Written Answers Nos. 167-187
167. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health his views on the current operational status of the new community nursing unit in Nenagh, County Tipperary, originally meant for the transfer of St. Conlon's patients. [39334/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
168. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health if a hospital (details supplied), following the lifting of the recruitment ban, advertised vacancies for psychiatric nurses in the adult mental health unit of that hospital; if so, when these positions were advertised; the number of positions that were advertised; when the competition closed; the number recruited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39464/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
169. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an update on a primary care centre (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39465/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
170. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health the role he and his Department have had in the imposition of the recruitment embargo in the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29518/24]
View answerThere has been an unprecedented level of investment by this Government in the health service workforce in recent years, including an additional €1.5bn funding in 2024, a planned €1.2bn increase in the health budget in 2025 and regularisation of over 4,000 previously unfunded posts into core funding going forward.
As of August 2024, there were 27,901 more staff working in our health service than there were at the beginning of 2020, an increase of 23% including 9,375 nurses and midwives; 4,092 health and social care professionals; and 3,330 doctors and dentists.
In 2023, the HSE was funded to recruit 6,000 staff, It actually hired 8,239, exceeding its funded workforce targets by more than 2,200 staff.
While the increase in our workforce has been incredibly positive and has enabled significant improvements in service delivery and reductions in waiting times for patients, it is important that the HSE operates within budgeted levels and that prudent controls are in place to ensure the workforce growth is managed in an affordable and sustainable manner.
In addition to agreement on additional funding and regularisation of the 4,000 unfunded posts in core funding, finalisation of the HSE’s Pay and Numbers Strategy for 2024 introduced a new approved maximum employment ceiling for all Hospitals and CHOs within the HSE of 129,753 (excludes Disability) in 2024.
Provision has also been made for the HSE to recruit an additional 4,210 WTE in 2024 (3,310 funded by Dept. of Health and 900WTE funded by DCEDIY).
These newly agreed limits and the regularization of previously unfunded posts has removed the obstacle to normal recruitment and replacement in the remainder of the workforce, resulting in the immediate lifting of the recruitment pause.
Each Health Regions/National Services have each been provided with their own limits in which to operate and each Regional Executive Officer/National Director will have the ability to prioritise recruitment and replacement within their approved number as appropriate
This is a new operational model aimed at enabling service areas to prioritise service provision and maintain financial controls within each region. A Health Region or National Service will be able to prioritise filling vacancies that may arise within the allocation. They can also re-prioritise should they wish and remain adaptive, within overall national policy and guidance.
171. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health why a hospital (details supplied), following the lifting of the recruitment ban, did not advertise vacancies for psychiatric nurses in the adult mental health unit of that hospital; when a recruitment drive will commence for these positions; how many vacancies there will be; what steps are being taken to actively recruit psychiatric nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39469/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
172. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health when urgent injections will be carried out in the case of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39480/24]
View answerUnder 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.
173. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if an issue (details supplied) in relation to the transfer of patients will be investigated; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39482/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
174. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if there are specific criteria when the HSE is making a decision to allow assisted transport to children with a disability who are attending training centres; if so, if the criteria have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39486/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
175. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health when a person in Donegal (details supplied) can expect to receive an appointment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39490/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
176. Deputy David Stanton asked the Minister for Health the plans for the unoccupied section of the primary care centre in Cobh, County Cork; when he expects it to be fully occupied; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39509/24]
View answerAs the Health Service Executive (HSE) holds responsibility for the provision, along with the maintenance and operation of Primary Care Centres, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
177. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health his views on the development of a role of ‘enhanced practitioner’ grade in radiation therapy, a level of practice after ‘clinical specialist radiation therapist’ and before ‘advanced practice radiation therapist’, as is the case in other jurisdictions, and as recommended by the Radiation Therapist Review Working Group report of July 2024, to help alleviate the pressure in the healthcare system of staff deficits and radiation oncology centres; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39512/24]
View answerFirstly, I would like to acknowledge the important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
I note the recently completed Radiation Therapy Review and the considerations in this strategic review such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning, and recruitment and retention strategies.
As the terms of reference for the review state, the implementation of any recommendations from the review will remain subject to the approval from the Departments of Health and Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform. Recommendations arising from the Radiation Therapist Review refer to the grade of Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist.
The Department of Health is developing the Policy on Advanced Practice in Health and Social Care Professions. The recommendation of the Radiation Therapist Review Working Group to develop Advanced Practice Radiation Therapist roles will be linked with the development and implementation of this policy.
178. Deputy Darren O'Rourke asked the Minister for Health when a person in County Meath (details provided) will get an appointment for play therapy, speech and language and occupational therapy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39513/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
179. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the processing time for registration of radiation therapists, the current average processing time, and his Department’s target registration processing time by the end of quarter 4 2024 and the end of quarter 4 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39514/24]
View answer180. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health his Department’s target processing time for the recognition of qualifications awarded outside the State for radiation therapists, in advance of their registration, given the inclusion of radiation therapists on the critical skills list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39515/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 179 and 180 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, CORU is Ireland’s independent, multi-profession regulator whose role is to protect the public by promoting high standards of professional conduct, education, training and competence through statutory registration of health and social care professionals.
Because of its statutory obligation to protect the public CORU must ensure the process of both recognition and registration is robust, fair and thorough, but it also works closely with applicants to provide information and support.
In the processing of recognition applications, CORU adheres to the rules and timelines as set out by the EU Professional Qualifications Directive – Directive 2005/36/EC. Receipt of an application must be acknowledged within one month of its receipt and any missing documents must be highlighted. A final decision on an application should be provided as soon as possible following the submission of a complete application but no later than four months following receipt of a complete application. CORU always endeavours to process recognition applications in a timely manner and to ensure recognition decisions are completed as expeditiously as possible.
I can confirm that officials in my department are in regular contact with CORU to discuss ways in which timelines and processes can be improved and implemented. CORU has made significant progress in reducing both recognition and registration timelines throughout 2024.
Regarding the recognition of non-Irish radiation therapy qualifications, the time from when a complete application has been received to a decision being made has significantly reduced since the start of 2024 as can be seen in the table below. This is despite the number of file complete applications for recognition of such qualifications continuing to rise (37 to end-August 2024 v 19 total in 2023) as well as the total number of applications received (42 to end August 2024 v 35 total in 2023).
Recognition timeframe from file complete to decision (based on 1st decisions made)
|
Average days |
Jan |
Feb |
Mar |
Apr |
May |
Jun |
Jul |
Aug |
|
Radiation Therapist |
78.5 |
69.0 |
N/A |
75.0 |
48.0 |
35.8 |
50.0 |
27.3 |
Regarding the processing time for registration of radiation therapists, significant improvement has also been noted with processing times reducing from an average of 76 days in January 2024 to 54 days in August 2024.
Registration processing times for radiation therapists
|
Average days |
Jan |
Feb |
March |
April |
May |
June |
July |
August |
|
Radiation Therapist |
76 |
76 |
76 |
104 |
81 |
32 |
47 |
54 |
These improvements are a result of several new initiatives and programmes of work to support changes being undertaken by CORU and include:
• The introduction of new pathways to recognition, in particular the Frequently Seen Qualifications programme which includes both programme alignment and standards alignment (currently in place for UK professional qualifications where standards align with those of Ireland). When good alignment of standards/qualifications can be confirmed, such applications do not require an individualised approach to recognition and can be ‘automatically’ recognised. The process currently applies to those presenting with UK qualifications only but CORU hope to expand the initiative to other countries going forward.
• Improvements resulting from the new integrated application/registrant system (currently in place for social care workers only but roll out for all professions expected by end-November).
• Delegation of low-risk decisions to the registrar which significantly reduces the timeline for recognition applications from a complete file being received to a final recognition decision.
• Improved engagement with stakeholders, including improved guidance material and simplification of document requirements.
• New training and procedures integration for assessors of applications, board members and the CORU recognition team.
Further information provided by CORU states that the average timeframe for the recognition of qualifications for radiation therapists at end-September is 41 days from submission of a complete application. Registration data based on 2024 processing times for radiation therapists up to 30th September is 54 days.
181. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if an appointment (details supplied) can be expedited; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39517/24]
View answerUnder 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.
182. Deputy Niamh Smyth asked the Minister for Health if he will investigate an issue (details supplied) in relation to the transfer of patients; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39525/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, it has been referred to the Health Service Executive for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
183. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health if there are specific criteria when the HSE is making a decision to allow assisted transport to children with a disability who are attending training centres; if so, if the criteria have been published; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39526/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
184. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 447 of 28 June 2024, the progress to date in making this medication available; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39528/24]
View answerUnder the Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) Act 2013, the HSE has statutory responsibility for decisions on the pricing and reimbursement of medicines; therefore, the matter has been referred to the HSE for attention and direct reply to the Deputy.
185. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the total number of locations at which treatment for cataracts, spina bifida and scoliosis can be treated in this country, public or private, and is readily available or available the on national treatment purchase scheme; the number of patients currently being treated at such locations; the extent to which waiting lists are being reduced as a result; the cost differential between public and private treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39530/24]
View answer198. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for cataract surgery in each year over the past four years to date; the number of persons who have received access to surgery in the same period; the number of persons waiting 12 months or more; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39610/24]
View answer202. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Health the extent to which the National Treatment Purchase Fund for patients in need of cataract treatment may be available within the jurisdiction; if, in such circumstances, it involved long waiting periods; if the HSE might make some financial contribution to those forced to seek treatment privately; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39615/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 185, 198 and 202 together.
It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments. I am conscious of the burden this places on patients and their families.
As part of the multi-annual approach to reducing waiting lists, and just as importantly the length of time that patients are waiting, I published the 2024 Waiting List Action Plan on 27th March. Total funding of €360 million has been provided for the plan this year which sets out 19 Actions across three themes: Delivering Capacity, Reforming Scheduled Care and Enabling Scheduled Care Reform.
The first Waiting List Action Plan (WLAP) was implemented in late 2021, as part of a multi-annual approach encompassing short-term actions to increase capacity and activity in the immediate term, and longer-term reform measures to sustainably reduce and reform hospital waiting lists and waiting times.
The 2024 Plan builds on the work of previous plans which have achieved significant progress in overall waiting list reduction and in addressing long waiting times, against a backdrop of significantly increased demand for scheduled care services. This year’s plan aims to achieve a reduction in the overall number of patients on waiting lists while three of the four overarching targets in the Plan are specifically focused on improving waiting times.
The National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) works with public hospitals, as opposed to with patients directly, to offer and provide the funding for treatment to clinically suitable long waiting patients who are on an Inpatient/Day case or Outpatient waiting list.
The key criteria of the NTPF is the prioritisation of the longest waiting patients first. While the NTPF identifies patients eligible for NTPF treatment, it is solely on the basis of their time spent on a waiting list. The clinical suitability of the patient to avail of NTPF funded treatment is determined by the public hospital.
For 2024, the NTPF has approved 6 Insourcing Cataracts initiatives which will facilitate treatment for 3,315 patients on cataracts waiting lists. The NTPF has also approved 5 Insourcing Ophthalmology Outpatient initiatives so far in 2024 which will provide 6,295 additional appointments for patients on Ophthalmology waiting lists.
With regard to the information requested by the Deputy concerning cataract waiting lists, the following table, containing information provided by the NTPF, outlines the total waiting list for cataract surgery including the number of persons waiting 12 months or more, in each year over the past four years and to date in 2024.
There were 6,141 patients on the public waiting list for cataract surgery as at the end of August 2024. While the number of patients on the waiting list for cataract procedures nationally has increased since the end of 2023, the number of patients waiting over 12 months has reduced in the same period.
In regard to the query posed by the Deputy asking if the HSE might make some financial contribution to those forced to seek treatment privately, I wish to clarify that treatment accessed in a private hospital or clinic within the State and paid for privately by the patient, is not eligible for reimbursement by the HSE or the Department of Health.
In relation to the other aspects of the queries raised by the Deputy, as these are service matters, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Cataract Procedure Waiting List 2020 to 2023 and August 2024
|
- |
0-6 Months |
6-12 Months |
12-18 Months |
18+ Months |
SmallVolTimeBands |
Grand Total |
|
Dec-20 |
2,780 |
652 |
373 |
276 |
14 |
4,095 |
|
Dec-21 |
3,705 |
478 |
184 |
226 |
21 |
4,614 |
|
Dec-22 |
4,740 |
1,182 |
207 |
132 |
6 |
6,267 |
|
Dec-23 |
4,084 |
980 |
337 |
127 |
10 |
5,538 |
|
Aug-24 |
4,254 |
1,424 |
282 |
172 |
9 |
6,141 |
186. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address the issue with dispensing fees for community pharmacists and ensure the sustainability of these essential services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39533/24]
View answer188. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the review of pharmacy dispensing fees; if he is engaging with a union (details supplied) on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39542/24]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 186 and 188 together.
I recognise the significant role community pharmacists play in the delivery of patient care and acknowledge the potential for this role to be developed further in the context of healthcare service reform.
There has been ongoing engagement between Department officials and the Irish Pharmacy Union in regard to the potential to extend the scope of practice of community pharmacists and the contract enablers needed to implement that.
My Department has been carrying out a comprehensive review of the pharmacy fee structure in the context of its engagement with the IPU and the intended expansion of the scope of pharmacy practice.
I believe that there is a real opportunity to work collaboratively with community pharmacists to make a significant difference to patient outcomes. Of course, any publicly funded pharmacy service expansion should address unmet public healthcare needs, improve access to existing public health services, and provide better value for money.
187. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health the current status of the Shannondoc service in Roscrea, County Tipperary, given the ongoing concerns from residents about the lack of this essential service; the steps being taken to address this issue and ensure the community of Roscrea has access to adequate medical care; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39535/24]
View answerAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
