Paul Donnelly
Ceist:447. Deputy Paul Donnelly asked the Minister for Health the current average wait time for an appointment with HSE eye clinics for children in the CHO9 area. [38615/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraHospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (447)
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.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (448)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:448. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to report on the engagements his Department has had with scoliosis advocacy groups (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38642/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Senior officials in my department have had continuous engagement with patient advocacy groups since September 2023 on foot of the publication of two reports into paediatric spinal services in Temple Street.
Prior to the establishment of the Paediatric Spinal Taskforce, I invited the advocacy groups to meet with me in February of this year to help inform the terms of reference for the Taskforce.
The National Patient Safety Office (NPSO) in my department continues to engage and communicate with patient advocates and associated groups on the work of the Taskforce and other aspects of Paediatric Spinal Services.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (449)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:449. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health to report on the implementation of the Scoliosis 10-Point Action Plan published in 2018; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38643/24]
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
Ceisteanna (450)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:450. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of all the scoliosis-related surgical procedures carried out for each of the past ten years by Children’s Health Ireland or, previously, the Children’s Hospital Group, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38644/24]
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
Ceisteanna (451)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:451. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of all the scoliosis-related surgical procedures carried out on adults for each of the past ten years, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38645/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (452)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:452. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the number of children, per county, who are waiting on scoliosis treatment; and if he will provide a breakdown of the time spent on the waiting lists, per county. [38646/24]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (453)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:453. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the number of adults, per county, who are waiting on scoliosis treatment; and if he will provide a breakdown of the time spent on the waiting lists, per county. [38647/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Healthcare Policy
Ceisteanna (454)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:454. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health when an investigative report will be published (details supplied) on the use of unauthorised springs in spinal surgeries at Temple Street Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38648/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The board of CHI commissioned legal firm Arthur Cox to review specific matters relating to knowledge at senior level of the use of springs in spinal surgeries at Temple Street. As the review is an internal CHI review I can make no further comment at this time.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (455)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:455. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the timeline for completion of the internal audit review into the allocation of €19 million to Children’s Health Ireland to tackle waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida; the date at which he expects to receive the final report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38649/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
In 2022, I asked Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to come up with a plan to achieve a 4-month waiting time for in-patient access to treatment. I committed €19 million to children’s orthopaedics to tackle these waiting lists by creating additional capacity. This investment has led to the hiring of more healthcare professionals in Crumlin, Temple Street, and Cappagh. This includes nurses, consultants, anaesthesiologists, and radiographers. This investment has also funded a 5th operating theatre in Temple Street, a second MRI in Crumlin, and additional beds.This has supported a significant increase in the number of spinal procedures carried out in 2022 and 2023, compared to 2019. The expected reduction in the waiting lists were offset by increases in demand and referrals compared to previous years. The assurance I was given, was that the number of children waiting more than 4 months would reduce steadily to zero unless clinically deemed otherwise, but this did not happen.
At the end of 2023, following the implementation of the majority of the additional capacity, and having consulted with patient groups and clinicians, I instructed my officials to seek assurances from the HSE and CHI that the funding allocated was being utilised as intended. The response received was not satisfactory. For this reason, in February this year, I requested the HSE to have their internal audit team review the allocation of the €19 million in the context of what it was allocated to achieve. I understand that the audit fieldwork is now complete, and the audit is going through the formal clearance process.
Hospital Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (456)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:456. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the average waiting time on waiting lists for operations at Children’s Health Ireland for those with spina bifida without scoliosis and those with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38650/24]
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 Waiting Lists
Ceisteanna (457)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:457. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health the breakdown of the average waiting time on waiting lists for operations for adults with spina bifida without scoliosis and those with scoliosis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38651/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
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.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (458)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:458. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health for an update on the work of the Paediatric Spinal Taskforce; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38652/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I established the Paediatric Spinal Taskforce in March 2024 and it is independently chaired by Mark Connaughton SC. The members of the taskforce comprise representatives from patient advocacy groups, the HSE, Children’s Health Ireland and the Department of Health.
The first meeting of the Taskforce was held on 2 May 2024. Taskforce members agreed to work collaboratively to drive improvements and enable all stakeholders to contribute to the overall improvement and development of paediatric spinal services.
At the third meeting of the Taskforce, the members endorsed a new Communications Plan that was developed by CHI after extensive input from the Taskforce. The Communications Plan aims to ensure that patients' voices are heard and valued, and is an important step towards restoring trust. The new Patient Panel, which will include patients, parents and patient advocates will review communications to families and the public.
I met with the Chair of the Taskforce recently and we had a positive engaging meeting where he updated me on the work of the Taskforce.
The Taskforce continues to meet regularly and the next meeting is scheduled for October.
Health Services
Ceisteanna (459)
Patrick Costello
Ceist:459. Deputy Patrick Costello asked the Minister for Health for an update on the work of the paediatric spinal surgery management unit in Children’s Health Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38653/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I want to acknowledge that waiting lists for scoliosis and spina bifida services are unacceptably long. I am acutely conscious of the burden that this places on patients and their families.
I committed €19 million of current and capital funding to tackle these waiting lists by creating additional capacity. There was an increase in the number of spinal procedures carried out in 2022 and 2023, compared to 2019. The expected reduction in the waiting lists were offset by increases in demand and referrals compared to previous years. These services remain priority areas under the 2024 Waiting List Action Plan.
At my request, a dedicated Paediatric Spinal Surgery Management Unit was established earlier this year to focus on delivering improvements to the waiting lists. This Unit is working on improving capacity within CHI, expanding national outsourcing, and looking to maximise the international support.
A number of international outsourcing initiatives have been finalised. Children have been seen by clinicians from Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital in New York, Great Ormond Street Hospital London and Portland Hospital in the UK.
I have also convened a dedicated stakeholder Paediatric Spinal Taskforce to collaboratively address concerns raised by families and advocacy groups.
I am chairing monthly meetings with the HSE and CHI to ensure that everything that can be done is being done.
Health Service Executive
Ceisteanna (460)
Claire Kerrane
Ceist:460. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Health if a site (details supplied) will remain in HSE ownership, in all or in part; the amount of the land is owned by the HSE; if the HSE has plans for the lands; if a map of same can be provided; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38659/24]
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.
Dental Services
Ceisteanna (461)
John Lahart
Ceist:461. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health when there will be an improvement for 6th class children attempting to access the public health dental service (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38660/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE Oral Healthcare Service provides oral healthcare services for all children aged under 16 years. The current service model for children focuses on three appointments for examination, and follow up treatment if required, at sixth class, second class and, subject to resources, fourth class. Fissure sealants and a referral for orthodontics assessment, if deemed necessary by the HSE dentist, are provided at the sixth-class appointment. Emergency care is provided for children of all ages up to 16 and for those with complex and additional needs.
There have been challenges in the delivery of the primary school programme. HSE continues to address the backlogs. To end-August, HSE has provided 5.1% more scheduled appointments to its target groups, including the primary school programme and those with special needs, then it did in the same period last year.
I fully acknowledge that we need to do more. In the budget we announced this week, I have allocated €4 million in full-year funding, including €2 million next year, to continue the implementation of the National Oral Health Policy. This investment is going to provide an additional 15 HSE dental staff across dentists and dental nurses to deliver oral healthcare in our community and support children to access the current primary school programme of routine check-ups.
The investment will also initiate delivery of a three-year implementation plan for the policy. Reform of our services is really important to ensure people of all ages get access to the care they need.
The HSE is currently developing new prevention-focused oral healthcare packages as the first step in reform of services for children, starting with 0-7 years olds and supported by an additional €4.75m in funding previously made available. Through this new approach, children will be supported to attend a local (private) general dental practitioner of their family's choosing from birth, reflecting how services are provided in general medical practice. Therefore, parents will be able to choose where and when to bring their child to access crucial oral healthcare.
Departmental Funding
Ceisteanna (462)
Steven Matthews
Ceist:462. Deputy Steven Matthews asked the Minister for Health the position regarding the application for centralised funding for an organisation (details supplied) following the meeting he had with the board in July 2023; the actions he will take to review the existing financial framework of the organisation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38663/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The HSE is the appropriate channel to consider funding proposals for new services as part of the annual Estimates process. Proposals are then consolidated in an overall submission to the Department.
I have asked my officials to engage with the HSE to review this request in the context of the announcement of the health budget for 2025.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (463, 469, 474, 486, 488, 499, 508)
Marc Ó Cathasaigh
Ceist:463. Deputy Marc Ó Cathasaigh asked the Minister for Health if he accepts the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; his Department’s plans to implement the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38687/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:469. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health if he is aware that due to current staffing levels, there are currently numerous cancer treatment machines closed across the country and new build treatment machines and scanners lying idle, whilst extensive waiting lists exist for cancer treatments with the Radiation Therapy Service, highly reliant on private outsourcing and extensive out of hours services; and to provide the steps being taken to address this scandal. [38703/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Peadar Tóibín
Ceist:474. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health his views on the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to the full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38719/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Richard Boyd Barrett
Ceist:486. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if he and his Department will accept the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to the full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38787/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Ruairí Ó Murchú
Ceist:488. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Minister for Health if he accepts the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38807/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Michael Lowry
Ceist:499. Deputy Michael Lowry asked the Minister for Health if he will accept and fully implement the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report to ensure adequate staffing levels for radiation therapy services, safeguarding vital cancer treatment services; if he is aware that these recommendations have been endorsed by a committee (details supplied); if he agrees that outsourcing is a significant drain on the national health budget while state-of-the-art public machines in HSE facilities remain unstaffed; if he will commit to implementing the recommendations to address the crisis in radiation therapy staff retention and recruitment, and improve access to public radiation therapy services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38875/24]
Amharc ar fhreagra
Paul Murphy
Ceist:508. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health if he will accept the recommendations of the National Radiation Therapist Review report; if he will commit to full implementation of the recommendations on adequate staffing levels to safeguard vital cancer services into the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38960/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 463, 469, 474, 486, 488, 499 and 508 together.
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
I am glad that the independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been finalised. This strategic review considered important issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
This review has published 16 recommendations which aim to help and support the Radiation Therapy profession into the future. These recommendations are now being examined by my Department regarding implementation.
Since 2017, there has been additional investment of over €456m in cancer services, including €81m on cancer prevention, screening, and treatment; €316m on cancer medicines; and €59m on cancer research grants through the Health Research Board. Seven years into the ten-year National Cancer Strategy, 40 of the 52 recommendations are implemented and the remainder are being progressed.
Capital funding of over €140m has been used to provide state of the art radiation oncology facilities in Galway and Cork, to update cancer infrastructure in chemotherapy wards and lab facilities for the benefit of patients, and as investment in the new National Cervical Screening Laboratory.
New development funding has enabled the recruitment of more than 670 staff to our national cancer services since 2017, including an additional 200 nursing staff, 100 consultants, and 180 health and social care professionals in designated cancer centres. This means that our national cancer services have been strengthened, that more patients are receiving treatment, and that waiting times to access treatment are reduced.
New treatments are now available in Ireland for the first time, including tailored anti-cancer therapies, and new radiotherapy treatments. 10% of radiation therapy patients are now receiving new treatments such as SABR which offer more targeted treatment which can help reduce side-effects.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (464)
Paul Murphy
Ceist:464. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Health to provide the costing of long-Covid clinics from 2020 to date, in tabular form; if he is aware of patients experiencing cancelled appointments reported as due to lack of staff; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38691/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
As the matter raised is a service delivery matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly as soon as possible.
Mental Health Policy
Ceisteanna (465)
Pearse Doherty
Ceist:465. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health her plans to reform section 14 of the Mental Health Act 2001; and if there are planned changes to Garda training and policy related to same. [38692/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I believe the Deputy is referring to Section 12 of the Mental Health Act 2001, in relation to the powers of An Garda Síochána (AGS) to take a person believed to have a mental disorder into custody. Section 14 refers to the making of an admission order by a consultant psychiatrist, where members of AGS have no role.
The new Mental Health Bill 2024, which will replace the existing Mental Health Act 2001, includes provisions for AGS to take an adult or child into custody where the member or members of AGS reasonably believe the person to be a risk of harm to themselves or others. The relevant sections of the Bill are sections 18 and 71. A copy of the Bill can be found here:
https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/bill/2024/66/eng/initiated/b6624d.pdf
As the Deputy will be aware, the Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 19th September and the Department of Health will guide the Bill through Committee Stage, where amendments from Government and Opposition to the Bill will be proposed.
It is important to note that powers given to AGS under section 12 of the existing 2001 Act and sections 18 and 71 of the new Mental Health Bill are discretionary . AGS can take a person into custody, if necessary, but there is nothing to stop members of AGS from diverting persons towards the Emergency Department, GP, primary care centre or other health or mental health service. It is and will remain a decision of the member of AGS to judge the level of risk posed by the person. Taking a person into custody should remain a method of last resort and should happen for as short a time as possible.
Training and policy for AGS in relation to interacting with people with mental health difficulties is a matter for AGS to oversee. AGS must satisfy itself that its members are appropriately trained in using any powers granted to its members under the Mental Health Act or any other enactment.
Question No. 466 answered with Question No. 427.
Nursing Homes
Ceisteanna (467)
Jackie Cahill
Ceist:467. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Health the status of a fair deal application (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38698/24]
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.
Cancer Services
Ceisteanna (468)
Aengus Ó Snodaigh
Ceist:468. Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Health regarding the recently published National Radiation Therapist Review report and recommendations, when the recommendations essential for delivery of radiation therapy cancer services into the future will be acted upon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38702/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the incredibly important role of Radiation Therapists in the provision of cancer services in this country.
I am glad that the independent review of the Radiation Therapist profession has been finalised. This strategic review considered important issues such as organisation structure, career development in line with Health and Social Care Professional Frameworks, strategic workforce planning and recruitment and retention strategies.
This review has published 16 recommendations which aim to help and support the Radiation Therapy profession into the future.
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 and Reform.
Question No. 469 answered with Question No. 463.
Ambulance Service
Ceisteanna (470, 471)
Matt Carthy
Ceist:470. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the locations of ambulance stations in County Monaghan; if he proposes to provide additional ambulance stations in the county; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38714/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraMatt Carthy
Ceist:471. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Minister for Health the number of ambulances and associated staff based at each ambulance station in the State; the proposals to establish any new ambulance stations, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38715/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 470 and 471 together.
As these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive (HSE) to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
Question No. 471 answered with Question No. 470.