Cathal Crowe
Question:1658. Deputy Cathal Crowe asked the Minister for Health when sleep apnoea clinics will reopen for screenings and assessments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14995/21]
View answerWednesday, 24 March 2021
Questions (1658)
Written answers
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 query raised, concerning, when sleep apnoea clinics will reopen for screenings and assessments, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.