Written answers

Tuesday, 8 March 2022

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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691. To ask the Minister for Health if the measures that have been requested by an organisation (details supplied) for persons with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia will be implemented. [12995/22]

Photo of Stephen DonnellyStephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In the recently published Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) guidance “Public Health Advice for the management of COVID-19 cases and contacts” dated 25th February 2022, testing will no longer be required for clinical or public health purposes for otherwise healthy individuals with symptoms, with the exclusion of the following, for whom PCR testing is recommended – this is accessible via the HSE portal:

- Those who have not had booster vaccination and are aged 55 years and older 

- Those with a high-risk medical condition

- Those who are immunocompromised 

- Those who live in the same household as a person who is immunocompromised 

- Those who provide care or support for person they know to be immunocompromised 

- Those who are pregnant 

- Healthcare Workers 

However, if patients experiencing symptoms have concerns for their health they are advised to contact their GP.

In relation to COVID-19 treatments, Interim Guidance for the Pharmacological Management of Patients with COVID-19 was published by the HSE on 14th February 2022. This guidance provides clinical advice and recommendations to the Chief Clinical Officer on the use of all existing and emerging COVID-19 therapeutic medications – this guidance is a living document which is reviewed and updated as emerging treatments become available for use in Ireland. The guidance recommends prioritising eligible patients who may most benefit from administration of these new treatments. I am advised that blood cancer patients are included in Tier 1 of this clinical guidance. 

Furthermore, a system has been put in place that allows GPs to refer patients in defined high risk groups to hospital for Covid-19 therapies where indicated. An interim pathway has been communicated to GPs from the Office of the Chief Clinical Officer (CCO).

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