Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
482. Deputy David Cullinane asked the Minister for Health the number of patients aged 60-74 and 75+ years on acute hospital waiting lists as of May 2022, by hospital and speciality in tabular form; and the number waiting 0-6, 6-12, 12-18 and 18+ months. [31516/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraIt is recognised that waiting times for scheduled appointments and procedures have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. While significant work continues to positively impact on waiting times and improve pathways to elective care, acute hospitals have been impacted by operational challenges arising from surges in cases related to the Omicron variants.
The HSE has confirmed to the Department that 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 by the Deputy, the attached document, provided to my Department by the National Treatment Purchase Fund, outlines the number of patients aged over 60-74 and 75 on Outpatient and Inpatient waiting lists by hospital and specialty at the end of May 2022.
