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Hospital Waiting Lists

Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 December 2020

Thursday, 3 December 2020

Ceisteanna (367)

Seán Crowe

Ceist:

367. Deputy Seán Crowe asked the Minister for Health when he expects the third national paediatric rheumatologist position currently open for applications to be filled; if children with Down's syndrome face a four-year waiting list to be assessed for arthritis; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that parents of children with Down's syndrome were promised a reduction in this referral time to three months under the previous Government; his plans to increase the number of paediatric rheumatologists further; the status of the planned information campaign for general practitioners and other healthcare professionals on Down's syndrome-related arthritis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [40976/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I sincerely regret that children can experience a long waiting time for treatment, and I am conscious of the burden that this places on them and their families. This Government’s priority is to improve waiting times for all patients accessing hospital treatment across all specialties, including paediatric rheumatology.

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.

In relation to the particular queries raised by the Deputy concerning paediatric rheumatology, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.

Question No. 368 answered with Question No. 363.
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