Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:621. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons admitted to University Hospital Galway via the emergency department in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2024. [21704/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Admissions
Ceisteanna (621)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the Deputy directly with the requested information.
Emergency Departments
Ceisteanna (622)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:622. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of patients who left the emergency department in University Hospital Galway without being seen in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2024. [21705/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (623)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:623. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses who have left their jobs at University Hospital Galway in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2024. [21706/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Staff
Ceisteanna (624)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:624. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of nurses recruited to work in University Hospital Galway in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2024. [21707/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (625)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:625. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons in the State waiting for hip replacement surgery at the end of each of the past ten years; the average waiting length in each of the past ten years, by county, in tabular form. [21708/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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
Ceisteanna (626)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:626. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of children waiting on a dental waiting list at the end of each of the last ten years, and if a breakdown, by county, can be provided on this figure. [21709/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (627)
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:627. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of persons who have taken legal cases against the HSE in each of the past ten years, and to date in 2024. [21710/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive.
I have been informed by the SCA that the information contained within the table below has been extracted from the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and relates to claims against healthcare locations, i.e. acute and community settings, Section 38 service providers and the national services and disability sector locations. It does not contain any private scheme locations.
Please note the information set out in this response relates to claims against the HSE handled by the SCA only.
Table : Number of Healthcare Claims per Year from 2014 to 2024 YTD (08/05/2024)
|
Claim Create Year |
Number of Claims |
|
2014 |
1,349 |
|
2015 |
1,576 |
|
2016 |
1,602 |
|
2017 |
1,915 |
|
2018 |
2,080 |
|
2019 |
2,225 |
|
2020 |
2,039 |
|
2021 |
1,835 |
|
2022 |
1,855 |
|
2023 |
1,967 |
|
2024 YTD |
716 |
|
Grand Total |
19,159 |
Definitions:
|
National Incident Management System (NIMS) |
Incidents (which include claims) are reported using the “National Incident Management System”, hosted by the State Claims Agency (SCA). An incident can be a harmful Incident (Adverse Event), no harm incident, near miss, dangerous occurrence (reportable circumstance) or complaint. NIMS is the system used by the delegated authorities to fulfil their statutory requirement to report incidents to the State Claims Agency and for their own incident and risk management purposes. |
|
Healthcare |
‘Healthcare’ at location level 1 field on NIMS, this includes acute, community and Section 38 bodies. |
Departmental Programmes
Ceisteanna (628)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:628. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the funding and implementation of the Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD programme for 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21712/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy may be aware, ADHD has long been recognised as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in children and it is now known to persist into adulthood. Core symptoms include inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity.
It can cause many issues in areas such as personal and social relations, education and occupation, managing money and organising life in general. There is also an increased risk of having other mental health difficulties with it such as anxiety and depression.
Children can access ADHD assessments through the National Educational Psychological Service. In addition to this, as per the CAMHS Operational Guidelines, CAMHS take referrals for children and adolescents up to age 18 with moderate to severe ADHD.
I am aware that prior to the inception of the National Clinical Programme for Adults with ADHD, which I launched in 2021, there were no specific ADHD public services available for Adults in Ireland.
The National Clinical Programme for ADHD is delivered as part of the HSE’s mental health service provision to ensure an integrated, person-centred response to adults with ADHD. The programme includes both assessment and treatment of the disorder and works collaboratively with voluntary agencies. It envisages a national service of ADHD teams, with each Team comprised of Consultant Psychiatrist, Senior Psychologist, Senior Occupational Therapist, Clinical Nurse Specialist Mental Health, and an administrator.
Enhancement of specialist mental health services such as ADHD is a key priority for myself as Minister, the Government as a whole, and the HSE. Since 2021, over €3 million has been made available for funding ADHD posts from Programme for Government funding. This has enabled the set-up of 5 ADHD Teams with recruitment of over 25 posts, and two more teams are currently in development with posts funded for them. It is planned to announce the roll out of more teams in due course. It has been my stated intention over recent times to continue to develop services for people with ADHD, by reaching the planned 12 specialist teams as soon as possible.
In addition, as part of the National Clinical Programme funding of €150,000 was allocated to facilitate a collaboration with ADHD Ireland and the UCD School of Psychology to develop an ADHD app and the UMAAP Programme (Understanding and Managing Adult ADHD Programme). Both the ADHD App and the UMAAP Programme have proven to be two very positive resources for people with ADHD. The UMAAP Programme is delivered as a 5-week workshop, and its aim is to provide education and tools for adults on how to manage ADHD.
I am pleased to confirm that ADHD Ireland have been provided with recurring funding for the provision of the UMAAP Programme in 2024 and beyond. In this context, I launched in April last the UMAAP Programme, in conjunction with ADHD Ireland.
As part of the additional €10 million I secured for mental health services in 2024, a number of new posts will be directed to enhance the HSE clinical programmes. This includes posts to support ADHD. Details in relation to the significant €10 million provision are currently being finalised with the HSE.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use
Ceisteanna (629)
Willie O'Dea
Ceist:629. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Health when the clinical review of the medicinal cannabis programme will be completed to ascertain whether evidence exists to expand the range of conditions covered; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21714/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Health Research Board (HRB), at the request of my department, was requested to carry out an exercise of initial evidence gathering and a subsequent evidence synthesis, the results of which were published in January this year. This publication is subject to a clinical review in order ascertain whether there is sufficient evidence available to broaden the scope of the conditions which could be treated with cannabis-based products under the MCAP.
My officials are currently working on assembling a clinical review group of medical experts together with a Chair of that group. I expect this will take several more weeks.
The group will review the publication of the Health Review Board and ultimately will furnish evidence-based recommendations to me as Minister for Health as to whether the scope of the programme be extended or not. While I cannot put a definitive timeline on the work of the clinical review group, given the work already carried out by the HRB on behalf of the Department on which the review will be based, I would anticipate that the review would not take more than a few months.
International Bodies
Ceisteanna (630)
Louise O'Reilly
Ceist:630. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health if Ireland will be joining the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21716/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The membership of the EATRIS network could play a key role in furthering our capacity in the development of new healthcare therapeutics, products, and services with potential to improve health outcomes for patients. Membership could also benefit the economy of Ireland and make unique research infrastructures and centres in Ireland more visible, thereby increasing the opportunities to participate in major European research projects.
In considering the potential value of membership of EATRIS, Ireland’s ability to influence the priorities of the network would be evaluated. Awareness of EATRIS in the research community, access to resources and tools and participation in pan-European studies might also inform any decision to join the network.
Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) is the main funder of translational research. Considering the remit of SFI and its parent department, the Department for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, it would be important for my department to consult with these bodies and other key stakeholders such as the Health Research Board and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in determining how best to support and coordinate a potential membership process.
The Impact 2030 steering group, comprised of the government departments most active in research investment, would in the first instance be the most appropriate forum to consider membership of EATRIS. Should a decision be taken to join the European Infrastructure for Translational Medicine (EATRIS), a memorandum for government would be required to set out how membership of the network would complement and align with existing strategies and investments. A government decision would then be necessary to formally join the network.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (631)
Michael Ring
Ceist:631. Deputy Michael Ring asked the Minister for Health when an additional respite bed will be provided at a facility (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21724/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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
Ceisteanna (632)
Pádraig O'Sullivan
Ceist:632. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Health if he is aware of concerns regarding the relocation of paediatric services and-or ward in Cork (details supplied); if he or his Department has been briefed regarding the concerns in relation to this relocation; the capacity or number of beds available in the new paediatric unit in CUH; his views on whether it is sufficiently resourced; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21730/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the HSE to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Hospital Appointments Status
Ceisteanna (633)
Barry Cowen
Ceist:633. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health the status of the case of a child (details supplied); and when they can expect an appointment in Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, County Laois. [21739/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
“As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible
Departmental Properties
Ceisteanna (634)
Robert Troy
Ceist:634. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to clarify plans for a disused HSE clinic (details supplied). [21756/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Health Service Executive is responsible for the management of the public healthcare property estate, I have asked the HSE to respond directly to you in relation to this matter.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (635)
Seán Crowe
Ceist:635. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health the number of persons treated by the Pathfinder service; the total budget allocated to the service since it became operational; and if plans are in place to expand the programme across the State. [21765/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Pathfinder involves the National Ambulance Service and health and social care professionals working together to respond and treat people in the comfort of their 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 the patient does not need to be transported to a busy Emergency Department to receive care when there is no clinical need.
In relation to the specific information requested by the Deputy, as these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (636)
James Lawless
Ceist:636. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health if the case of a person (details supplied) will be examined; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21769/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As this is an operational matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Health Services Staff
Ceisteanna (637)
Brendan Smith
Ceist:637. Deputy Brendan Smith asked the Minister for Health if he will ensure that the full complement of staff providing an important health service will be in place in Cavan-Monaghan without delay (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21770/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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
Ceisteanna (638, 640, 641, 642)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:638. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health when he will sanction funding requests made by the Department of Health for an increase in optometrists' fees having not increased for over 20 years, and for an over 8s public eyecare programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21789/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:640. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the reason optometrists' fees have not been increased in over 20 years; if he intends to increase the fees to meet actual cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21791/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:641. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that optometrists are leaving or not entering public adult eyecare schemes; what action he intends to take to rectify same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21792/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraClaire Kerrane
Ceist:642. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the commitment in the programme for Government for a national over 8s public eyecare programme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21793/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 638, 640, 641 and 642 together.
The Community Ophthalmic Services Scheme (COSS) is a national fee-per-item scheme which was introduced in 1979. Under the COSS, medical card holders aged over 16 years can be seen by ophthalmologists, community ophthalmic physicians, optometrists or dispensing opticians.
Eligible patients can receive an eye examination and be provided with prescribed optical appliances in accordance with a national schedule of approved optical appliances.
The Health Professionals (Reduction of Payments to Ophthalmologists, Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians) Regulations 2013 (SI 274 of 2013) sets the fees for optometrists and dispensing opticians under the Community Optometric Services, Community Spectacle Dispensing Services and Health Amendment Act Card Schemes.
Increasing the fee payable to contractors for a standard eye examination under the COSS (to ensure parity with that payable for the same exam under the Department of Social Protection’s Treatment Benefit Scheme) is a priority for my Department, and work with stakeholders is ongoing in this regard.
All children, including those not covered by a medical card, receive a vision screen while in national school from a Public Health Nurse. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides optical services free of charge to pre-school children and national school children referred from child health service and school health service examinations who are discovered to have sight problems. These children are referred to the appropriate consultant for treatment. In such circumstances, these services will continue to be provided until the child has reached the age of 16.
The HSE Primary Care Eye Services Review Group Report, published in June 2017, highlighted the limitations of the current model of service delivery and set out the way forward for a significant amount of eye services to be delivered in a primary care setting. The Report estimated that 60% of existing outpatient activity could be moved to primary care thus enabling hospital services to focus on patients who require more specialist diagnostics or treatments.
The National Clinical Programme for Ophthalmology has developed a model of care which details how the realignment of eye services from the acute hospitals to the community will be undertaken. Included in current priorities is transferring the care of children aged 8+ years to the care of local private optometrists.
A project team with a wide-ranging membership was established in late 2019 / early 2020 to progress this initiative. The work of the team was paused due to the requirement to focus resources on the COVID 19 pandemic. However, the project team has been reconvened and is progressing matters in relation to this initiative. Recently, I asked the HSE to prepare a detailed implementation plan in regard to this matter.
The number of optometrists providing care to medical card holders under the COSS in the years 2018 through 2023 was as follows:
|
End Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No. of Optometrists |
608(596 in Jan 2018) |
590 |
598 |
604 |
609 |
604 |
There will be engagement between my Department and the Department of Public Expenditure, National Development Plan Delivery and Reform during the Estimates 2025 process. It is in the context of that process, that funding needed will be agreed.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (639)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:639. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health the number of optometrists providing care to medical card holders and under the Department of Social Protection adult eyecare schemes in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023, in tabular form. [21790/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Sight testing, eye examinations and optical appliances are provided to medical card holders by ophthalmologists, optometrists and dispensing opticians through the Community Ophthalmic Services Schemes (COSS), administered by the Health Service Executive (HSE).
The number of optometrists providing care to medical card holders under the COSS in the years 2018 through 2023 was as follows:
|
End Year |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
|
No. of Optometrists |
608 (596 in Jan 2018) |
590 |
598 |
604 |
609 |
604 |
The Department of Social Protection would have information regarding the number of optometrists contracted to provide services under the Optical Benefit Scheme, access to which is based on PRSI contributions.
Question No. 640 answered with Question No. 638.
Question No. 641 answered with Question No. 638.