Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 17 February 2021
936. Deputy Colm Burke asked the Minister for Health when it is envisaged that non-Covid-19 routine medical care will resume in line with the Resilience and Recovery 2020-2021: Plan for Living with COVID-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8809/21]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe HSE is currently recommending that only critical time dependent elective procedures are undertaken at this time due to the on-going and significant increased demand for bed capacity related to Covid-19.
This decision was made arising from the rapid increase in Covid-19 admissions and to ensure patient safety and that all appropriate resources were made available for Covid-19 related activity and time-critical essential work.
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.
In relation to the particular query raised concerning the resumption of non-Covid-19 routine medical care, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.
