Written answers

Wednesday, 20 May 2020

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein)
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761. To ask the Minister for Health his views on whether home help workers should be entitled to PPE and adequate sanitisers; if they have such access; and the steps he plans to take to ensure that this happens. [6414/20]

Photo of Jim DalyJim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
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The value of personal protective equipment (PPE) is recognised as additional protection for home support clients and staff. It should only be used where it is likely to be beneficial as outlined in the HSE’s guidance on PPE. This guidance is continuously monitored and is subject to change as the COVID-19 outbreak evolves. 

The HSE is providing enhanced PPE to an expanded range of settings, including to support the care of people  in their own homes.  Through a twice weekly PPE planning process, the HSE identify current levels of home support through which PPE requirement and supply is determined. Arrangements are being made in each CHO to faciliate access to enhanced PPE for all healthcare workers and service providers. Delivery of PPE for home support services goes centrally to multiple drop points in CHOs who then distribute PPE to all providers. 

The provision of standard PPE (i.e. gloves, aprons, sanitising hand gel) to home support staff employed by approved private and not-for-profit providers remains the responsibility of those providers in accordance with service arrangements in place between those providers and the HSE

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