Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
741. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health his views on a matter raised in correspondence by a person (details supplied); the situation regarding access to and availability of gastric bypass surgery; the number of persons on waiting lists for surgery for morbid obesity by wait times on a six-monthly basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36418/20]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most routine scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and urgent time-critical work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
Patient safety remains at the centre of all hospital activity and elective care scheduling. To ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such as the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
In addition the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The latest waiting list figures provided to my Department by the NTPF show that there are currently 245 patients waiting for bariatric surgery. The bariatrics IPDC waiting list is outlined in the attached document. In relation to the particular query raised by the Deputy regarding access to and availability of gastric bypass surgery in the south of the country, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
