Written answers
Wednesday, 20 September 2023
Department of Health
Covid-19 Pandemic
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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911. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to classifying long-Covid as a disability, in view that long-Covid is characterised by extreme exhaustion after minimal exertion, cardiovascular issues including MI, myocarditis/pericarditis, clots, arrhythmias, and neurological issues such as cognitive impairment, stroke, and ultimately that there is no treatment for the condition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39753/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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The Department of Health and the HSE recognises the need to provide follow up support and care for patients experiencing prolonged signs and symptoms of Covid-19. In response to this an Interim Model Of Care (MoC) for Long Covid was developed and finalised in September 2021.
The aim of the MoC is to provide a national approach to the provision of services and supports for patients experiencing prolonged symptoms of Covid-19. It set out a framework for the provision of these services and supports spanning General Practice, Community Services, Acute Hospitals and Mental Health Services. The resultant Interim MoC recommended the development of six Long COVID clinics, eight Post-Acute COVID clinics and one tertiary referral neuro-cognitive clinic for those with complex neuro-cognitive/neuropsychological symptoms as set out in the below table:
| Hospital | Long COVID | Post COVID | Neurocognitive |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. James's Hospital | X | X | X |
| Cork University Hospital | X | X | |
| University Hospital Limerick | X | X | |
| Galway University Hospital | X | X | |
| Beaumont Hospital | X | ||
| Connolly Hospital | X | ||
| Tallaght University Hospital | X | ||
| Mater University Hospital | X | ||
| Letterkenny University Hospital | X | ||
| St. Vincent's University Hospital | X |
The Deputy is further advised that the Minister has trebled the allocation of funding dedicated to Long COVID service development from 2.2 million in 2022 to 6.6 million in 2023. This funding is being utilised to support the implementation of the HSE interim Model of Care for Long COVID, building on existing service provision, in addition to establishing new services across GP, community services and acute hospitals, to ensure a national service is in place for all who need it. The funding includes an additional 65.9 WTE's across these clinics.
Regarding long COVID being recognised as a disability, this question may be more appropriately answered by the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth who have assumed responsibility for specialist Disability services.
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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912. To ask the Minister for Health the action his Department is taking to reduce waiting times for long-Covid clinics; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39754/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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913. To ask the Minister for Health if consideration would be given to the establishment of a fit-for-purpose surveillance system or registry of those who have been infected with Covid-19 to be able to monitor long-term outcomes; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39755/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.
Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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914. To ask the Minister for Health the action his Department has taken to date to ensure that those who became infected with Covid and as a result required hospital care; if these patients were given follow-up appointments for aftercare; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39756/23]
Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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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.
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