Finian McGrath (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the stress caused to patients. The issue of critical beds is an essential one. We have to ensure these cancellation issues and postponements of planned procedures are dealt with in a proper, professional way. That is something I will bring back to the Minister, Deputy Harris.

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 the capacity issues which the Deputy mentioned and due to increased unscheduled care demand, which is what occurred in University Hospital Waterford last Friday. The South-South West Hospital Group is committed to the ongoing development of services at University Hospital Waterford. The hospital group aims to ensure the experience of patients in the hospital is of the highest standard. It continues to work closely with the hospital management team and community and primary care partners as part of the integrated care model to realise this. Of course, I will bring the issues raised by the Deputy to the attention of the Minister, Deputy Harris.

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