Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 17 November 2020
790. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the scoliosis treatment waiting lists and wait times compared with the same period in 2018 and 2019; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [36786/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt 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.
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.
The HSE continues to optimise productivity through alternative work practices such the use of alternative settings including private hospitals, community facilities and alternative outpatient settings.
In addition the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTPF) is currently reviewing strategies to maximise activity and benefit for patients, to include, increased use of private hospitals, funding weekend and evening work in public hospitals, funding “see and treat” services where minor procedures are provided at the same time as outpatient consultations, funding hybrid services where public and private hospitals contribute to the treatment of patients, virtual clinics and clinical validation.
The Orthopaedic inpatient / day case waiting list, which includes scoliosis procedures, shows that there were 9,897 patients awaiting a procedure at the end of October 2020. This is slightly lower than in the same period in 2018 and 2019 when the number waiting was 10,705 and 10,033 respectively.
In relation to scoliosis treatment waiting lists and wait times, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly with the Scoliosis Inpatient and Day case waiting lists for adults and children in all hospitals nationally at the end of October 2018, 2019 and 2020.
