Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 February 2013
219. Deputy Billy Kelleher asked the Minister for Health if it is the intention of the Health Service Executive to restrict access to such procedures as cataract surgery and varicose vein treatment; the other procedures that the HSE proposes to restrict access to; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9113/13]
View answerPatient safety and the delivery of quality services is an ongoing priority for the Irish Government and continues to be a key consideration of the overall health reform agenda.
The HSE is not attempting to restrict access to cataract and varicose vein treatment. What the HSE is in fact doing, is ensuring that elective surgical procedures are managed in a safe and equitable manner.
Demand for elective surgical procedures continues to grow and in light of this it is only right that our health service ensures (a) that treatments being provided are clinically effective and (b) that patients who will benefit most from surgery are prioritised according to clinical need and are given fast access to treatment.
For these compelling reasons the HSE has requested the Health Information and Quality Authority (HIQA) undertake a series of health technology assessments (HTA) during 2013.
The HIQA assessments will provide advice to the HSE regarding the clinical effectiveness of surgical procedures currently undertaken in Ireland to ensure that the health service is in a position to provide consistent, equitable and clinically effective procedures to patients irrespective of where you live in Ireland.
The first report produced by HIQA is currently in draft format and has been put out to public and professional group consultation. HIQA, as an independent statutory body, must now be allowed to complete its work and present its report to the HSE.
