question:693. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who could not be discharged on time due to a lack of suitable arrangements, by reported reason type, by location and by month in 2019, in tabular form. [57838/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Home Care Packages
Questions (694)
Bernard Durkan
Question:694. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when a home care package will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied) who has recently been discharged from Blanchardstown Hospital and requires additional home help while recovering; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57877/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Questions (695)
Bernard Durkan
Question:695. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent cranioplasty surgery will be facilitated in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57898/22]
View answerWritten answers
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.
Health Services
Questions (696)
Neasa Hourigan
Question:696. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on the HSE plans relating to the retention of telemedicine as part of the care pathway for early medical abortion; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57907/22]
View answerWritten answers
As part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to protect public health and limit the spread of COVID-19, the Department of Health and the Health Service Executive (HSE) worked together in 2020 to put arrangements in place to allow termination of pregnancy services in early pregnancy to be provided remotely.
For the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency, where the need for social distancing, reducing personal contacts and reducing the burden on medical practitioners are paramount, it became possible for a woman to access a termination under section 12 of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018 (i.e., before 12 weeks) from her medical practitioner by telephone or video conference consultation.
There is ongoing engagement between the Department of Health and the HSE to monitor service provision, facilitate the smooth-running of the service and resolve any issues that may arise. However, as restrictions began to ease, it became timely to revisit the Model of Care to review its operation and consider whether remote consultation as part of a blended approach to termination of pregnancy care should be continued post the COVID-19 public health emergency period.
At the request of the Department, the HSE conducted a review of the Revised Model of Care for Termination of Pregnancy.
The review of the Model of Care for the Termination of Pregnancy Service found that the majority of providers within primary care feel that a blend of remote and in-person care is optimal.
In-person consultations allow provision of personalised care and allow potential problems to be identified and mitigated, while remote provision improves access for many women and addresses geographical and logistical barriers. It also alleviates some of the difficulty associated with the mandatory 3-day waiting period.
The review found that the provision of a remote consultation as part of the termination of pregnancy service is safe, effective and acceptable to both service users and providers.
The findings of this review are currently being examined as part of a deliberative process. The consideration of appropriate next steps will form part of this process.
Departmental Funding
Questions (697)
John McGuinness
Question:697. Deputy John McGuinness asked the Minister for Health if the approved funding for residential care being provided by SOS Kilkenny for a person (details supplied) will be released immediately. [57908/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this relates to a service matter, I am referring it to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.
Health Strategies
Questions (698)
Cathal Crowe
Question:698. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health the Government’s strategy for protecting immunocompromised persons who cannot mount a response to a Covid-19 vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57949/22]
View answerWritten answers
From the outset, our response to the pandemic has been supported by a strong cross-Government COVID-19 oversight structure to ensure a public health-led, whole-of-society approach to the COVID-19 response.
Our approach to decision making in the pandemic has been underpinned by the core national priorities of protecting the most vulnerable in society from the severe impacts of COVID-19, minimising the burden on the healthcare system, and continuing to keep schools and childcare facilities open. The approach has also been guided by a number of core ethical principles: a duty to provide care, equity, solidarity, fairness, minimising harm, proportionality, reciprocity, and privacy.
In late 2021, our national response transitioned from a focus on regulation and population-wide restrictions to public health advice, personal judgement, and personal protective behaviours.
While Ireland’s approach to managing COVID-19 is now underpinned by individual risk assessment and personal judgement, considerable efforts continue to be made to protect vulnerable people, including those who are immunocompromised.
The Office of the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) continues to monitor COVID-19 data closely and advise the Minister for Health and Government in relation to ongoing decision-making processes in respect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Letters from the CMO to the Minister in relation to COVID-19 are available to read here.
The CMO’s weekly epidemiological updates to the Minister are published on the Department of Health website here, along with the current key public health advice:
- Anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after symptoms have substantially or fully resolved – please do not attend any social events, work, school or college if you have symptoms.
- Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19 should self-isolate for 7 days from date of onset of symptoms, or if asymptomatic, date of first positive test. Anyone exiting self-isolation at day seven should continue to adhere to other public health protective measures.
- Mask wearing is advised on public transport and in healthcare settings. Mask wearing is also advised based on individual risk assessment. Anyone who wishes to wear a mask should not be discouraged from doing so. Individuals who are vulnerable to COVID-19 are further advised to be aware of the risk associated with activities they may choose to engage in and to take measures to optimally protect themselves. Vulnerable individuals are advised to consider wearing masks in crowded indoor settings, such as may relate, for example, to social gatherings or other activities and events.
- Continue to practise good hand and respiratory hygiene by washing and sanitising hands regularly and coughing/sneezing into your elbow. Maintain a physical distance where possible.
- Meet up outdoors if possible. When meeting indoors, avoid poorly ventilated spaces and keep windows open if possible.
- Many people who were infected with COVID-19 in late 2021 and earlier in 2022 will now be eligible for a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
On 12th October, under the leadership of the CMO, the Department of Health published a strategic report on the management of COVID-19 for the winter period 2022/23. This report sets out the Department of Health’s strategy for the management of COVID-19 for Autumn/Winter 2022/2023 and places a particular emphasis on preparedness and contingency planning. The report has been informed by ongoing, comprehensive monitoring of the epidemiological situation, international guidance, ongoing engagement across the various functions of the Department and the HSE, and by the work of the COVID-19 Advisory Group and the Public Health Reform Expert Advisory Group. The report is available to read here.
The HSE has a webpage with advice on how those who are at higher risk can protect themselves from COVID-19, available here.
The Health Protection and Surveillance Centre (HPSC) also has detailed guidance on its website for people at risk of severe disease which includes advice about available treatments / to seek treatment early if unwell and emphasises the importance of continuing to attend other medical appointments: here
Government communication campaigns continue to emphasise the personal behaviours that protect from COVID-19, with a focus on:
- encouraging everyone to come forward for vaccines and boosters to protect not only themselves but others who they may come into contact with
- reminding of the public health advice to stay at home if sick to reduce the risk of transmission
There is also a specific strand of communication (You never know) acknowledging that as we interact with people in our daily lives, we do not know who amongst them may be at risk from COVID-19, but we do know how to protect them: vaccination, staying home if sick, washing hands, wearing masks, and opening windows.
Medical Aids and Appliances
Questions (699)
Pauline Tully
Question:699. Deputy Pauline Tully asked the Minister for Health if plans and supports are in place to assist vulnerable persons living at home who are reliant on essential medical equipment in the event that there are electricity power outages; if not, the steps that he will take to put in place a plan and supports to assist persons in this situation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57951/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Government is committed to providing accessible and affordable health care.
The Department of Social Protection administer the Supplementary Welfare Allowance (SWA) Scheme and the Fuel Allowance, which may assist individuals in meeting the costs associated with operating medical devices. Further information on these can be found, respectively, at:
www.gov.ie/en/collection/d5554-supplementary-welfare-allowance/
www.gov.ie/en/service/00aa38-fuel-allowance/
In addition, energy suppliers are required to establish, maintain and regularly update a register of vulnerable customers. Vulnerable customers include:
- Those who are critically dependent on electrically powered equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) life protecting devices, assistive technologies to support independent living and medical equipment, or
- Those who are particularly vulnerable to disconnection during winter months for reasons of advanced age or physical, sensory, intellectual or mental health.
There are a range of additional protection measures in place for registered vulnerable customers. This includes measures around communication, disconnection and other important areas. Energy suppliers are required to provide customers with a free and easy way to register as a vulnerable customer. Further information regarding this can be found at:
www.cru.ie/need-assistance/vulnerable-customers/
Finally, as announced in Budget 2023, every household in Ireland will receive three €200 energy credits, totalling €600, towards the costs of their electricity over the coming months.
Health Services
Questions (700)
Niamh Smyth
Question:700. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health the reason that a facility (details supplied) is not open; if his Department will grant funding for same; if his Department has received an application from an organisation regarding same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57955/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Dental Services
Questions (701)
Seán Canney
Question:701. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the progress that is being made in relation to resolving the current impasse with dentists providing services to the HSE, as many patients across the country are unable to access services due to the current dispute, which is causing great hardship to persons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57956/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Dental Treatment Services Scheme (DTSS) provides dental care, free of charge, to medical card holders aged 16 and over. I recognise that there is a need to substantively review and reform the DTSS to align with best international evidence and practice, as outlined in the National Oral Health Policy, Smile agus Sláinte (2019).
Work has begun on this review and officials in my Department are engaging with stakeholders. I expect significant further progress to be made in 2023 and have made an unprecedented additional allocation of €15 million in Budget 2023 to support this work and enhance the provision of oral healthcare services next year. This is additional to the €148 million that is already provided for oral healthcare each year across the DTSS, the HSE Public Dental Service and orthodontic services provided by the HSE.
On top of this €15 million allocation, resources will also be made available in 2023 for new clinical leadership posts and for other supporting staff to allow substantive reform of the provision of public oral healthcare services to all ages to commence, including through work on the development of a new medical card scheme. The implementation plan for Smile Agus Sláinte will prioritise the alleviation of access issues for oral healthcare.
In recognition of the issues that have been experienced in some parts of the country in accessing oral healthcare, the €15m award includes €5 million to support the HSE to provide care to its patient cohorts in 2023, including adult medical card holders who are in need of emergency care and are still struggling to access a local dentist. This is intended to protect patient access to oral healthcare services while the transformative reform programme progresses.
These further measures come on top of a package of measures introduced from 1 May 2022 to expand the Scheme and increase the fees paid to contractors. The numbers of patients being seen, the numbers of treatments being provided and the number of claims being submitted under the DTSS have all increased in recent months.
Health Services
Questions (702)
Emer Higgins
Question:702. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health if the support of a dietitian is available to persons living in Newcastle, County Dublin and Clondalkin, Dublin 22 who have recently been diagnosed as coeliacs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57970/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Vaccination Programme
Questions (703)
Emer Higgins
Question:703. Deputy Emer Higgins asked the Minister for Health the reason that first-year students from a school (details supplied) are being asked to travel to a HSE facility in Cherry Orchard to avail of the HPV vaccine which is normally administered in schools; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57971/22]
View answerWritten answers
As this is an operational matter for the HSE, I have referred the question to the HSE for a direct reply.
Departmental Reviews
Questions (704)
Seán Canney
Question:704. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health the steps that are being taken to address the failure in leadership and management, the failure to tell the whole truth, the false reassurance and attempts to play down the seriousness of the Cervical Check debacle as highlighted in the Government Cervical Check State apology; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [57975/22]
View answerWritten answers
The Minister is acutely aware that the issues in CervicalCheck in 2018 led to a loss of trust in our screening services. The National Screening Services, the HSE and the Department of Health are working to rebuild that trust, by working with patients and advocates to improve and develop services across all our screening programmes.
In line with the Programme for Government commitment to fully implement Dr Scally’s recommendations, significant progress has been made. All 170 actions, in the Implementation Plan arising from Dr Scally’s 58 recommendations, are now completed. These actions included work to strengthen governance in the screening services, and to develop a new approach to review and disclosure led by an independent Expert Reference Group which included patient advocates and international experts. The CervicalCheck Steering Committee, which includes the 221+ Group and patient advocates, has provided oversight and assurance on implementation of Dr Scally's recommendations.
The Minister for Health recently asked Dr Scally to conduct a final progress review of implementation of his recommendations and Dr Scally’s final report is expected to be submitted to the Minister shortly.
Ireland has high quality screening services which are improving the health of the population. By continuing to listen to and work with patients, screening services will be continuously improved to be in line with best international standards.
Work is also being progressed by the HSE and Department of Health under the global strategy for the elimination of cervical cancer. Thursday 17 November marked the Global Cervical Cancer Elimination Day of Action.
Every year in Ireland around 300 people get cervical cancer, and 90 women die from it. Through continuing to promote and develop our cervical screening and HPV vaccination programmes, we aim to make this devastating and traumatic disease a rare cancer in our population.