Hospital Appointments Status

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 1 June 2022

Wednesday, 1 June 2022

Ceisteanna (194)

David Cullinane

Ceist:

194. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients that have experienced a cancellation in the last 6 months for an outpatient, inpatient, or diagnostic appointment; the number of patients where the number of cancellations was greater than 2, 3, 4, and 5 for each, for that appointment, across the relevant time period where greater than a 6 month period in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28198/22]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when elective procedures are cancelled, particularly for clinically urgent procedures. While every effort is made to avoid cancellation or postponement of planned procedures, the HSE has advised that planned procedures and operations can be postponed or cancelled for a variety of reasons including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand.

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, as this is a service matter, I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond to the Deputy directly, as soon as possible.