Dáil Éireann Debate, Monday - 11 September 2023
1505. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Health if he has received any reports on the long wait for infant blood tests even if they are needed for diagnostic purposes; and if steps can be taken to address this. [37207/23]
View answerEach month Children’s Health Ireland (CHI) perform phlebotomy on approximately 1,200 patients referred from general practice. These blood samples are processed in the associated laboratories of CHI at Temple Street, Crumlin and Tallaght University Hospital (TUH).
Blood samples performed at primary care and GP practices in the relevant areas are also forwarded to CHI laboratories for processing on the same day or the next day.
Access to appointments within CHI are available through an online portal called Swiftqueue. There is a 4-6 week wait time for available appointments with work ongoing to increase availability of blood testing and processing on all sites. As of 5 September, there are appointments in CHI at Connolly for Monday, 9 October.
