Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
834. Deputy Jennifer Murnane O'Connor asked the Minister for Health the number of persons on the waiting list to see a consultant cardiologist at St. Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny; the average waiting time to see a consultant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36957/20]
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 St Luke’s Hospital outpatient cardiology waiting list is outlined in the attached document. The latest NTPF figures show that there are currently 343 patients on the St Luke’s Hospital OPD cardiology waiting list. Of these, 62% (211) are waiting 6 months or less and 82% (281) are waiting 12 months or less. The St Luke’s Hospital OPD cardiology waiting list has decreased by 12%, when compared to the same period last year. The NTPF have advised that the average wait time to see a consultant cardiologist at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny is 177 days.
