Written Answers Nos. 452-474
452. Deputy Sean Sherlock asked the Minister for Health the reason no pathfinder programmes, such as the one recently announced for the RSV vaccine, have been implemented for patients with rare diseases and in need of newly licenced orphan treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28070/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraOn Rare Diseases Day 2023, I announced a plan to develop a revised National Rare Disease Plan, in line with the commitment in the Programme for Government.
Since then, a Rare Disease Policy unit has been established in my department. This unit liaises with the National Rare Disease Office in the HSE and relevant stakeholders.
A National Rare Disease Steering Group was established in December 2023, and it has met eight times since it first convened.
The Steering Group has been tasked with developing the new National Rare Disease Strategy and an associated Implementation Plan.
This Strategy will set out the vision for Rare Disease services in Ireland and the actions required to achieve this, while focusing on delivering positive change for people living with a rare disease in Ireland.
The New National Rare Disease Strategy is envisaged to be published in 2024, this will be dependent on the work of the Steering Group in the development of the Strategy.
Regarding orphan medicines, the State is committed to providing timely access to new and innovative medicines to all patients. Budgets 2021 to 2023 saw almost €100 million allocated for the reimbursement of new drugs, enabling the HSE to approve 148 new medicines. This included 39 orphan medicines.
453. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultant respiratory medicine and WTE respiratory medicine registrars attached to the Mater Hospital in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [28071/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
454. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the current waiting times for first-time appointments for ADHD assessments in CHO9. [28072/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
455. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of orthopaedic procedures, by type that were carried out at Naas General Hospital in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [28073/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
456. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of knee replacement surgeries carried out at Beaumont Hospital in 2023 and to date in 2024, in tabular form. [28074/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
457. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of chiropody cards issued by the HSE to medical card holders aged over 66 years in CHO9 in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form. [28075/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
458. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28090/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
459. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Minister for Health to approve funding for a dedicated mobile hoist compatible with the loop system slings for the paediatric ward in Midlands Regional Hospital Mullingar. [28093/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
460. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of HSE rapid response vehicles based in counties Carlow and Kilkenny on a 24-7 basis in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024 in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28099/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
461. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of WTE consultants in intensive care medicine at University Hospital Waterford in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28100/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
462. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the estimated full year cost to recruit nine additional WTE suicide crisis assessment nurses for the HSE; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28101/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
463. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of additional WTE psychiatric nurses that were recruited by the HSE for CHO5 in 2022, 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28102/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
464. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of orthognathic surgeries performed at St. James's Hospital in 2023 and to-date in 2024, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28103/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
465. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been brought to the difficulties faced by many Long Covid patients in accessing Covid-19 booster vaccines, in particular a non-MRNA vaccine (details supplied); if he will engage with the HSE to ensure that there is a clearly documented process to signpost how Long Covid and immunocompromised patients can access the non-MRNA vaccine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28115/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
466. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health to detail what is envisaged at page 38 of the HSE National Service Plan 2024 where it states “a foetal alcohol project will be undertaken using a multi-care health sector approach (primary care, mental health services etc.)”; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28158/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
467. Deputy John Paul Phelan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide a breakdown of the membership of the multi-stakeholder departmental group on the management of ongoing or anticipated high-impact medicine shortages; the frequency with which it meets; the work that it is currently conducting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28159/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) is convened by the Department of Health and chaired by the Health Service Executive (HSE) to facilitate rapid assembly of relevant government and agency bodies to assess, address and resolve emerging medicinal product supply issues.
MCAG was established in 2018 by the Department of Health as part of a whole of government response to Brexit. The group has since evolved to its current form.
The Department of Health convened a standing iteration of the Medicines Criticality Assessment Group (MCAG) during the Winter of 2023/4 to pre-empt any possible shortages over the winter period. It currently meets on an ad hoc basis when a serious shortage is notified.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group role is to:
• Discuss the impact of any identified or expected supply chain issues on medicines availability, including but not limited to, increased demand brought about by public health threats, manufacturing issues, geopolitical factors.
• Assess implications of current medicinal product shortages on the healthcare system and patients and escalate any key concerns to Ministerial level.
• Identify any further actions required and assign responsibility for their completion.
• Liaise with Office of Chief Clinical Officer, where appropriate, to develop clinical guidance for mitigation of impact of medicinal product supply issues.
• Prepare coordinated communication(s) to relevant health system stakeholders and patients/patient groups, as required.
• Disseminate communication(s) via agreed mechanisms as decided by a meeting of the MCAG.
The Medicines Criticality Assessment Group comprises of relevant ‘Standing Members’ from:
• The Department of Health (DoH),
• Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA),
• Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), and
• Health Service Executive (HSE)
Depending upon the matter at issue, attendees may also include any relevant clinical team and/programme of the HSE, and additional stakeholders invited to meetings of the MCAG, on a case-by-case basis.
Consequent to its deliberations and where the MCAG deems it necessary, the MCAG membership shall issue communication(s), to healthcare professionals and patients, via any, some, or all of the following, dependent upon necessity:
- Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) website: The Health Products Regulatory Authority (hpra.ie),
- Health Service Executive (HSE) website: HSE website - Health Service Executive - HSE.ie,
- Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI) email list of registrants,
- Medical Council (MCIRL) email list of registrants.
By nature of the manner in which MCAG meets on an ad-hoc basis currently, the Group are not engaged in work around shortages at this time.
468. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if there is an eating disorder team in CHO2; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28173/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra469. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if there are any existing eating disorder supports for children and adults living in Roscommon and Galway; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28174/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 468 and 469 together.
As you will appreciate, eating disorders are very complex, very individual and can be one of the most serious mental health illnesses.
Historically, there has been a lack of publicly funded services for people with eating disorders in Ireland. This is now changing, with the Model of Care for the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders launched in 2018. Since I have come to Office in July 2020, I have prioritised the roll out of the National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders.
90% of eating disorder services are now delivered within the community which research shows is the most effective treatment. It is recognised that a small number of people, mainly with restrictive eating disorders such as anorexia, will require inpatient care for short periods for stabilisation and refeeding.
The National Clinical Programme for Eating Disorders is being implemented across the country by multidisciplinary teams on a phased basis. There are now 11 teams in place: 6 Adult and 5 CAMHS teams. It takes 12-18 months to set up a multi-disciplinary team, led by a Consultant Psychiatrist. While funding to roll out teams has been in place for several years, recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic was very challenging. Six new teams started in 2023. There are now 100 people working across eating disorder teams, including 80 eating disorder Clinicians with 10 Consultant Psychiatrists. It is my stated intention to continue to deliver expanded services for people with eating disorders, through reaching the planned 16 specialist teams. One additional team of specialist eating disorder Clinicians has been funded under Budget 2024.
The location of the 11 eating disorder teams at HSE CHO level is as follows:
• CAMHS ED CH04 ( Cork/Kerry)
• CAMHS ED CH07 ( Dublin/Kildare/Wicklow)
• Adult ED CH06 ( Dublin/Wicklow)
• Adult ED CH09 ( Dublin North City & County)
• Adult ED CH04 ( Cork/Kerry)
• CAMHS ED CH02 ( Galway/Roscommon/Mayo)
• Adult ED CH01 ( Two mini teams) ( Sligo/Leitrim and Cavan/Monaghan)
• Adult ED CH05 ( Tipperary/Carlow/Kilkenny/Waterford/Wexford)
• CAMHS ED CH09 ( Dublin North City & County)
• CAMHS ED CH06 ( Dublin/Wicklow)
In 2023, 385 people had an eating disorder diagnosis. It is important to note that in the same year, 343 people with an eating disorder diagnosis were discharged from specialist services back to their GP.
The HSE works hard to meet the needs of people with eating disorders in the setting most appropriate to their needs, whether that be community eating disorder teams, beds in the public system, specialist beds from private providers (funded by the HSE) or under the Treatment Abroad Scheme. Since 2020, 14 people have availed of the Treatment Abroad Scheme.
Adults who have an eating disorder diagnosis and require inpatient care can be referred to any of the 66 HSE acute in-patient mental health approved centres nationally. I do accept that not all of these approved centres may have the specialist expertise available and in situ as required for all cases. New pathways have been developed between the 6 specialist Adult eating disorder teams and the relevant approved centres in their particular area to provide liaison supports.
Eating disorders affect a relatively young section of the population, with over two-thirds of referrals to the National Clinical Programme last year involving young people under 18. There are currently 20 dedicated eating disorder beds across the four 4 CAMHS in-patient units. At present, there is a waiting list of 1 for young people to access these dedicated eating disorder beds. I understand this person is due for admission this week.
Following increased demand for services, and recent preliminary Census 2022 data showing an overall increase in population, a review of the Model of Care for Eating Disorders is planned during 2024. The outcome of this review will inform the eating disorder teams’ staffing requirements from 2025 onwards. In addition, a review of bed capacity across all mental health facilities – including adult eating disorder beds – has taken place and is under consideration by the HSE. I am of the opinion that there has to be a geographical focus on adult eating disorder beds.
A dedicated investment in eating disorders continues, and last year the HSE spent €8.1m on eating disorder services, with a further €4.5m spent on specialist treatment through the Treatment Abroad Scheme. In addition, €750,000 has been allocated since 2021 by the Department of Health Women’s Health Fund to provide for consultant medical/paediatric and hospital dietitian sessions.
As part of my continued drive to improve eating disorder services, I recently announced increased funding for an additional adult eating disorder team. This team will be based in CH07, which will cover the area of Kildare/West Wicklow, Dublin West, Dublin South City, and Dublin South West. This will bring the total number of eating disorder teams nationally to 12.
I want to reassure you that I remain firmly committed to enhancing specialist services for eating disorders, including improved access and shorter waiting lists.
470. Deputy Thomas Pringle asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 386 of 18 June 2024, if consideration has been given to supporting medical students studying across Europe, particularly in Poland, with a view to them returning to Ireland to start their careers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28178/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMedical workforce planning and ensuring an appropriate pipeline of suitably qualified medical professionals in Ireland is a top priority for the Government.
The HSE Resourcing Strategy was launched in June 2023 and is an action orientated strategy to be delivered by the HSE. It sets out a comprehensive list of actions which aim to meet the current and future needs of the health service. A core element of the strategy involves enhancing the organisation’s capacity to develop, retain and engage the workforce that will ensure a sufficient domestic supply of health care staff for the future.
The HSE has a competitive relocation package which is available to candidates who reside outside of the country and are relocating to Ireland to take up a permanent or temporary post for a minimum of a two-year duration. This support package helps candidates with accommodation, flights, professional registration fees etc. To provide a support platform for prospective candidates, the HSE has also developed a digital platform, the ‘Career Hub’ which offers a ‘One Stop Shop’ and a suite of additional material to support overseas candidates moving from overseas to settle into their life in Ireland. careerhub.hse.ie/
In relation to doctors who train in Poland and who wish to return to Ireland to start their medical careers, the HSE welcomes their applications and the supports outlined above are available to them.
The Medical Council is the regulatory body for medical doctors in Ireland. The Council has a statutory role in protecting the public by promoting the highest standards of professional conduct and professional education, training, and competence among doctors, as set out in legislation (The Medical Practitioners Act 2007.) This includes responsibility for maintaining the Register of Medical Practitioners, which is the register of all doctors who are legally permitted to carry out medical work in Ireland.
The requirements for graduates of medical school in Poland to obtain automatic recognition of their qualifications to practice in Ireland are the same as the requirements to obtain full qualifications and the right to practice the medical profession in Poland. Those requirements are a medical degree, followed by successful completion of the medical 'LEK' examination, and a “Certificate of Completion of Postgraduate Internship.” To meet the Medical Council requirements, the Internship can be completed in Poland or in Ireland.
471. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Health to provide an update on the proposed provision and operation of a satellite dialysis unit in Ennis Hospital, County Clare; the reason for any delay in progressing the proposal; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28206/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
472. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health further to Parliamentary Question No. 636 of 30 April 2024, to report the item and amount per item, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28217/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, the focus of this new 2024 investment funding of €10 million I announced earlier this year is in child and youth mental health, including Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) and online safety for children. A focus was also placed on those services that best support the needs of young people, while allowing some scope for the development of the clinical programmes.
The focus of the investment is on supporting people to avail of a range of supports and services as close to home as possible, at the level of complexity that corresponds best to their needs and circumstances, across a continuum of mental health services. This means accessing the mental health supports that they need, in the community in the first instance, at the level most appropriate to their needs. This can range from counselling and talk therapies through to support from their community mental health team, or access to more specialist services, up to and including inpatient and residential supports.
The following table sets out a rounded breakdown by service of the additional funding:
|
Service Area: |
€ million |
|
Online Safety/Bullying |
1 |
|
CAMHS Hubs |
0.5 |
|
Development of CAMHS ED Liaison/Out-of-Hours |
0.8 |
|
CAMHS Staffing/Future Service Provision |
0.6 |
|
Staffing and development of ADHD Teams |
2.2 |
|
Staffing and development of MHID Teams |
0.7 |
|
Eating Disorders |
1.6 |
|
Early Intervention Psychosis |
0.6 |
|
Dual Diagnosis |
0.6 |
|
Self-Harm |
0.2 |
|
Traveller Youth Mental Health |
0.17 |
|
Psychiatry of Later Life |
0.8 |
|
Mental Health Recovery and Engagement |
0.16 |
473. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Health to detail each of the unfilled posts in every eating disorder team; and the posts that are affected by the HSE recruitment pause, in tabular form. [28224/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
474. Deputy Barry Cowen asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) can expect an appointment. [28247/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraUnder 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.
