Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
467. Deputy Louise O'Reilly asked the Minister for Health his plans and the plans of the HSE for restarting healthcare; if this will be delegated to hospital and local level; if there will be a HSE plan which will be followed at acute and primary care level; the details of the plan including timelines and services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13121/20]
View answerThe Covid-19 pandemic has led to an unprecedented interruption to normal health services both in the community and acute hospitals. While many vital services were maintained or restructured to respond more appropriately to Covid-19 related risks and evolving needs, other services were suspended or delivered on a reduced basis.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE have published a Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 8 June. The document can be found at the following link https://www.hse.ie/eng/services/news/newsfeatures/covid19-updates/service-continuity-in-a-covid-environment-a-strategic-framework-for-delivery.pdf .
The implementation of the Framework will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated and phased manner. It will consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge.
While not all services can return to previous levels immediately, many health services have already resumed, particularly for priority cases. The HSE are currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.
