Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 November 2022
1009. Deputy Jennifer Whitmore asked the Minister for Health the waiting times for paediatric orthopaedic surgery, including the number waiting for fewer than 4 months, between 4 and 12 months and over 12 months by hospital in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [54560/22]
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 are still impacted by operational challenges arising from the pandemic.
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.
The 2022 Waiting List Action Plan allocates €350 million to the HSE and NTPF to reduce waiting lists. Under this plan the Department, HSE, and NTPF will deliver urgent additional capacity for the treatment of patients, as well as investing in longer term reforms to bring sustained reductions in waiting lists.
Earlier this year I approved an ambitious plan for Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) to reduce the number of children waiting for spinal orthopaedic procedures (scoliosis and spina bifida) by year end. Both current and capital funding totalling €17.43 million (including funding under the Waiting List Action Plan) was approved for this initiative.
In relation to the particular query raised, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.
