Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 June 2020
479. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Health the details of the reopening plan for the health service in view of the fact hairdressers and so on are reopening but cancer screening and other services have not been given a date for reopening. [13181/20]
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 published a Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 8 June. This 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.
In relation to the restart of screening services, this has been a priority for the National Screening Service (NSS). The NSS have now finalised their plans for a phased restart and the programmes will restart as follows:
- CervicalCheck will begin sending invites and reminders to participants in its cervical screening programme on July 06.
- Diabetic RetinaScreen will also resume screening in July.
- BreastCheck will resume screening in September/October.
- BowelScreen will resume in September/October.
The recommencement of screening is underpinned by the assumption that there will be no worsening of the COVID-19 situation and restrictions will continue to ease. Provided all key conditions remain safe for participants and staff, on a monthly basis invitations will be sent to individuals overdue a routine screening.
