Colm Brophy
Question:538. Deputy Colm Brophy asked the Minister for Health the estimated cost of providing five menopause clinics and increase the hours of all such clinics by one additional hour. [45931/24]
View answerThursday, 7 November 2024
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Written answers
There is currently one specialist menopause clinic in each of the six maternity networks.
The existing specialist menopause clinics have been operating with 1.7 Whole-Time Equivalents (WTEs) each. These comprise a team of 3-4 staff, made up of Consultants/Specialist GPs, Clinical Nurse Specialist /Clinical Midwife Specialist, and Grade IV Admin.
The total full-year salary costs (including 20% non-pay) that have been funded for the existing clinics, are as follows:
• Coombe: €173,611
• Rotunda: €165,607
• NMH: €175,541
• Cork: €166,409
• Galway: €166,409
• Limerick: €166,409
The estimated cost for each additional clinic is based on the average cost for existing clinics. This works out at €168,998 per clinic and does not include capital investment.
As part of the Women’s Health Action Plan, additional funding for the existing menopause clinics is being provided this year to extend their opening hours. This funding will provide an additional 2.8 WTEs spread across the NMH, Rotunda, Cork and Galway.
The full-year cost for the additional 2.8 WTEs is €349,415. Taking this into account, the average cost per clinic will increase to €227,217. Capital investment may also be required for any additional clinics, and this would vary depending on the space available and refurb/equipment requirements.
The HSE’s National Women & Infants Health Programme has advised that clinics typically operate on a 3- or 4-hour basis, with staff on 35-37 hour per week contracts.