Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 November 2020
206. Deputy Danny Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if he will address a matter (details supplied) regarding appointments at University Hospital Kerry; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34224/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn response to the Covid-19 pandemic the HSE had to take measures to defer most routine 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.
Since early June 2020 University Hospital Kerry (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 South/South West Hospital Group has advised my Department that UHK is currently not providing an Elective Orthopaedic service, however, patients requiring joint replacements are being referred to the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee for treatment and 96 patients have been referred under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) to date. UHK are also in the process of drafting a plan to resume elective orthopaedic surgery.
The HSE have further advised that Orthopaedic Trauma/Emergency services in UHK have resumed in full. Plans are being put in place to send referrals from the UHK Orthopaedic Outpatient waiting list to the Bon Secours Hospital Tralee under the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF).
