Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach is correct that we are not out of the woods yet and that we have to stick with it, but we also need to plan for post-Covid times. While we all hope that the current wave of infection that is now dissipating will be the last, we also know that it will take years for the country, and the health service in particular, to recover. Waiting lists are, quite understandably, at record levels. We need practical measures to relieve pressure on elective procedures and on accessing tests and diagnoses quicker.

Now is our opportunity to reconfigure our health service. This must be done using Sláintecare as the template and by directly engaging with staff at the front line who know what the problems are and how to relieve them. Simple measures can be taken such as replacing clapped out CT scanners in the likes of Portiuncula University Hospital and other diagnostic machines across the State at a time when we have an underspend within our capital investment programme, or by providing expanded sterilisation facilities in order that we can utilise the fully staffed surgical theatres such as those at Roscommon University Hospital. These simple steps can make a real difference to our waiting lists.

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