Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Friday, 17 July 2020
Special Committee on Covid-19 Response
Non-Covid Healthcare Disruption: Waiting Lists and Screening (Resumed)
Mr. John Horan:
I can take that particular question. That is very much what happens. This is very much a two-way street. As with other sections in the health service, we now realise that we are going to have to find new and more innovative ways of working. We are going to have to find ways to support patients in this new, changed environment. They include measures such as virtual consultations, diagnostic services and clinical validation. Several areas like these could extend the approach we have taken. We are open to suggestions but we are not behind the door in making suggestions ourselves or in coming forward with ideas. My colleague, the chief executive, is very much at the coalface and brought forward many such ideas long before Covid-19 appeared on our doors. He will be at the forefront again in bringing forward even more innovative solutions in future.
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