Michael Creed
Question:237. Deputy Michael Creed asked the Minister for Health when scoliosis surgery will resume in Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17675/20]
View answerWednesday, 22 July 2020
Questions (237)
Written answers
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. 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 National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organization guidelines, and the National Action Plan. The decision to delay appointments and admissions is not undertaken lightly and when such a decision is made, it is based on the safe delivery of care to all patients.
On 5 May 2020, NPHET agreed that its recommendation of 27 March, in regard to the pausing of all non-urgent health services should be replaced, in relation to acute care, with a recommendation that delivery of acute care be determined by appropriate clinical and operational decision making. CHI is now re-establishing services on an incremental basis.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. The HSE is currently developing a Service Continuity Roadmap for the resumption of services across the health system.
Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) has advised my Department that while much of the scoliosis activity was deferred in line with the National Action Plan on COVID-19, scoliosis surgeries have recommenced as part of the overall recovery of scheduled care activity across the hospital group, including CHI at Crumlin. CHI is exploring options to increase surgical capacity, including the use of Cappagh Hospital for clinically suitable scoliosis patients.
CHI has also advised that a General Orthopaedic Surgeon, based at CHI Crumlin and Tallaght sites, is due to commence in Q3, 2020. This post is for general orthopaedic and trauma surgery, to support waiting list activity, and will further support waiting times for children for general orthopaedic outpatient appointments, including scoliosis.