Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 17 December 2020
614. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of persons waiting on lists as both inpatients and outpatients for Mayo University Hospital; the average wait time; the number waiting more than one, two, three and four years, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44591/20]
View answer615. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the wait time for outpatient appointments at Mayo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway, respectively; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44592/20]
View answer616. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of children on the waiting list to see a paediatrician in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44593/20]
View answer617. Deputy Rose Conway-Walsh asked the Minister for Health the number of children awaiting an outpatient appointment at Mayo University Hospital and University Hospital Galway; the comparison to the same period in 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [44594/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 614 to 617, inclusive, together.
It 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 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 time-critical essential 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 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 information requested by the Deputy concerning Mayo University Hospital (MUH) and Galway University Hospital (GUH) is outlined in the attached documents. This information shows the number of patients on IPDC and OPD waiting lists waiting over 1,2,3 & 4 years at MUH and average wait time; the wait time for OPD at MUH & GUH; the number of children on MUH and GUH OPD waiting list for 2020 and 2019; the number of children on paediatric waiting lists by area of residence in Co. Mayo.
The Deputy should note that GUH are currently upgrading their waiting list systems and they have been unable to provide up to date Outpatient Waiting List details. The last update provided to NTPF was archived at the beginning of October 2020. It is anticipated that this matter will be resolved shortly.
[href="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2020-12-17_pq614a-17-12-2020_en.xlsx">Table A</a>]
[href="https://data.oireachtas.ie/ie/oireachtas/debates/questions/supportingDocumentation/2020-12-17_pq614b-17-12-2020_en.xlsx">Table B</a>]
