Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 23 September 2020
210. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if the issue of the non-existent orthopaedic operations (details supplied) in University Hospital Kerry will be addressed; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25865/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe South/South West Hospital Group has advised my Department that in order to comply with National HSE and Public Health guidance and direction, University Hospital Kerry (UHK) were required to scale back all elective services earlier this year during the initial period of COVID-19. This was to allow for the increase in COVID-19 presentations to the hospital.
Since early June 2020 UHK, in line with other hospitals throughout the system, have gradually re-commenced services. Patient safety remains at the forefront of service resumption. To ensure services are re-introduced in a safe, clinically-aligned and prioritised way, hospitals, including UHK, are following HSE clinical guidelines and protocols which has resulted in reduced capacity and activity.
The HSE have further advised that during this period Orthopaedic services at UHK have been extremely busy. The hospital’s Orthopaedic trauma activity has increased, due not only to unscheduled trauma presentations, but also due to improved access to theatre arising from a lower rate of elective surgery.
UHK management have confirmed that fractures are automatically seen and treated in UHK without delay at present. These patients are not re-directed to any other unit for treatment.
In addition, UHK have advised my Department that while the Arthroplasty (Joint replacement) service was suspended during COVID-19 due to the increased risk to patients, this service recommenced in September with the assistance of the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee.
At present it is expected that Arthroplasty services will recommence fully in UHK by the beginning of October 2020. Approval has been given to proceed to Design Stage 2(a) for the construction of a new dedicated Orthopaedic Clean-air theatre and associated developments. Orthopaedic surgeons and nursing staff are part of this design team for this project.
