Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 26 April 2022
1501. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the current wait time and length of wait for an MRI in Children’s Health Ireland, Crumlin Hospital; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19853/22]
View answerIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 Department of Health continues to work with the HSE and the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to identify ways to improve access to care, including through increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services, providing virtual clinics, and increasing capacity in the public hospital system.
In relation to the details requested by the Deputy, I have referred your question to the HSE and asked them to provide you with a direct response.
