Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 13 January 2021
956. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of laparoscopic appendectomies carried out in the hospitals of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [1195/21]
View answer957. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Health the number of laparoscopic cholecystectomies carried out in the hospitals of the Dublin Midlands Hospital Group in each of the years 2018, 2019 and 2020, in tabular form. [1196/21]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 956 and 957 together.
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted in the last year as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
In relation to the particular queries raised, concerning laparoscopic cholecystectomies and laparoscopic appendectomies as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
