Dara Calleary
Ceist:141. Deputy Dara Calleary asked the Minister for Health the current situation regarding rheumatology treatment in County Mayo; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33455/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 3 November 2020
Ceisteanna (141)
Freagraí scríofa
It is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been impacted as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most scheduled care activity in March, April, and May of this year. 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 the National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) in accordance with the advice of the World Health Organisation.
The HSE has advised my Department that during the first stage of COVID-19 in March, Mayo University Hospital (MUH) maintained services for time-critical rheumatology day cases, while outpatient rheumatology services were at the time suspended and have since resumed. 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. MUH have advised that while COVID-19 constraints mean there are currently fewer face-to-face attendances, they do have the facilities for virtual clinics and will be progressing the implementation of these clinics in the coming weeks.
MUH have advised that they continue to seek ways to further improve rheumatology services, and to this end are engaging with the HSE to identify staffing resources that would benefit waiting times, such as an advanced nurse practitioners.
The Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology IPDC & OPD waiting lists are outlined in the attached document. According to the latest NTPF figures, there are 28 patients with an area of residence in County Mayo, on the IPDC rheumatology waiting list. This accounts for 6% of the Saolta Hospital Group IPDC rheumatology waiting list. There are 443 patients with an area of residence in County Mayo, on the Outpatient rheumatology waiting list. This accounts for 15% of the Saolta Hospital Group OPD rheumatology waiting list.
Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology IPDC Waiting List
|
0-3 Mths |
3-6 Mths |
6-9 Mths |
9-12 Mths |
12-15 Mths |
15-18 Mths |
18-24 Mths |
24-36 Mths |
36-48 Mths |
Grand Total |
|
94 |
64 |
133 |
76 |
44 |
23 |
10 |
1 |
0 |
445 |
Saolta Hospital Group Rheumatology OPD Waiting List
|
0-3Months |
3-6Months |
6-9Months |
9-12Months |
12-15Months |
15-18Months |
18-21Months |
21-24Months |
24-36Months |
36-48Months |
48+Months |
Grand Total |
|
454 |
283 |
513 |
458 |
360 |
249 |
174 |
147 |
276 |
82 |
1 |
2997 |