Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 May 2020
789. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Health the reason outpatients attending for ongoing hospital treatments as they become available are being advised that under no circumstances should they attend; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6730/20]
View answerIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer all non-urgent elective scheduled care activity, including outpatient clinics. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the World Health Organisation, and the National Action Plan published on 16 March. The NPHET has now recommended that steps be taken to resume non-urgent scheduled care in the context of the safe care guidelines set out by its Expert Advisory Group.
The HSE has advised my Department that hospital staff are in contact directly with patients who require urgent or time-dependent appointments and procedures and are progressing care and treatment in a safe and appropriate way. The HSE further advise that the delivery of cancer care, urgent surgery and trauma services are areas in which care continues to be delivered, often in alternative locations and using innovative methods of care delivery. Where possible, hospitals are working to provide services in a different way, which includes virtual clinics for some out-patient department appointments.
Information relating to hospital service disruptions, including information from specific hospital sites around continuation and disruptions to specific clinics is made available through the HSE website. This information is reviewed regularly to ensure the most up-to-date information is available for patients, family members, and visitors. The information is available here: https://www2.hse.ie/services/hospital-service-disruptions/hospital-service-disruptions-covid19.html
