Mark Ward
Ceist:1608. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the number of new development jobs in CAMHS that are planned for each CHO area, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33934/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1608)
Freagraí scríofa
As this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Mental Health Services
Ceisteanna (1609)
Mark Ward
Ceist:1609. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the progress being made on the Maskey report recommendations; if staff vacancies have impacted progress; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33935/24]
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.
Covid-19 Tests
Ceisteanna (1610)
Cathal Crowe
Ceist:1610. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health if free Covid-19 rapid antigen tests will be made available to all HSE employees, particularly those who may be caring for elderly or high-risk family members at home, irrespective of symptoms; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33944/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the Deputy will be aware, policy relating to testing for COVID-19 is based on public health advice. The current public health advice is not indicating any need for the HSE to provide free Covid-19 rapid antigen tests to all HSE employees. Instead, the HSE has adopted a targeted approach to COVID-19 testing based on a clinical assessment where a clinician requires the result to contribute to the diagnosis and management of an individual patient. Testing continues in hospitals in accordance with public health advice and in relation to the management of an outbreak or specific public health risk. Testing also continues in community settings where a GP may decide to undertake a swab in relation to the management of an individual patient.
Health and care workers (HCWs) should order antigen tests if they meet one of the following criteria:
• you have symptoms of a respiratory infection
• you have a high temperature
• you do not feel well enough to attend work
This approach to COVID-19 testing is facilitated by the high level of vaccine-induced and naturally acquired population immunity in Ireland. We have also implemented significant enhancements to infectious disease surveillance systems, which allows on-going assessment and close monitoring of emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants and the assessment of any potential threats to population health from COVID-19. This remains under continuous review from public health experts in the HSE.
Public health advice relating to COVID-19 is available on the website of the HSE at www2.hse.ie/conditions/covid19/. People who have symptoms of COVID-19 should self-isolate until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone and avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from COVID-19. Anybody who has concerns about an underlying condition or their level of risk in relation to COVID-19 is advised to seek advice from their GP or treating clinician. In addition, public health advice particularly for healthcare staff is available on the websites of the HSE and the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC).
Eating Disorders
Ceisteanna (1611)
Mark Ward
Ceist:1611. Deputy Mark Ward asked the Minister for Health the status of the recruitment of new adult eating disorders team in CHO7 for adults that was funded in May 2024 from €10 million additional investment in mental health; the status of the recruitment for each post and when the service will commence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33952/24]
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 (1612)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1612. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of optometrists contracted to provide services under the community optometry scheme each year for the past ten years; the waiting list for this service in each year, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33955/24]
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 (1613)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1613. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the fees paid per patient to an optometrist under the community optometry scheme for each eye examination; the fees paid in 2008 and 2015; if he intends increasing the unit fee paid, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33956/24]
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 (1614)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1614. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of optometrists registered with the community optometry scheme in each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33958/24]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (1615)
Éamon Ó Cuív
Ceist:1615. Deputy Éamon Ó Cuív asked the Minister for Health the number of persons awaiting outpatient eye care appointments at present; the steps being taken to reduce this waiting list; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33960/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
It is acknowledged that many patients are still waiting too long for hospital appointments and treatments.
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 Waiting List Action Plan, multi-annual approach, initiated in 2021, encompasses a two-pronged approach of short-term actions to increase capacity and activity in the short to 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 HSE is currently in the process of implementing multidisciplinary Integrated Eye Care Teams. These teams facilitate assessment, diagnoses, management and treatment and in some cases pre-op/post-op care enabling most patients to be seen in their own locality. Where necessary, patients can be referred onwards to acute Ophthalmology services to receive the necessary specialist input.
Integrated Eye Care Teams continue to be rolled out nationally. Waiting lists have been substantially reduced in each of these areas as a result. Work is underway to establish teams in the remaining CHOs as well as further expanding the teams in the existing CHOs.
As this is a service matter, we have also asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Medical Cards
Ceisteanna (1616)
James Lawless
Ceist:1616. Deputy James Lawless asked the Minister for Health the steps being taken to address medical card renewals and medical card assessments for those with lifelong permanent mental disabilities, unable to independently apply for or renew their applications; and if there is any process available for these cases (details supplied). [33961/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Eligibility for a medical card is primarily based on a financial assessment which is conducted by the HSE in accordance with the Health Act 1970. The Act obliges the HSE to assess whether a person is unable, without due hardship, to arrange general practitioner services for himself or herself and his or her family, having regard to his or her overall financial position and reasonable expenditure.
The issue of granting medical cards on the basis of illness or a disability was previously examined in 2014 by the HSE Expert Panel on Medical Need and Medical Card Eligibility. The Group concluded that it was not feasible, desirable, nor ethically justifiable to list medical conditions in priority order for medical card eligibility. In following the Expert Group’s advice, a person’s means remains the main qualifier for a medical card.
Applications for a medical card and GP visit card can be made online at www.mymedicalcard.ie. This is the quickest method of getting the card. All of the required documentation that will assist in an application can also be uploaded along with the online application.
Application forms are also available from local health centres or Local Health Office (www.hse.ie/eng/services/list/1/lho/) or different areas. The HSE strives to have an application process for medical cards which is as streamlined and straightforward as possible for all applicants. Assistance is therefore offered to persons completing application forms through the National Medical Card Unit and Local Health Offices if needed. Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded from the HSE’s website.
The HSE is also required to undertake periodic reviews of eligibility in order to ensure that a person continues to meet the qualifying criteria required to continue holding eligibility. It is important to note that where any medical or GP visit card holder has a review process initiated, he/she will continue to retain his or her eligibility for the duration of the review process (typically three months).
Since December 2018, the medical card earnings disregard for people in receipt of Disability Allowance was increased from €120 to €427 per week and applies to the assessment process for single people and to family assessments. This significant policy change gave effect to an important recommendation of the Make Work Pay for People with Disabilities report. This substantial increase in allowable earnings acknowledges that a Medical Card is a particularly significant support and ensures that people with disabilities can continue to be supported to access care when needed.
Furthermore, people who have been on a disability payment for at least a year can retain a Medical Card for a further three years on return to work, provided they were in receipt of the payment for a period of at least 12 months prior to commencing employment.
I can assure the Deputy that, to ensure the medical card system is responsive and sensitive to people's needs, my Department keeps medical card issues under review and any changes are considered in the context of Government policy and other issues which may be relevant.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (1617)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1617. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the Department’s policy on cocaine abuse in Ireland. [33968/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Cocaine is a controlled substance specified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, as amended. Information on cocaine use, including its short-term effects, long-term effects, other dangers and help available is available here: www.drugs.ie/drugtypes/drug/cocaine
The National Drug Treatment Reporting System (NDTRS) is the national surveillance system that records and reports on cases of drug treatment in Ireland each year. The 2023 report showed that, 13,104 cases* were treated for problem drug use. This is the highest annual number recorded and an increase of more than one thousand cases compared to 2022. Almost four-in-ten cases had never been treated before. Cocaine was the most common drug reported, accounting for one-in-three cases followed by opioids (mainly heroin), cannabis and benzodiazepines.
In 2023, 4,923 cases were recorded with cocaine as a main problem. Over the period 2017 to 2023, there was a 228% increase in the number of cases where cocaine was the main problem drug. Powder cocaine increased by 197% during this time, and crack cocaine increased by 594%.
Cocaine remains the most common main drug among new cases in 2023, accounting for almost half (46%) of new cases.
For previously treated cases, cocaine accounted for one-in-three cases, the highest number recorded to date.
Socio-demographic characteristics varied depending on the type of cocaine used:
• Between 2017 and 2023 there was a 388% increase among females who have sought drug treatment for cocaine, from 284 cases in 2017 to 1,387 cases in 2023.
• For cases with powder cocaine as the main problem, more than one-in-five were female, two-in-five were employed, and the median age entering treatment was 31 years.
• For cases with crack cocaine as the main problem, nearly half were female, just over one-in-20 were employed, and the median age was 39 years.
An estimated €163 million will be provided to the HSE in 2024 for the provision of addiction services. An interactive map of over 400 publicly-funded drug treatment and drug-related family support services is available at Services Map (drugsandalcohol.ie).
In Budget 2024, an additional €6m was allocated to expand the provision of drug and alcohol services. This includes services for people with alcohol addiction, people under 18 years, families affected by drugs, as well as rehabilitation and recovery programmes.
This investment will expand community-based drug and alcohol services, ensure the sustainability, and increase the capacity of residential treatment services, mitigate the impact of drugs on children, families and communities and strengthen drug monitoring and harm reduction.
In response to increased prevalence of cocaine in 2022, €850,000 in additional funding was provided for an HSE-led initiative to reduce the health-related harms from cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. The funding supports models of best practice in cocaine treatment, including the development of training programmes for addiction service staff nationally. It also provided for the establishment of targeted interventions in disadvantaged communities worst affected by cocaine and ‘crack’ cocaine. See:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/12fa3-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-850000-for-hse-led-initiative-to-reduce-the-health-related-harms-from-cocaine-and-crack-cocaine/
In 2023 additional funding of €500,000 was allocated to expand the provision of community-based services for cocaine and crack cocaine. This funding has provided for a geographical spread of cocaine services in each CHO. See:
www.gov.ie/en/press-release/ec075-minister-for-public-health-wellbeing-and-the-national-drugs-strategy-announces-increased-funding-of-500000-for-cocaine-services/
I would encourage anyone with concerns regarding their drug use, or that of a family member or friend, to seek support from their GP, treatment services or to contact the drug and alcohol helpline on 1800 459 459 which provides support, information, and guidance for anyone with concerns.
Hospital Facilities
Ceisteanna (1618)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1618. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health if the new 96-bed block in University Hospital Limerick will open in June 2024, as already advised by the HSE. [33970/24]
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.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (1619)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1619. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health in what year the new Nenagh community nursing home will open. [33973/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In order to ease the significant pressures at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), a decision has been made to utilise the new Nenagh Community Nursing Unit building, on an interim basis, as a step down sub-acute and rehabilitation facility for UHL, which will be run by a private provider with expertise in such services.
This interim use of Nenagh CNU will greatly support the region pending the completion of the first of two new 96-bed blocks for UHL, scheduled to be completed in mid-2025. It is intended that Nenagh CNU will open for long-term residential care services 12 months after the contract commences with the private provider.
The current Community Nursing Unit at St Conlon’s in Nenagh will continue to provide excellent care to its residents during this interim period. The HSE is progressing plans for recruiting the staff required to operationalise the long-term residential care services in Nenagh CNU in 2025.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (1620)
Alan Kelly
Ceist:1620. Deputy Alan Kelly asked the Minister for Health the dates, times and attendees of any meetings he or his officials have had regarding Nenagh community nursing home between 1 January 2023 and 24 July 2025. [33974/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Government remains fully committed to improving services across the Mid-West region. I have engaged extensively with the University of Limerick Hospitals Group (ULHG) and the HSE regarding the challenges currently being experienced, particularly in University Hospital Limerick (UHL).
On 4th April 2024, I visited UHL and met with management, including Regional Executive Officer Sandra Broderick, the Health Service Executive (HSE) CEO Bernard Gloster, as well as consultants and other clinical leaders. Following that visit I announced a package of measures to address overcrowding at UHL and deescalate the pressure experienced in the Emergency Department. These wide-ranging measures addressed capacity and reform of the health system in the Midwest region and have been supported by ongoing Government investment in the Hospital group.
In order to ease the significant pressures at UHL, a decision has been made to utilise the new Nenagh Community Nursing Unit (CNU) building, on an interim basis, as a step down sub-acute and rehabilitation facility for UHL, which will be run by a private provider with expertise in such services. The HSEs decision to progress plans for the interim use of Nenagh CNU was communicated to me on March 7, 2024. The HSE have kept me fully updated on all developments as arrangements have progressed regarding Nenagh CNU. Officials in my department, both in the acute hospitals and social care divisions, have been in constant and ongoing contact with HSE colleagues in relation University Hospital Limerick and Nenagh CNU.
This interim use of Nenagh CNU will greatly support the region pending the completion of the first of two new 96-bed blocks for UHL, scheduled to be completed in mid-2025. It is intended that Nenagh CNU will open for long-term residential care services 12 months after the contract commences with the private provider.
The current Community Nursing Unit at St Conlon’s in Nenagh will continue to provide excellent care to its residents during this interim period. The new Nenagh CNU will ultimately replace St. Conlon’s Community Nursing Unit. The HSE is progressing plans for recruiting the staff required to operationalise the long-term residential care services in Nenagh CNU in 2025.
This capacity measure to ease the significant pressures at University Hospital Limerick is one of several, which include the procurement of additional bed capacity near Ennis General Hospital, the delivery of the new 96 bed inpatient unit, a new rapid build 16-bed inpatient unit at UHL, and the accelerated construction of a second 96 bed block.
Following the announcement of the package of reforms, on the 20th April, I announced the appointment of an expert team to support reform and address the pressures on health services in the Midwest region. The team comprised:
• Ms Grace Rothwell, HSE National Director;
• Ms Orla Kavanagh, Director of Nursing and Integration at Waterford University Hospital; and
• Retired Emergency Medicine Consultant Dr Fergal Hickey.
This expert team made a set of recommendations in June, which included a full ‘reset’ of the UHL site in Summer 2024 to reduce overcrowding with a gradual resumption of scheduled and elective services thereafter.
Departmental Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1621)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1621. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33981/24]
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 Correspondence
Ceisteanna (1622)
Fergus O'Dowd
Ceist:1622. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Health if the issues raised in correspondence (details supplied) will be reviewed and addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33982/24]
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 Funding
Ceisteanna (1623)
Michael Moynihan
Ceist:1623. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Health if he will provide an overview of funding, initiatives and capital works that have been approved and delivered in County Cork since the current Government took office in 2020; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33987/24]
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.
Primary Medical Certificates
Ceisteanna (1624)
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn
Ceist:1624. Deputy Pádraig Mac Lochlainn asked the Minister for Health when a person (details supplied) in County Donegal can expect a decision on their primary medical certificate application; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33989/24]
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.