Hospital Overcrowding

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 March 2024

Wednesday, 20 March 2024

Ceisteanna (1340)

Martin Browne

Ceist:

1340. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Health his views on the suspension of planned surgeries, procedures and appointments at the UL Hospitals Group to facilitate surge capacity at the constituent hospitals in the mid-west; the measures to be introduced to perform those procedures at the earliest date possible; to provide data on the number of and type of cancelled surgeries and procedures; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12121/24]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Health

I fully acknowledge the distress and inconvenience for patients and their families when hospital appointments and procedures are cancelled.

While every effort is made to avoid cancellations or postponements, they can happen for a variety of reasons, including capacity issues due to increased scheduled and unscheduled care demand, and unforeseen circumstances that may impact a service.

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 follow HSE clinical guidelines and protocols.

Cancelled hospital appointments and procedures are, where appropriate, rescheduled as early as possible with priority given to patients requiring time-sensitive and urgent treatment.

In relation to the particular queries raised, as these are service matters I have asked the Health Service Executive to respond directly to the Deputy as soon as possible.