Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 September 2020
796. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Health the number of patients waiting for hip replacement surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital, County Donegal in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, in tabular form. [24005/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the COVID-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to pause most elective scheduled care activity with effect from the end March 2020. This was to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for COVID-19 related activity and time-critical essential work. This decision was in line with the advice issued by National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) and in accordance with World Health Organisation guidelines, and the National Action Plan.
The trajectory of the disease means there is now an opportunity for increasing the provision of non-covid care including more routine care, and many services resumed in May in line with NPHET recommendations.
To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically aligned and prioritised way, the HSE launched its Strategic Framework for ‘Service Continuity in a Covid Environment’ on 24 June. Its implementation will ensure service resumption is done in an integrated way. This will involve a phased approach to ensure community services are strengthened. The Framework will also consolidate new ways of working and build on international knowledge. Further detail regarding the phases of service resumption are contained in the HSE’s ‘A Safe Return to Health Services’ document, published on their website on 22 July.
In relation to the particular query raised regarding the number of patients waiting for hip replacement surgery at Letterkenny University Hospital in 2018, 2019 and to date in 2020, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) has provided the information requested by the Deputy in the attached table.
Letterkenny University Hospital Waiting Lists for Hip Replacements 2018, 2019 and to end July 2020 by time band
|
Date |
0-3 mths |
3-6 mths |
6-9 mths |
9-12 mths |
12-15 mths |
15+ mths |
Small Volume Time Band |
|
20/12/2018 |
47 |
33 |
7 |
7 |
|||
|
20/12/2019 |
38 |
20 |
8 |
7 |
|||
|
30/07/2020 |
22 |
18 |
35 |
18 |
8 |
11 |
