Richard Boyd Barrett
Question:860. Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Minister for Health if patients are tested for Covid-19 on their release from hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4388/21]
View answerWednesday, 27 January 2021
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Written answers
The National Testing Strategy for COVID-19 involves testing people who meet the case definition. Currently, this is those with COVID-19 symptoms or as part of established serial testing programmes including residential care facilities, schools and food production facilities,
Hospitals have developed new ways of working to continue reducing the risk of transmission of COVID-19. For patients attending for a day-case procedure or planned hospital admission, their healthcare team will contact them regarding their appointment and make the arrangements for a COVID-19 test if required, prior to their attendance at the hospital.
Infection prevention and control practices are of critical importance in protecting the function of healthcare services, and hospitals are required to have a COVID-19 plan to ensure an appropriate response to the threat posed by the virus. Patients who are discharged from hospital will be provided with the requisite advice to follow by their healthcare team. Where a discharged patient develops any symptoms of COVID-19, they are directed to contact their GP and to disclose any recent hospital appointments or procedures. Any requirement for testing at this point will be based on the criteria set out in the national testing strategy for COVID-19.