Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 December 2020
723. Deputy John Lahart asked the Minister for Health the number of spinal fusion patients currently waiting less than four, four to eight and more than eight months for treatment at both Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital, Crumlin and Temple Street Children’s University Hospital as at 30 November 2020 or the latest date available in tabular form; and if he will provide the same information for other spinal patients. [41962/20]
View answerIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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. CHI has since re-established services, following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols, to ensure services are provided in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way.
Key social distancing measures and Infection Prevention and Control requirements, such as the current two-metre distancing, have material impact on the available physical space to deliver services, significantly impacting on the overall capacity and operational activity levels for inpatient and outpatient settings. However, spinal surgery continues to be identified as a service prioritisation.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the deputy directly, as soon as possible.
