Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 9 September 2020
278. Deputy Pa Daly asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list for the rheumatology department in University Hospital Kerry; and the length of time persons are awaiting an appointment there. [22872/20]
View answerIn 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 Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
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. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
In relation to the particular query raised regarding the number of persons on the waiting list for the rheumatology department in University Hospital Kerry (UHK), and the length of time persons are awaiting an appointment there, the table below, extracted from the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) published waiting list figures for July 2020, provides a breakdown of the Outpatient waiting list for Rheumatology in UHK by time band:
|
Total |
0-3 mths |
3-6 mths |
6-9 mths |
9-12 mths |
12-15 mths |
15-18mths |
18 mths+ |
|
549 |
68 |
83 |
84 |
83 |
60 |
36 |
135 |
A full breakdown of Outpatient waiting lists by hospital and specialty is available at: https://www.ntpf.ie/home/outpatient.htm
